Loreley plateau and viewpoint

What it is

The Loreley is the slate rock that rises on the right bank of the Rhine, next to St. Goarshausen, at the point where the river narrows and makes its tightest bend. It is the most famous place in the valley because of the legend of the woman who, from on high, lured boatmen to their doom with her singing. From the boat you see it from below; this plan is to climb up and see it from above.

On top there is a plateau with a cultural and landscape park, the Kultur- und Landschaftspark Loreley, with the tip of the rock as a viewpoint, the Felsenspitze, and paths among meadows. The World Heritage listings give it as open at all hours, and entry to the park is free. Next to the car park is the Loreley-Touristik visitor centre, with the Mythoshalle, a hall about the legend, which is closed from 16 to 25 November 2026.

What you will see

From the tip you have the Rhine at your feet, far below, with St. Goar and Rheinfels Castle on the opposite bank and the scheduled boats rounding the bend. It is the view that justifies the climb, especially at the end of the afternoon.

Getting there

• From St. Goar, cross the river on the Loreley ferry, which goes to St. Goarshausen every 20 or 25 minutes: Monday to Friday from 5:30 to 21:00, Saturdays from 6:20 and Sundays and public holidays from 7:20.
• On foot from St. Goarshausen, climb the Rheinsteig, the right-bank trail, which passes over the plateau. It is a serious climb: wear hiking footwear.
• By car, along the plateau road, in the municipality of Bornich, to the visitor centre car park.

Guided tours

Loreley-Touristik organises guided tours of the park in season. Dates and price are on its website or on the phone number 06771 9100.

With children

The plateau is flat and open, good for running. At the tip, keep an eye on the little ones: below is the drop over the river.