I plan to visit the following Rhine towns and Cochem. I do not plan to have a car and will be using public transportation. What do you suggest I see during the visit? I will include what I already know:
St. Goar: Rheinfels Castle. What else?
Braubach: Marksburg Castle. What else?
Boppard: Chairlift. What else?
Barcharach: ??
Oberwesel: ??
Rudeshiem: ??
Cochem: Chairlift and Reichsburg Castle. What else?
What other towns and activities should I consider?
How much time do you want to spend?/Have available? What are your particular interests other than visiting places? History? Culture? Wine? Besides just visiting, are you planning to do the several hour river cruise past the Lorelei?
In my opinion the Marksburg Castle is the best preserved example of a Rhine castle typical of the period as compared to a Romantic Era reconstruction.
The towns are all different in their own ways. There are local wine shops in each town featuring local wines, and each has a range of good restaurants. I particularly like Bacharach, St. Goar/Rhinefels Castle and Braubach/the Marksburg. Others will have different opinions and different experiences. Have fun.
Thanks for your suggestions. I am interested in history, culture and food. Good hiking suggestions will also be appreciated. I plan to visit for 3 days. One day will be for Burg Eltz and Cochem. Then the remaining two days split between exploring towns on the west side and east side of the Rhine river.
Are you referring to the K-D river cruses? I plan to take the K-D river cruise from Bingen to St. Goar.
In Rüdesheim, you might want to take the chairlift there up to the Niederwald monument. I really like Siegfrieds Musical Cabinet there. For wine tasting, visit RheinWein Welt across from the train station. 10 samples for 12€. Your choice out of about 120 Rheingau wines.
In St. Goar, see if you can get on the tunnel tour of Burg Rheinfels. Even if it is in German, it is one of the coolest things on the Rhein to see and do. Visit the church next to the train station. Built in the 1200s, it has gorgeous ceiling and wall paintings.
In Bacharach, visit the church and the Werner Chapel. Read up about who Werner was and all the Jews that were massacred because they were blamed for his death. Ober-Wesel has a Werner Chapel too.
You don't mention Eltville, but I think this is one of the most charming towns on the Rhein. Include a visit to Eberbach Monastery. The basilica there is stunning.
Braubach: Marksburg Castle. What else?
Walk back in time through the town's streets and alleys - without the usual tourist crowds; see 3 pages of photos... spoiler alert:
Food: Zum Goldenen Schlüssel for traditional German dishes, closed W & Th
Boppard: Chairlift. What else?
Don't just ride back down... walk to Gedeonseck terracee and to the Vierseenblick lookout.
Hiking: spend some time on the Weinlehrpfad (wine trail) through in the hillside vineyards of Bopparder Hamm.
https://www.boppard-tourismus.de/media/weinlehrpfad_bopparder_hamm_karte.pdf
https://www.boppard-tourismus.de/en/walks/weinlehrpfad-bopparder-hamm-walk/
Wine garden near station: https://www.deutschlandgourmet.info/bilder/gross/5710-Restaurant-Weinhaus-Heilig-Grab-Boppard.jpg
Oberwesel: Walk the old town fortifications:
Map: https://www.niederrheinscout.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Stadtmauerrundgang-Oberwesel.jpg
The Günderodehaus sits atop the cliffs overlooking the vineyards, the town and the gorge. The building was once a filmset for a German TV series called Heimat and is now a restaurant/museum. Stunning views. I hiked up from town but there's a bus that can get you there, as I recall.
Russ and Ms. Jo, I very much appreciate all your suggestions. I will add them to the list of activities and places during my Rhine visit. The tunnel tour at Burg Rheinfels and fortifications at Oberwesel sound particularly interesting.
On the K-D river cruise from Bingen to St Goar, on what side of the boat should I sit for the best views?
I don't remember a "best" side, there are castles everywhere and towns on both sides. But as you go north toward St. Goar, the famous statue of Lorelei is on a strip of land on your right. It's just before St. Goarshausen, and kinda easy to miss.
Also, see this thread:
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/germany/koblenz-rhine-river-kd-cruises-questions
I think it was Bacharach which had a great pub, the Altes Haus. The oldest building in town, I believe (seriously old). We had a great meal there and enjoyed just looking around.
If it is a nice day, sit upper deck where you have a good view of each side. If you sit below, then I would sit on the port side
I usually recommend that people get on the ship in Rüdesheim as then you have 1st choice of the seats in the shade or sun. The ship then goes to Bingen.
It doesn't really matter which side you sit on as you will be standing up and walking back and forth as you pass by castles. No one sits still to take photos. They are busy running back and forth for the best views. They sit when the ship docks. :-)
Russ wrote :
The Günderodehaus sits atop the cliffs overlooking the vineyards, the town and the gorge. The building was once a filmset for a German TV series called Heimat and is now a restaurant/museum. Stunning views. I hiked up from town but there's a bus that can get you there, as I recall.
There is a bus No.682 going up there from Oberwesel takes 8 min according to VRM website but there is also a little car park
The Cafe was closed on Mondays and Tuesday when we stayed in the area but we brought our own picknick and enjoyed the view
An Alternative whenGünderodehaus to much crowed might be Maria Ruh 3 kilometers away near the little village of Urbar
A Cafe/Restaurant also with nice views but also closed on Monday and Tuesday in season (check website)
But there are also benches and tables where you can enjoy the view when not opened and have your own refreshments
Follow the road from Günderroderhaus towards Urbar and in the village the signs to Loreleyblick (view)
or take bus from Günderodehaus to Urbar Church and walk from there to Lorlelyblick Maria Ruh 600meters
what side of the boat should I sit for the best views?
Last summer, I rode on the top much of the way and was standing for most of it. Everyone moves around a lot from side to side taking pictures. Back of the boat is not a bad spot either. Just lots to take in.
I would advise to layer up. It was a warm late July morning when we went but it's cool and breezy on the river. There were a few kids regretting wearing just shorts and a t shirt.
