Vorsprung durch Pyrotechnik
Welcome to the enchanted world of firelight! On five magic summer nights an ever-changing kaleidscope of lights erupts above the river and shimmering cascades of colour plunge into the romantic Rhine Valley. Nowhere else is there a more impressive interplay of fire, water and light than here in this beautiful and majestic region steeped in history.
 

A fleet of 60 brightly-decorated ships cruises down the Rhine between Linz and Bonn, their way illuminated by the brilliant glow of more than 2,000 Bengal lights (a long-lasting flare).

The ships pass through the Siebengebirge hills and the towns of Remagen, Bad Honnef and Königswinter - all of which stage their own festivals, dance celebrations and firework displays.

Some of Germany's most beautiful churches and castles come under the spotlight on this night as further dramatic firework displays throw light on a another treasured spot along the Rhine.

A flotilla of boats congregates in the river between Bingen and Rüdesheim, one of the most picturesque towns in Germany with its bar-lined Drosselgasse and narrow cobblestone streets.

High above the town and the surrounding vineyards, the Niederwald Monument, a huge statue of Germania, basks in multi-coloured glory and looks on approvingly.

This is arguably the most spectacular of all the Rhine in Flames events and the one from which all the others have drawn inspiration.

Koblenz claims to have staged the very first such celebration along the river when, in the summer of 1766, a firework show was put on in honour of Johann Phillip von Walderdorff, the prince elector.

These days, the night's activities focus on an 80-strong fleet that sails 10 miles along the Rhine from Spay to Koblenz, via the towns of Braubach, Brey, Rhens and Lahnstein.

Some 500,000 people line the shores to marvel at no fewer than eight firework displays while a further 30,000 watch from boats.

The high point of the evening comes at 11pm when the flotilla reaches the German Corner in Koblenz, where the Rhine meets the Mosel, and the vast Ehrenbreitstein fortress appears to be set ablaze with Bengal lights.

This celebration is for those who like a little music with their pyrotechnics.

Another flotilla (50 ships) travels just four miles from towns of St Goar to Oberwesel (excellent wine; well preserved medieval towers).

On the way it passes the legendary Loreley rock. The concluding ceremony features a unique "Symphony of Fire", a firework display set to music.

Although there is something sad about the Loreley legend - of a beautiful girl who sat on a rock combing her blonde hair and luring sailors to their deaths - this is one of the most romantic spots in Germany and a suitable setting for a climax to the Rhine in Flames season.

The fireworks here light up the skies (and castle ruins) in the precipitous Rhine gorge close to the Loreley rock at the deepest and narrowest point of the river.

The spectacle can be watched from cruise ships on the river itself. Alternatively, visitors can enjoy further firework displays and the wine festival atmosphere of nearby St Goar, St Goarshausen and Oberwesel.