What to do in Aulhausen

Marvel at picturesque landscapes, enjoy family-friendly entertainment and learn about local folklore at Loreley (or Lorelei). The 433-foot (132-meter) tall bluff Loreley rises over the eastern shores of the Rhine River. It stands above a precarious curve in the river, which for centuries has been infamous for causing shipwrecks. The bluff has long been shrouded in myths. Discover much of this lore at the visitor center.

Drosselgasse is a quaint, narrow alley that runs through the nucleus of Ruedesheim am Rhein’s Old Town. The bustling street, which is 472 feet (144 meters) long, is alive with wineries, markets and historic features. Stroll down the alley for an insight into the musical and cultural delights of this town.

Find Mainz Cathedral, also known as Mainzer Dom or St. Martin’s Cathedral, in the city center. The towering structure is one of the most impressive examples of Romanesque religious architecture on the Upper Rhine. Since A.D. 975, the cathedral has stood sentry in Mainz. Unlike many other historic buildings in the city, it survived World War II with minimal damage.

Admire the arresting architecture, glimpse inside the well-preserved rooms and explore the ramparts of Marksburg Castle. This hilltop stronghold has the honor of never falling to enemy attack and thus stands virtually unaltered since its foundation. The Lords of Eppstein established Marksburg Castle and it later passed through the hands of the Counts of Katzenelnbogen and became quarters for Prussian soldiers. Today it is home to the German Castles Association, which protects and preserves castles.

The Kurhaus is an unmistakable Wiesbaden landmark, a huge and magnificent building that stands out even among the many other beautiful structures in the town. Come here to attend an event or conference or to spend an evening immersed in the glamour of the on-site casino. Many people also spend sunny afternoons relaxing on the lovely Bowling Green, the spacious green area in front of the Kurhaus.

Visit Rheinfels Castle (Burg Rheinfels) to journey through the ruins of a magnificent fortress that dates back over 700 years. Uncover the ancient history of both the castle and Sankt Goar via exhibits in the castle museum. Count Diether V. von Katzenelnbogen established Rheinfels Castle in 1245 as a hideout for Sankt Goar’s tax collectors. It passed to the House of Hesse in 1479 and then to the French revolutionary army in 1794 before Napoleon inflicted major damage at the end of the 18th century.