Flowing through six countries, the mighty Rhine River winds its way from its origins in the Swiss Alps, Austria, France, Germany, tiny Lichtenstein and empties into the North Sea via the Netherlands. A landmark journey that has inspired Romantic artists and composers from Lord Byron to Richard Wagner, the rocky cliffs and imposing castles still stand watch over those who pass. From Basel to Amsterdam and in between, here are a few interesting facts along this ancient and watery trade route. With a mixture of everything historical, cultural and culinary, the Rhine River is one of our most diverse and favourite regions—get to know it here!
The Art Star: Basel, Switzerland
The international art world, from collectors, gallerists and art stars gather at the annual Art Basel art fair every year in June. With more than 4,000 artists’ works on show, and with nearly 300 of the world’s leading galleries—not to mention the soirees and parties taking place on the art circuit, it holds an important spot on the calendar of many. But regardless of the time of year, Basel itself has a whopping 40 museums in town to discover, including the Kunstmuseum, the very first art museum in Europe accessible to the public, and the most comprehensive collection of public art in the country. The Vitra Campus and Design Museum (Guggenheim Bilbao Frank Gehry), Vitra Haus and new (2016) Vitra Schaudepot (Herzog & De Meuron) are also a standout for the tripartite aficionado of architecture, industrial design and interior design.
The Ultimate Food & Wine Destination: Alsace, France
The most heavenly destination for lovers of food and wine, the region of Alsace has changed hands between Germany and France multiple times since the 17th century when it was first annexed to France under Louis XIV. Today, Alsace is part of France, but retains its German flavour and its own much-lauded culinary delights, which is perhaps one of the reasons why the Romans could barely tear themselves away from the table! Alsace is the most Michelin-starred region in France, and for good reason.
Quintessential Germany: The Black Forest
A picture of old-world Germany, the Schwarzwald, as it’s known in German, is famous for its rural traditions and folkloric culture. You will see typical farmhouses with half-hipped overhanging roofs protecting from snow and wind, along with the very woods that have inspired generations of artists, writers, and craftspeople, including traditional woodcarvers (famous for the region’s cuckoo clocks, popular souvenirs since the mid-18thC). Culinary traditions like the famous Black Forest ham and Black Forest cake abound, as well as an astounding 17 Michelin-starred restaurants to be found in the region, giving Alsace a run for its money. Either way, the Upper Rhine Valley is one of the world’s heavyweights in terms of Michelin stars, with no less than 70 restaurants in Germany, France, and Switzerland.
The Upper Middle Rhine Valley, a picturesque 65-kilometre (40 miles) stretch between Koblenz and Bingen in Germany, has inspired countless painters, poets, writers, and composers, especially during the Romantic movement of the 18thC, from the enchanted siren at the Rock of Lorelei (near Sankt Goarshausen) who lured sailors to their demise, and Richard Wagner’s epic opera cycle, the Ring of the Nibelung, which takes place along the Rhine. Another notable spot of German pride is the Deutsches Eck, the ‘German corner’ at Koblenz, where the Mosel River joins the Rhine, complete with a statue of William I, the first German Emperor.