We are thinking of spending a few days in the Rhine and/or Mosel River Valleys next summer in between stays in Paris and Copenhagen. Originally, we were going to spend a few days in Lubeck, but thought that the river valleys might seem more uniquely German. My wife likes white wines and I like boat rides. Will be travelling with a 15- and 13-year old. Any suggestions for what City/Town to stay in? Also, any personal commentary on the obvious activities for the region would be helpful and also for things to do that might not otherwise be prominent in guidebooks.
Posted by
Seattle
4637 posts
We had a car and stayed in Beilstein. Pretty little quiet town on Mosel River.
Posted by
Paradise
7072 posts
The Rhine/Mosel region is a good choice.
Beilstein has a substantial list of fans but it's what I'd call a "cult" following of sorts - IMO it's disproportionately popular on this board and more generally with North Americans due mainly to the popularity of one of Beilstein's inns (which is supposed to be top notch.) It's sort of a couples place - very small, romantic, etc. But it's likely too small for most families. As THIS PHOTO shows, it's only a few tour buses long. Unlike some of the alternatives, it has no train service but can be reached by bus and sightseeing boat.
On the Mosel I'd probably recommend the old-world town ofCOCHEM for most families (and a river cruise outing to Beilstein and back - 1 hour each way.) Cochem has several diversions including a great FALCONRY SHOW, REICHSBURG CASTLE, A CHAIRLIFT RIDE, and a WATERPARK. It's also very close to BURG ELTZ castle.
To visit just the Rhine or BOTH rivers from one town, BOPPARD (Rhine town) is a very good choice. It too has a nice old-world vibe and several diversions and is a good location for outings to Bacharach, St. Goar, and other Rhine towns as well as to Cochem and Burg Eltz.
View from Gedeonseck terrace near Chairlift in Boppard
Boppard's river promenade
Boppard's Market Square
The cruise from Bingen to Boppard takes 2.3 hours and covers the best Rhine scenery.
Scene near Bingen
All the destinations I've mentioned and most sights on the Rhine/Mosel are accessible by train (or in the case of Burg Eltz, by bus) and very cheap for families using day passes. The Rhine offers passenger service on BOTH sides of the river that hits just about every village.
"things to do that might not otherwise be prominent in guidebooks..."
This open-land museum is terrific.
The Summer Bobsled run in St. Goarshausen is a fairly new addition to the Rhine scene.
Posted by
OP
60 posts
Thank you!
Posted by
West Coast, California, USA
485 posts
We stayed in Beilstein at the Hotel Haus Lipmann and loved it. The tiny town is picturesque and walkable in a short time. It was the last hotel of our 2-week trip and we liked the quietness and slow pace. We had a car and took day trips to Trier, Cochem, and Burg Eltz. Lovely lovely; would go there again.
Posted by
shingle springs, CA, USA
782 posts
I will second what Ilja and Alexandra said about Beilstein,we stayed at the Hotel Gute Quelle and the hotel,owner,rooms and breakfast were excellent as well as their dinners.We had a car and day tripped to Burg Eltz and other towns on the river.We took the boat from Beilstein which is in front of the town square to Cochem and that was a nice ride and day in Cochem where you can visit the castle on the hill.We stayed on the Rhine in Bacharach above the town at the Hotel Meriweinkel which included on site parking,very nice hotel with breakfast included,nice town and easy day trips to other towns and Marksburg Castle and other castles.
Mike
Posted by
L'Occitanie, France
10633 posts
We stayed on the Rhine and Mosel for a couple of weeks. With two teens, I think Russ hit it right steering you toward a town with more activities. He is the go-to person on this board for that area.