St Goar or Bacharach

... and I might stay over in one of them if that sways the decision.

They're only 10 minutes apart by train. St. Goar's main pull is Rheinfels - you might spend 1-2 hours there. Bacharach doesn't take long - maybe have a meal there. You should be alright with an afternoon for both.

Cafe Rusticana

If I could only do one, it would be St. Goar and the Rheinfels ruins. I spent 2½ hrs there, but then, I am fascinated by castles.

St Goar. Bacharach is wonderful place, but not much to see besides shops & restaurants. Climb to the castle/hostel is not worth the time it would take from your afternoon. Bacharach is a place to relax and enjoy life not sightsee. My opinion.

Another vote for St. Goar and the Rheinfels. I grew up loving American forts, and Rheinfels reminded me of one. Fun to wander around. Bring a flashlight!

Unless you are really into castles and fortifications, Bacharach would, imo, be a better choice. A bit touristy but also a great place to relax, stroll around a real place, and just "be". TC

I liked both but preferred St. Goar as it is right on the Rhein while Bacharach is separated by the train track from the River. Plus there is a very nice walk along the river at St Goar from which you can view a couple castles and the Lorelei across the river.

http://mcchelsea.smugmug.com/Germany-2009/Sankt-Goar-2009/8284489_t9dnnL

I love Rheinfels but like Bacharach a little better, as a town, than St. Goar. If you have no interest in the castle, you can do Rick's self-guided walking tour around Bacharach.

Thank you everybody. Great feedback.

This is one of those decisions where there isn't a right or wrong answer. If you are in St Goar, you have Burg Rheinfels, and 2 ancient churches which are worth some time visiting, but after a few hours, you are done. There is just the one main street, and that is it. Though there are a few smaller side streets, the town doesn't really loan itself to picturesque strolls.

Bacharach is much larger, has lots more fachwerk, more restaurants, and does offer nice day or evening strolls. The atmosphere is more like what I think people desire when they visit a Rhein village. You have city walls and towers to walk along, a cool old church set up high overlooking the town, a great chapel ruin, quaint looking back streets, and just a very pretty little town. It doesn't feel as touristy as St Goar either.

If you can find the time to visit Burg Rheinfels, do it, as it is in my opinion the best castle on the Rhein to visit, then maybe head over to Bacharach for dinner and a quick stroll around town.

It sounds like we should be able to do both. We will begin at St Goar and make sure to do Rhienfels. We booked our stay in Baccarach so we'll be able to have some time later in the day even if it's just milling around. Sounds like two nice places and I think we'll have enough time to get the flavor of both places.

One more day down! I now have three nights booked of nine!