We are driving from Amsterdam to Frankfurt to visit friends on September25 and returning starting October 2. We have 4 days to get to Frankfurt and 3 to get back to Amsterdam. I thought to drive down the Rhine, stopping at the usual towns and sights and then to return by way of France, near the border and through Nancy. I'd value advice on expected weather/temperatures in that period and all of your comments on things to see and do on both routes. We won't have bikes and probably will only hike to reach a destination. Tips on food and wine will also be greatly appreciated. Oh yes, does anyone have experience with Thrifty (or other car rental agencies) in Amsterdam?
Posted by
Paradise
7072 posts
" I'd value advice on expected weather/temperatures in that period "
No one can really help you by telling you what it was like on THEIR trip. Check the CLIMATE DATA for the places you'll visit:
Netherlands
Germany
France
Belgium (something tells me you'll be there too.)
"We won't have bikes and probably will only hike to reach a destination."
Thought you had a car. If you're talking about taking some athletic outings of some sort, well, you CAN rent bikes on the Rhine if you like, same along the Mosel River if that's how you approach France (which is a solid idea, IMO.) Many innkeepers keep a set of bikes for their guests in Germany - inquire if interested. Hiking: The Rhine has two major trails - the Rheinburgenweg and the Rheinsteig. Try St. Goar - Oberwesel on the Rheinburgenweg for a beautiful 2.5 + hours.
Posted by
Paradise
7072 posts
The Boppard wine fest (scroll down) is Sept. 25-28 and Oct. 2-4 this year.
Maybe you want to try the Klettersteig just outside Boppard. Or just take the chairlift to the clifftop above town, have a walk around and over to the Vierseenblick lookout, and a beer at Gedeonseck terrace.
Posted by
St Louis, MO
150 posts
If you are in to WWII, you could stop at Remagen and visit the museum at the remains of the Ludendorff bridge.
I am no help on the weather since I was there in August and in the middle of a heat wave!
Happy Travels.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
154 posts
Following the Rhine will make the most sense for your trip. You can do a quick stop in Koln (to see the cathedral) and then visit what Rick (and I) consider the best part of the Rhine between Koblenz and Bacharach. One warning with your car rental is often car companies will add a large fee (often $300-500) when you pick-up a car in one country and drop-off in another. You may find it is cheaper if you can at least take a train to Germany and then rent a car. One site we like for looking at rental options is Auto Europe.
Posted by
OP
Boulder
9 posts
Thanks very much for all the helpful hints!
Posted by
6 posts
I have been in the Netherlands a few times in September. It can be beautiful...and probably will be great. But be prepared with warm jackets.