I am hoping to take a ferry up both the Rhein and the Mosel. I would like suggestions on where to disembark and what is worth stopping to see as I bike downstream. Also, places for lunch and dinner. I will be staying at Bei der Post in Bacharach. I will be joining the Germany, Switerland, Austria tour on June 28th from Trier.
Posted by
Paradise
7072 posts
"Ferries" cross the river loaded with cars and foot passengers between 2 fixed points. There are several of these on the Rhine and Mosel but you are probably looking for a cruise boat experience - cruise boats cruise the length of the river and stop in numerous towns along the way. Generally speaking, these boats can be interesting for short periods but aren't especially good for transportation and tend to be pricier than other options. Their schedules are limited as well.
I would suggest trying a shorter cruise through the best part of the river, maybe with the bike (extra €2.80) on the Rhine - say from Bingen to St. Goar, which takes 1.5 hours (cruise fare is €19) and then biking back (27 km.) (That said, I'm not certain about the quality of this bike ride - just an example.)
It is quite a bit easier to get around with a bike at the time you want by taking the train. From Bacharach you can travel the same distance, 27 km, by train to the town of Boppard for less than €6 - the bike costs nothing extra on weekends or after 9 am on weekdays and is considered luggage - then bike back to Bacharach. Local trains that stop at every station run hourly or better.
HERE is a photo of one of the local "MRB" Rhine trains - which have a special spot for bikes and their owners.
KD Rhine cruise boat schedule
Train schedules
KD Mosel cruise boat schedule Koblenz-Cochem - very limited. I'd go with the train.
Kolb cruises for Trier-Cochem. I'd consider the train once again. - far more efficient and convenient, but there's nothing wrong with a short cruise here either. I've done some short-distance biking between Bullay and Pünderich, a lovely stretch with a nice riverside path most of the way.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
Thanks, Russ! Pam, your tour will drive along the Mosel and tour Burg Eltz castle, but that doesn't mean that you would not enjoy more time there. Rick's Germany book, which you get with your tour, has some useful tips for that region. He mentions a Mosel bike route around Beilstein on page 491, for instance.
Posted by
Greeley, co, usa
2588 posts
We ate twice at Cafe Rusticana in Bacharach and enjoyed the food and Astrid the owner. Excellent apple strudel.
Posted by
OP
bath, maine, usa
106 posts
Thank you, Russ, Laura, and Stephen. You have all been helpful. I will log on from the Rhein and the Mosel and pass on the favors of great trip planning. Meanwhile, I am trying to biking and hiking muscles "ready" for the tour! Thank you again!
Pam
Posted by
OP
bath, maine, usa
106 posts
Thank you, Russ, Laura, and Stephen. You have all been helpful. I will log on from the Rhein and the Mosel and pass on the favors of great trip planning. Meanwhile, I am trying to biking and hiking muscles "ready" for the tour! Thank you again!
Pam
Posted by
Deep South, USA
139 posts
Just got back from Bacharach a few days ago - stayed at the Bacharacher Hof. We ate dinner at the hotel one evening and thoroughly enjoyed it. Ellen and Dirk did a great job - between the four of us we had 3 different entrees and all were excellent. Plus communication was easy because even though I'm an Ugly American and my German is pitiful - they probably speak English better than I do :-)