Taking the train from Frankfurt to Dusseldorf on Dec. 29 and would love recommendations for 1 or 2 stops along the way. We'd like to have a good view along the river of castles and scenery, and stop 1 or 2 places and spend ~2 hours walking the town and doing some wine and/or beer tasting. I've done some research but many things look closed during the time between Christmas and New Years. Need to be in Dusseldorf by 4pm. I appreciate any suggestions!
First off, be sure to route yourself via Rüdesheim. Don't take the direct high-speed train that bypasses the Rhine Valley.
The wine town of Rüdesheim will not be shuttered. Stop in there for a visit.
You can visit Braubach (same side of the river) as well for a tour of Marksburg Castle (open 11-4.)
http://www.marksburg.de/en/
You will see all sorts of castles from the window of your train as you travel along the Rhine River between Rüdesheim and Braubach. Train line map:
http://www.vias-online.de/data/9_netzplan_rhg.jpg
Braubach's old town takes only a few minutes to walk through:
https://www.romantischer-rhein.de/uploads/pics/Altstadt_02.jpg
I enjoyed a traditional meal and a brew at the zum Goldenen Schlüssel in Braubach's old town a few years ago. Thursday is their "Ruhetag" or day off. It gets high marks from German guests:
It also gets a nod from Bavaria Ben:
http://bensbauernhof.com/pensionfelsenkellerbraubachrhine.html
Thanks, Russ! I suspected sticking to "touristy" town like Rudesheim would actually work in our favor this time of year! I noticed that lockers weren't at the Rudesheim train station. Any suggestions of where to store bags? We'll just have travel backpacks, so maybe not a huge problem to walk the town with them?
I would contact the R'heim TI office to see if they'll hold bags for a short while - or maybe they'll have another suggestion:
https://www.ruedesheim.de/en/services/tourist-information/
If not, it's no problem to tote your own bags around if you wish to do so. The walking is flat in town.
The TI office in Braubach does hold bags. You don't want to haul them uphill to the castle. Check with the TI to see if they can help you on your date:
Tel.: 02627/976001