The Middle Rhine Valley is exceptionally rich in terms of its plant and animal life. Although it makes up a mere two ten-thousandths of the area of Germany, over a third of all vascular plants that grow in Germany can be found here. This is not only due to the natural diversity of the countryside, but primarily because of the centuries of agriculture that have taken place here. The open areas that resulted and the nearly Mediterranean climate have made it possible for many species to adapt from the Mediterranean and the steppes of southeastern Europe. More about nature...
