Top Reasons to Go

Top Reasons to Go

Fastnacht: The Rhineland is a stronghold of Germany's Fastnacht (Carnival festivities), which takes place from 11:11 AM on November 11 to Ash Wednesday, culminating with huge parades, round-the clock music, and dancing in Düsseldorf, Köln, and Mainz the week before Ash Wednesday.

Rhine in Flames: These massive displays of fireworks take place the first Saturday in May in Linz-Bonn; the first Saturday in July in Bingen-Rüdesheim; the second Saturday in August in Koblenz; the second Saturday in September in Oberwesel; and the third Saturday in September in St. Goar.

Drachenfels: This dramatic castle crowns a high hill overlooking the Rhine. In the Nibelungen legend, Siegfried slew a dragon here.

Spectacular Wine: The light white wines of the Rhine and Mosel are distinctive, and a whole culinary tradition has grown up around them.

The Romance of the Rhine: From cruises to Rhine-view rooms, castles to terraced vineyards, the Rhine does not disappoint.