The Lorelei is a steep cliff on the bank of the Rhine, towards the downstream end of the Rhine Gorge. Together with the hills on the other bank, it forces the fast-flowing river into a tight s-bend, which creates dangerous currents even on the tamed river of today.
Until recent times, it was the accident black-spot on the river. Ancient myth had the catastrophes caused by a beautiful maiden inhabiting the rock, whose singing distracted steersmen who failed to give the river their total attention, luring them to their doom.
The first picture shows the view looking downstream, with the Lorelei rock to the right. The other shows the rock directly across the river.