Seven Wonders of the River Cruise Part 3 - The infamous Lorelei...

28.02.2013

Seven Wonders of the River Cruise Part 3 - The infamous Lorelei...

Seven Wonders of the River Cruise Part 3 - The infamous Lorelei...

This impressive and infamous Rock rises some 120 metres above the waterline of the Rhine and is situated on the Eastern bank near St. Goarshausen in Germany. The Lorelei Rock also marks the narrowest part of the river between the North Sea and Switzerland, which is perhaps why it has gained notoriety for causing many boat accidents in the past.

This section of the Rhine is more commonly known as the Rhine Gorge, which is a 65 km section of the river between The North Sea and Switzerland and was added as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2002. There is no doubt that the rock is now the most famous feature of the 'Gorge'.

The Lorelei Rock has been the inspiration over past centuries for many myths of folklore and works of art. From tales of dwarves inhabiting the Rock's caves to Operas and even poems by the great Sylvia Plath. And in 2011 a barge carrying 2,400 tons of sulphuric acid capsized very close to the Lorelei rock, essentially blocking one of Europe's busiest rivers.

The Rock can be seen from various river boats and river cruises in Europe and you never know, maybe the myths and legends of this spectacular slab of history are indeed true!

AMATEUR VIDEO OF THE ROCK

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