Exploring North Rhine – Westphalia
By Jackie Jones
Posted January 16, 2014
If you’re wondering where next you should visit, consider North Rhine-Westphalia.
Though it begins in Switzerland, the Rhine is for Germans, a national river. Seems a bit strange doesn’t it? What leaves no room for confusion however, is the fact that the region around the confluence of rivers Rhine and Moselle, is any tourist’s dream. With numerous vineyards, castles, and pubs to choose from, the only question is if you’ll have enough time to take it all in.
There are various ways to reach the North Rhine-Westphalia region, and whichever you choose is a winner, as there’s so much to do and see.
Traditionally Koblenz will be your starting point and from there you can see places like Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, Jesuitenplatz, the Elector’s palace, and Florinsmarkt. Historic monuments dot the landscape, including the imposing equestrian statue of Emperor William I of Germany, which is found in Deutsches Eck— German Corner at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle. The famous statue was named after the Teutonic Knights who were given the area in the 13th century, and holds a place of prominence in the region.
If you’d rather roam the halls of castles, make sure you check out Marksburg near the town of Braubach, one of the only castles still standing as its original structure. The castle was probably saved from destruction by the large cannons found within, and fortifications which were enlarged many times during the Middle Ages which left it unconquered. Pfalzgrafenstein, found on a river island close to the town of Kaub, is another that stands as it did for centuries.
Heritage site enthusiasts will love that there’s something for you too, as the region between the cities of Bingen and Koblenz, is part of the UNESCO World Heritage— a symbol of German romantics. It is the scene for the famous Nibelungenlied—The Song of the Nibelungs, and prominent character ‘Lorelai’, who Heinrich Heine made immortal in his poem “The Lorelai” was said to sit on the riverbanks and lure sailors to their death on the rocks.
If all the romance and morbidity is too much for you, have a drink or many at one of the fine vineyards found all along the region.
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