The vineyards of Rüdesheim form a stark graphic pattern in the snow. (Peter Jaeger / S&S)
The vineyards of Rüdesheim form a stark graphic pattern in the snow. (Peter Jaeger / S&S)
The Germania statue of the Niederwald monument raises the king’s crown into the air. The monument honors German unification after the Franco-Prussian war of 1870-71. (Peter Jaeger / S&S)
A Rhine River barge passes the picturesque town of Bacharach, Germany, dominated by Stahleck Castle, now a youth hostel. (Peter Jaeger / S&S)
A single car, reflected in a traffic mirror, travels through the quiet Rhine River valley. (Peter Jaeger / S&S)
A young German couple take souvenir shots of themselves between the telescopes of the Niederwald monument overlooking the Rhine River. (Peter Jaeger / S&S)
Winter in Germany’s Rhine River valley. The snow has come. A white blanket covers the vineyards and old towns along the river. Lines on the ice create graphic patterns like modern etchings.
With the snow comes quiet. The pace of the busy summer season has slowed. Many wine taverns and hotels are closed. The vibrant tour buses are gone, the tourists have disappeared. The oompah tunes and the laughter at the many wine festivals in the towns along the river are only vague memories.
A cold breeze coming down from the hills above the river makes the few pedestrians shiver. They tighten their scarves and head home for warmth and shelter. Or they make a stop for warm Glühwein; what a pleasure on a wintry day.
A gloomy light from the dark gray sky changes the colors to pastels, transforming the stream into a band of silver.
Early night falls into the valley. A pale moon slowly rises over the river. A sad, dark horn blares from a passing barge, warning other ships in the distance.
Solitude. A somber atmosphere. How far away is spring? What will the new year bring?
