The Lorelei is a steep slate rock rising about 132 m above the Rhine at the river's narrowest and deepest bend (Rhine km 555), near St. Goarshausen. It owes its worldwide fame to the legend of a water nymph whose song lured boatmen to shipwreck, immortalised in Heinrich Heine's 1824 poem 'Die Lorelei' and Silcher's melody; the surrounding gorge has been the UNESCO World Heritage Upper Middle Rhine Valley since 2002. The viewpoints at the tip of the rock and the culture and landscape park on the plateau are open around the clock, free of charge, and you can experience the Lorelei either by looking up from a Rhine cruise or by looking down over the valley from the plateau. As of July 2026 the visitor centre is open after a refurbishment, with an exhibition and a 3-D film.
The panoramic view from the rock's tip (Kanzel) over the Rhine's sharp bend and gorge
The Kultur- und Landschaftspark on the plateau and the Lorelei statue by the harbour
The visitor centre's exhibition on the Lorelei legend plus its 3-D film
The contrast between the cruise-boat view from the water and the plateau view from above
Nearby hiking viewpoints such as the Spitznack across the river, and the open-air stage (Freilichtbühne) atmosphere
Good to know
SeasonFrom 10 July to December 2026 the right-bank Rhine railway (RB10, Troisdorf–Wiesbaden) is fully closed for corridor renovation and replaced by buses (SEV). This falls exactly within the trip window: instead of a train to St. Goarshausen, take the left-bank line to St. Goar and cross by ferry, or use the replacement buses. Check the latest timetable before you travel.
SafetyThe viewpoints at the tip of the rock have low or open railings and steep drops. Stay behind marked lines while taking photos and keep a firm hold of children. The plateau is windy and slippery after rain, so bring non-slip shoes and a windbreaker.
RulesThe park and rock viewpoints are free and open 24/7, but the visitor centre and 3-D film, the shuttle bus (line 535) and parking are paid, and prices should be confirmed for the latest information. On concert evenings at the open-air stage the area around the viewpoints is closed, so check whether your visit overlaps.
MannersThis is a natural monument and World Heritage site, and St. Goarshausen is a residential town. Do not climb over safety fences or throw stones, and keep noise down. Drone flying may be restricted near the World Heritage core and the venue, so check the rules in advance.
CautionBuy Rhine cruise and ferry tickets from official operators such as KD at their piers or counters, and watch for pickpockets at stations and on crowded excursion boats. Agree the fare in advance for any unmetered taxi or 'private tour' touting.
SeasonMay to September is the open-air concert season and the busiest time, while in winter (Nov–Feb) the visitor centre keeps shorter hours. Check opening status and times for your travel dates.
Practical info
From St. Goarshausen station on the right bank, take the shuttle bus (VRM line 535) up to the plateau or walk about 600–800 m from the car park to the viewpoint. There is no bridge here, so from the left bank you cross by the St. Goar–St. Goarshausen ferry; during the right-bank rail works (July–December 2026) use the left-bank line plus ferry, or the replacement buses. The park and viewpoints are free; the visitor centre, shuttle and parking are paid, and opening hours and fares should be confirmed for the latest information before you go.
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