Buzz
When in Frankfurt, Germany, after visiting the old town square Romerberg, Romer (the town hall), Paulskirche (St. Paul's Church), Kaiserdom (the Imperial Cathedral),... there are many tours available to explore the surrounding areas.
Discover ancient German castles nestled alongside the picturesque River Rhine.
The stretch of the Upper Middle Rhine Valley has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2002, thanks to its harmonious combination of geological, historical, cultural, and industrial elements.
Around 11 o'clock, we boarded a train from Frankfurt Central Station to Assmannshausen, a town nestled along the banks of the River Rhine. Riding on chairlifts (instead of gondola lifts), we glided gently through lush green forests, golden wheat fields, listening to birdsong and the playful breeze rustling through the leaves, taking a deep breath and feeling invigorated by the vast open space.
The Rhine River Valley gradually unfolds, with vineyards dotting the steep hillsides, while below, quaint gothic-style houses sit peacefully along the riverbanks.
The group had lunch immediately upon arrival. This restaurant is quite unique, adorned with wooden sculptures depicting nature and people everywhere. There is no space without a statue, densely packed even in the restrooms.
Steaming hot food is served in a cozy and colorful atmosphere, leaving travelers delighted as they prepare to board the famous river cruise.
Before boarding the cruise, the group got to taste wines produced in the Rhine River Valley. Each person had 4 small glasses containing 4 varieties (1 red and 3 white). If interested, travelers could purchase them as gifts or order them to be shipped back to their hometowns.
The spacious two-tiered tourist boat can accommodate 400-500 people and has a restaurant serving food and drinks. Travelers can sit on the boat, enjoy a German beer, and admire the scenery on both sides of the river. This stretch is densely populated with medieval castles built in the 13th century by local nobles.
Travelers are not only impressed by the standalone medieval castles on high hills but also amazed by the scenery on both riverbanks, especially the prosperous villages nestled at the foot of the hills.
Clusters of high-walled, white-washed roofed houses stand by the green river, sometimes serene, sometimes rugged along winding stretches. These villages have endured numerous brutal wars and constant looting during the medieval times. Particularly heavy were the Thirty Years' War (1618-1648) and World War II.
From Rudheiheim to St. Goarshausen, the boat passes by the Loreley rock formation on the right bank. According to legend, Loreley is the name of the mermaid who sat on this rock. She was so mesmerizingly beautiful and captivating to sailors passing by due to her long shiny hair and enchanting voice. Their boats often failed to avoid the submerged rocks beneath the riverbed and broke into pieces due to the distraction caused by her.
The story romanticizes the hardships of life for sailors navigating the waters, but in reality, at this stretch of the river, the Loreley rock juts out, causing the river to bend sharply, and the water flow is very tight. If not careful, it's very easy for boats to sink.
Arriving at St. Goarshausen, travelers board a boat for a reverse trip to the town of Rudheihem for shopping. It's surprising to find a Vietnamese pho restaurant (also serving Chinese and Japanese food) in this quaint town. The bus takes passengers back to Frankfurt at 7 p.m., while the evening sun still shines brightly, concluding a rather enjoyable trip!
According to Vietnamnet.vn
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Reference: Mytour Travel Handbook
MytourAugust 21, 2015
