Here’s everything you need to know about how to spend an incredible weekend in the spectacular Rhine Valley of Germany. We’ll cover things like where to stay, what are the best villages and castles to visit, the Rhine Valley whine, and more!
A trip to Germany wouldn’t be complete without seeing the famous Rhine Valley region.
It is located between the cities of Koblenz and Bingen, in the Rhineland-Palatinate and Hesse states of Germany.
Driving along the Rhine river, this UNESCO World Heritage Site will delight you with beautiful landscapes and gorgeous castles at every turn.
How to get to the Rhine Valley
If you are traveling from abroad, the best would be to fly to Frankfurt or Cologne airports.
From there, you can reach the Rhine Valley by car or train. The trip takes around 2 and a half hours by train from either airports or a 1-hour drive from Frankfurt.
My recommendation would be to rent a car, as you’ll be a lot faster and more comfortable.
Where to stay in the Rhine Valley, Germany
The best place to stay, in my opinion, is Sankt Goar.
This is one of the largest towns along the Rhine Valley and home to one of the biggest castles in the area – Burg (castle) Rhinefels.
It is well connected and close enough to the other smaller villages along the Rhine. You can reach the other castles in the area in just a few minutes drive.
This is the place we chose for our stay during our visit here last summer and we were very happy with the choice. We stayed at Hotel & Restaurant Zur Loreley which was great. The hosts were super friendly and welcoming.
Their restaurant is also one of the best in the city, so definitely try it out. It has a beautiful location with a great view of the castle and is just a 2-minute walk to the Rhine bank.
6 Best Things To Do in the Rhine Valley, Germany
1. Visit Rheinstein Castle
The most impressive site of the Rhine Valley if you ask me, this castle is a definite must-see.
Dating back to the 13th century, the castle fell into ruin through the years and has been rebuilt in the 1800s in the 19th-century Romantic style.
You will love the interior court, its tall, fairytale-like walls as well as the impressive views of the Rhine.
Getting there is quite the workout, as you’ll have to climb uphill from the parking lot. (you cannot reach it otherwise, only by foot). But the views are totally worth it.
2. Walk through the picturesque streets of Bacharach
Next on your list should be stopping in the picturesque town of Bacharach.
This is one of the most popular towns in the Rhine Valley and you can easily see why.
We loved getting lost on the winding streets and admiring the typical German architecture of the houses.
Whether you are traveling by car or cruise boat, Bacharach is the perfect stop for a coffee or lunch along the Rhine Valley.
4. Visit Reichenstein castle
This is probably the largest castle in the area, located in Trechtinghausen, and also one where you can actually spend the night in.
So if you’re looking for spectacular views and the experience of staying in a medieval castle, this is a good one to try.
You can find more information on accommodation and prices HERE.
4. Walk along the Rhine in Sankt Goar
Sankt Goar is a town not to be missed during your trip to the Rhine Valley in Germany.
It’s the perfect place to use as a base for your trip as we’ve already covered but also a great town to explore.
You will love walking through its medieval streets, at the base of the Rhinefels castle, or going for a romantic stroll along the river.
5. Explore the Rhine Valley via a boat tour
If you prefer to explore the area by boat, taking a cruise on the Rhine can be a great idea.
What could be better than feeling the sun and breeze on your face while admiring the vine-covered hills and the majestic castles all around?
HERE you can find all the information to plan your best Rhine Valley boat tour.
6. Go for a wine tasting
You cannot leave the Rhine Valley without trying some of its best wine.
The region is famous for its high-quality Riesling grapes and produces some of the best white wines in Europe.
While we didn’t have enough time to visit a winery during our short stay, this is something we have definitely planned for our next trip to the region.
I did some research for you and found this article about the best wine vineyards in the area.
Hopefully, you’ve enjoyed these recommendations and are now super excited to discover this beautiful region of Germany, the Rhine Valley. Happy travels!
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