The River Rhine winds its way through about 850 kilometers of some of Germany's most picturesque land. It has been a silent witness to war and peace, as well as the division of the country and its inevitable reunification. In the region of the Middle-Rhine, visitors can come across history at practically every bend in the river in the form of imposing fortresses or romantic castles.
Some of these historic buildings are little more than ruins, yet others have weathered the centuries amazingly well. A good example of the latter is Castle Marksburg. To enter Marksburg, is to step back in time to the Middle Ages, when German knights roamed the countryside. We next step aboard a Rhine steamship for a leisurely cruise past a number of the country's most recognizable landmarks, each with its own legend. For example, there's the tale of the Lorelei, a beautiful nymph who lured sailors to shipwreck on her rock while singing and combing her golden hair.
Then there's Castle Stolzenfels, where we stop for a visit. In building this castle, King Friedrich Wilhelm IV fulfilled his dream of a romantic castle on the Rhine. Even today, the castle's living quarters are furnished in the same manner as they were when the king lived in them. Our last stop on our visit along the Rhine is Castle Heimburg. It was abandoned for many years, and allowed to deteriorate until a master gardner took over the facility, renovated it, and created a plant nursery business on the grounds. Today, in addition to potted plants, shrubs, and vines, visitors can enjoy poetry readings and concerts.