This legendary rock has become the symbol of the Romantic Rhine and has a very special place in German literature. Heine's poem « I know not whence cometh my sadness » is traditionally played aboard ship when the promontory comes into view.

Several different spurs afford a magnificent view of the «Romantic gorge». This is the most attractive part of the Rhine valley.

The church contains traces of 15C wall paintings (restored). In the nave, the Crucifixion and the Last Judgement; in the Gothic chancel, the legend of St. Mary the Egyptian.