Me with the Rhine behind.
As I headed to Luxembourg, I ended up flying into Frankfurt from Bournemouth and then took the train from Frankfurt to Lux. This train ride takes you along the Rhine for the most part. I have been on part of this last year when I came to visit Lux from Cologne. I remember how beautiful it was then, and this time of course still did not fail to take my breath away. The Rhine is the twelfth longest river in Europe.
One of the many medieval castles
Of course part of the trip too is along the Mosel River as you approach Luxembourg. In fact, you have to change trains in Koblenz and then you go along the Mosel. It is a tributary of the Rhine. The Mosel valley is famous for its beautiful scenery and the excellent wine produced. Lots of Riesling.
Steep river valley
In anycase, I really enjoyed it. What is noticeable about this trip is that there are all these little old villages that punctuate the River valley and many of them, for the most part, have some old citadel or castle of sorts up on the hill above. The many castles and prehistoric fortifications along the Rhine testify to its importance as a waterway. An old church can usually be seen towering in the middle of the town. The difficult part was trying to get pictures on a fast moving train, so unfortunately I only was able to catch so many good shots.
Another fortification overlooking grape vines
But a lovely German man sat with me on the second leg of the trip and was telling me all sorts of interesting pieces of information, which unfortunately I can’t remember now! Oh well.
Steep and rugged
Another neat thing though that I found was that the slopes surrounding the River were covered in grape vines. In each major section of vines, there would be a large sign indicating what winery they belonged too. What was also really fascinating was the steepness of the slopes where they were planted. The German fellow told me that most of it is harvested by hand since a machine can’t navigate these slopes.
One of the winery signs
In anycase, if it is one trip you have never done, I highly recommend the experience. Whether by train or boat, boat is likely better, it is just visually spectacular and a historical adventure.
Trying to capture the steep slopes of the grape vines
You are right…..everybody should take one of these Rhine river cruises, because it is breathtaking beautiful.
Did you come across the “Lorelei rock” on your cruise? How about the castles Maus and Katz, two of the best known castles along the Rhine river in Germany? I sure hope so.
Note: Too bad that you didn’t have a small notebook with you, because it would have come in handy……
I was on the train the whole time so I didn’t get the opportunity to see things slowly unfortunately – but next time…