Rhein in Flammen: Camping in the Romantic Rhine Valley

From the notorious Oktoberfest to the charming Christmas markets (and all of the other fun fests in between), Germany is known to have some of the best traditional events. One event that gathers thousands of spectators 5 times each year in different towns along the Rhine River, from May to September, is Rhein in Flammen- Das Original (or Rhine in Flames- The Original). Rhine in Flames' main feature is the fireworks display that illuminates the beautiful Rhine River.

Each of the 5 towns (Bonn, Ruedesheim, Spay/Koblenz, Oberwesel, and St. Goar/St. Goarhausen) perform a different show with its own characteristics which will make you want to go back each year to see what the next town over has to offer.
As the night becomes dark, the street lights dim, and the castles begin to appear as if they were "burning", all that's left is the pitch dark river and the stars above. Moments later, a narrators voice appears and echoes across the valley as the Rhine river begins to appear in flames. At this time, viewers alike reach for their cameras and cell phones (including myself) and their eyes seem to lit up as they watch this stunning performance.
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​Other than a traditional New Years firework display, you won't see anything like this during the rest of the year in Germany. Of course, there are also other towns that have replicated this event, but it doesn't come close to being at a "Night of a Thousand Fires" such as the one in Oberwesel!

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