2 Best Sights in St. Goarshausen, The Rhineland

One of the Rhineland's most famous attractions lies 2½ km (1½ miles) south of St. Goarshausen: the steep (430-foot-high) slate cliff of Loreley. It's named after the beautiful blonde nymph Loreley from the story written in 1801 by author Clemens Brentano. Inspired by the sirens of Greek mythology, Brentano's poetic creation describes her sitting on the ledge, singing songs so lovely that sailors and fishermen were lured to their demise in the treacherous rapids. The rapids really are treacherous; the Rhine is at its narrowest here and the current the swiftest.

You can approach Loreley from below or above. Rhine cruise ships stop beneath the rock, often playing a haunting 19th-century ballad inspired by Brentano's poem, while ramblers can tackle the steps up from the B42 to the viewpoint at the top of the rock, complete with bronze Loreley statue. Alternatively, drive up to the Parkplatz Loreley, watch the introductory film at the Tourist Information office, then follow one of the scenic paths—lined with information boards on the region's flora and fauna, geology, wine, and more—to get to the same viewpoint. Finish your trip with a hard-earned beer in the Loreley Biergarten.

Some 10 km (6 miles) north of St. Goarshausen, near Kamp-Bornhofen, is a castle duo separated by a "quarrel wall." These are Liebenstein and Sterrenberg, known as the Feindliche Brüder (enemy brothers) in reference to the feuding descendants who inherited the castles from the king who built them. Liebenstein is now home to a charming medieval-style hotel complete with lavish period rooms, and Sterrenberg offers a traditional German restaurant with garden and terrace that offer wonderful panoramic views.