Mittelrhein

Mittelrhein, or the Middle Rhine, refers to the middle section of the Rhine River in Germany, running roughly 65 kilometers from Bingen am Rhein in the north to Koblenz in the south. The valley is a narrow, dramatic gorge where steep cliffs rise above the river and vineyards cover the slopes, creating a landscape of terraced hills dotted with historic towns and castles. The region lies mainly in Rhineland-Palatinate, with parts extending toward neighboring areas along the eastern slopes.

The Middle Rhine is notable for its concentration of medieval fortifications and castles, many dating from the Holy Roman Empire era. Prominent examples include Marksburg at Braubach, Rheinfels in St. Goar, and Katz and Gutenfels near Kaub, with Ehrenbreitstein Fortress guarding Koblenz. The Lorelei rock near St. Goarshausen is a well-known landmark and folkloric emblem of the valley.

The Rhine Gorge portion between Bingen and Koblenz is designated as the Upper Middle Rhine Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2002. The designation recognizes the landscape's cohesive cultural character, the preservation of medieval towns and fortifications, and the long history of viticulture, trade, and river navigation along the river.

Economy and tourism center on wine production—especially Riesling—along with river tourism, castle sightseeing, and outdoor recreation. Key towns along the Mittelrhein include Bingen, Rüdesheim, Bacharach, St. Goar, St. Goarshausen, Boppard, Lahnstein, and Koblenz.