Driving along the picturesque winding road up the Rhine River is an unforgettable experience. River boats to your left, historic towns to your right and high above are several beautiful castles along the way.
Lorelei is a legendary mermaid who was brought to life in a ballad in 1801 by German author Clemens Brentano, then later adapted by Heinrich Heine’s poem, ‘Die Lorelei’. The story describes Lorelei as a siren sitting on the cliff looking over the Rhine, combing her golden hair while distracting the shipmen with her beauty and song and then causing the ships to crash on the rocks on this treacherous bend in the Rhine. Today, you can visit a statue of the mythical siren which is located at the end of a jetty, which makes for a very nice walk.
(Photo from Wikipedia)
Other famous sirens that Lorelei makes me think about are the sirens in the book The Odyssey by Homer, calling shipmen to crash into the rocks.
Or the modern twist on Homer’s Odyssey in the movie ‘O Brother, Where Art Thou?’.
This time my journey to discover Lorelei is not along the banks of the river, but rather high above looking down like a siren myself.
I’ve always visited Lorelei at her statue or just driving by on a scenic drive so this was all new to me and what a treat it was! On top of the Lorelei rock there is a lookout area with everything you could possible want for a great experience. They have telescopes and seats along the lookout for you to really take in all of its’ beauty.
There is also a rock carved into a chair, which I later realized its’ use and called it the ‘selfie-chair’.
Romantic couples that want to leave a piece of their love in Lorelei can bring a lock and attach it to the fence to symbolize their strong long-lasting love for each other.
The lookout allows you to get a perfect 180-degree view of the river and see the sharp bends the boats must overtake. During the time of the Lorelei myth, there was much more rock from the mountain sticking out in the river, which later was blasted away to make less of a sharp turn.
They view is spectacular and I really loved watching the boats going up and down the Rhine from such a height.
In the lookout area there is a restaurant that is open in the spring and summer. I will surely come back when the sun is shining and have lunch outside looking at the Rhine Valley.
Directly below the lookout point but on the other side of the river is a restaurant and gift shop that is popular for tour buses, but you can find some nice Lorelei mermaid memorabilia.
This area is great for hikes, they have an open area concert venue and also a summer toboggan!
I loved my day visiting the mermaid of Lorelei and I guess you can say this siren called me in with her captivating beauty!
Address:
Auf der Loreley
56348 Bornich
Author’s Profile: Gemma is a mom, a veteran and an Army civilian living in Wiesbaden, Germany. With New Jersey roots, she is enjoying her extended European vacation.
awesome location. Thanks
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