Plan your Rhine River adventure and explore the most captivating castles in just 2, 3 or 4 days!

• Part 7: Enjoy a half-day Rhine cruise from St. Goar, heading south past the legendary Loreley Rock – marking the narrowest and deepest part of the Rhine (22 meters) – to the enchanting medieval town of Oberwesel and its renowned Schönburg Castle.
• Part 9: Half-day Rhine River cruise from Oberwesel heading south to Kaub, where the boat stops for a land excursion. From the boat and Kaub, visitors can admire Gutenfels Castle and the Pfalz moated castle (Pfalzgrafenstein), located on an island in the middle of the Rhine.
• Part 11: Half-day Rhine River cruise from Kaub heading south past the Pfalz moated castle (Pfalzgrafenstein) toward Bacharach and Stahleck Castle. The journey passes the 'Wild Danger' (Wildes Gefähr), a striking 400-meter-long rock formation with a steep gradient in the Middle Rhine mountain range, located at Rhine kilometer 544.7.

From the different cruise ship docks in St. Goar, it's just a stone's throw to the charming old town along the Rhine, brimming with attractions.

• A Rhine cruise with a Rhine River day boat remains the best way to soak in the sights.
• The scenic boat journey takes you south along the Lorelei Rock to Oberwesel, home of the Burghotel Schönburg, and continues past the water castle Pfalz in Kaub on an Island in the Rhine River, the majestic Gutenfels Castle, and the quaint town of Bacharach with its Stahleck Castle.
• You’ll also pass Assmannshausen, opposite Rheinstein Castle, before reaching Bingen or Rüdesheim.

Along the Lorelei Rock

As you glide along the southern Rhine route, prepare to be captivated by the legendary Lorelei Rock at its narrowest Point and with 22 meters the deepest part of the Rhine River.

• Here, you can glimpse the statue commemorating the enchanting maiden who, according to legend, bewitched sailors in medieval times.
• The Lorelei statue stands about 1 km before the Lorelei Rock, positioned to the left of St. Goarshausen atop the Lorelei harbor wall.
• This narrow stretch of the Rhine was historically perilous for shipping, with its winding paths that struggle to follow.

Those traveling with Deutsche Bahn will pass through several tunnels – three on the left bank and two on the right.

• Rail travelers heading south from St. Goar to Oberwesel will catch a glimpse of Lorelei Rock after emerging from the first tunnel, while those coming from the south will see it just after the second tunnel.
• However, if you're on the right bank, the northern tunnel between St. Goarshausen and Kaub runs directly through the Lorelei Rock, so it remains hidden from view.

When you travel along the Lorelei Rock on the day passenger boat, the famous song by Heinrich Heine is played over the loudspeakers.

The boat ride from St. Goar along Oberwesel and Kaub to Bacharach takes just 70 minutes.

• Let yourself be captivated by the romantic charm of the medieval castles.
• With each turn, the views are so captivating that you might find it challenging to decide where to look first.

Journey to Oberwesel

Driving south from St. Goar to Oberwesel, the journey unfolds with picturesque twists and turns, and after three bends, you’ll catch a glimpse of the famous Ochsenturm (Oxtower) rising in the distance.

• As you continue your approach, an impressive panorama reveals itself.

The medieval town of Oberwesel comes into view, framed by its almost completely preserved old town wall.

• Towering above the town are 18 majestic defensive towers, standing sentinel over the charming streets below. Among them, the strikingly red Gothic Liebfrauenkirche (Church of our Holy Mother) captures the eye, nestled at the foot of Schönburg Castle, which majestically overlooks the landscape from its perch on the Rhine hills.

Oberwesel's Liebfrauenkirche is renowned for housing the largest and most sonorous church organ in the Middle Rhine region, a true gem for music lovers and visitors alike.

• The church often welcomes guests in the afternoons, offering a chance to experience its magnificent acoustics.

Take your time in Oberwesel and embark on a leisurely stroll 500 meters on the historic medieval town wall.

• Let its timeless charm transport you to another era as you imagine the stories of the past.
• For a breathtaking experience, ascend the Steingassenturm, where sweeping views of the enchanting Rhine Valley await.

If you’re planning a short break in this picturesque area, we highly recommend the castle hotel Schonburg.

• As the day draws to a close, retreat to this charming castle hotel, perched high above the river.
• Allow its enchanting atmosphere to envelop you, completing your unforgettable experience before you continue your journey by boat.

Oberwesel boasts a rich tradition of wine-making, inviting visitors to explore its scenic vineyards.

• Join guided wine hiking tours, which include four tastings at three different vineyards.
• These delightful Middle Rhine wine excursions, offered on 16 Saturdays each year, lead you to the stunning 'Sieben-Jungfrauen-Blick' (Seven Virgins View) viewpoint, perfect for both groups and solo travelers.

Collection liquidation at bargain Prices in a charming antique shop in Oberwesel

When visiting Oberwesel on the Rhine, a former charming antique shop is an absolute must-see.

• This hidden gem specializes in centuries-old original copper engravings, steel engravings, wood carvings, and etchings depicting the enchanting Lorelei Rock and the majestic castles and quaint towns that dot the Rhine Valley.
• Nestled in Holzgasse, a picturesque side street adorned with historic half-timbered houses, the shop is conveniently located on the corner of Liebfrauenstrasse 41.
• It's just a short stroll from the boat landing stations (approximately 300 meters) and the train station (around 400 meters), making it easily accessible for visitors.

Please note: The former antique shop operates by appointment only.
You can reach them at Tel. 0049 179 250 6757, and they are happy to accommodate evening and weekend visits.

• This insider tip is truly worth your time, offering a unique glimpse into the rich history and artistry of the Rhine region.
• Don’t miss the opportunity to explore this captivating collection!

Exploring the Enchantment of Kaub and Bacharach

Further south along the Rhine from Oberwesel lies the picturesque town of Kaub, home to the stunning Gutenfels Castle.

• This historic castle, offers a magical view of the Rhine Valley, although it is now privately owned.
• The former hotel within Gutenfels Castle featured eight rooms, three of which boasted views of the Rhine.
• One room had a quaint small window overlooking the Pfalzgrafenstein moated castle, while two others offered beautiful vistas towards Oberwesel and its majestic Schönburg Castle.

As you approach Kaub, the striking Pfalzgrafenstein moated castle comes into view, dramatically perched on a small island in the heart of the Rhine.

• Your journey continues past the "Wilden Gefähr," a remarkable 400-meter-long rock formation that rises steeply from the riverbanks at Rhine kilometer 544.7.

After navigating the next bend, the charming town of Bacharach reveals itself, showcasing its medieval towers and walkable town wall.

For hiking enthusiasts, a stroll along the city wall (Stadtmauerrundweg) leads you past four historic towers up to Stahleck Castle.

• While the castle itself is not open for interior visits, the courtyard offers breathtaking views of the Rhine Valley, where vineyards blanket the gentle hills.
• From this vantage point, you can admire the enchanting town of Bacharach, with its ruins of the Werner Chapel, St. Peter's Church (Peterskirche), and the picturesque Steeger Gate Tower (Steeger Tor).

The Postenturm, a former defense tower, stands proudly among the vineyards, providing panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, including the crane tower (Kranenturm) and market tower (Marktturm) along the Rhine's banks, as well as the charming market square adorned with half-timbered houses.

Consider staying in one of the cozy hotels or bed & breakfasts in Bacharach to fully immerse yourself in this enchanting region.

Plan your Rhine River adventure and explore the most captivating castles in just 2, 3 or 4 days! Along the 65 km stretch of the Middle Rhine River between Koblenz, Boppard, Lorelei Rock and Rüdesheim, you will find around 30 castles and ruins.

Part 1: Start Your Rhine River Cruise in the delightful town of Boppard, embarking on a journey south along the scenic riverbanks. Enjoy the stunning views, rich history, and captivating atmosphere that this region has to offer.

Part 2: Take some time to explore the picturesque town of Boppard before embarking on a relaxing river cruise. To reach the "Boppard Chairlift," take bus number 670 from Boppard "Hauptbahnhof" (main station) to the “Sesselbahn” (chairlift) stop. Once there, ride the chairlift to the breathtaking "Four Seas View" (Vierseenblick) viewing point on the Rhine hills, standing at 273 meters, where you can enjoy stunning views of the Rhine loop.

Part 3: Enjoy a half-day Rhine River cruise from Boppard, heading south to Kamp-Bornhofen, home to the legendary 'enemy brothers': the Sterrenberg and Liebenstein castles.

Part 4: Spend some time to explore Kamp-Bornhofen, home to the legendary 'enemy brothers': the Sterrenberg and Liebenstein castles. After immersing yourself in the rich history, consider an unforgettable stay at Castle Hotel Liebenstein, the highest castle on the Middle Rhine! Enjoy breathtaking views of the Rhine and the picturesque surroundings. Spend the night in this historic castle and let yourself be enchanted by the beauty of the Rhine Valley before continuing your journey on a relaxing river cruise.

Part 5: Enjoy a half-day Rhine River cruise from Kamp-Bornhofen, heading south. Pass Welmich with the Maus (Mouse) Castle, St. Goarshausen with the Katz (Cat) Castle, and finally arrive in St. Goar, home to Rheinfels Castle.

Part 6: From St. Goar to Rheinfels Castle: Begin your journey from the car ferry pier or the town hall (both located on the B9 federal road) in St. Goar. Take bus number 681, which runs every hour in winter and every 30 minutes in summer, directly to Rheinfels Castle. Rheinfels Castle, the largest castle ruin in West Germany, is home to the second most visited local history museum in Rhineland-Palatinate. Explore its fascinating casemates, wander through Europe’s largest vaulted cellar, and discover the medieval castle museum, complete with English labels for an informative experience.

Part 7: Enjoy a half-day Rhine cruise from St. Goar, heading south past the legendary Loreley Rock – marking the narrowest and deepest part of the Rhine (22 meters) – to the enchanting medieval town of Oberwesel and its renowned Schönburg Castle.

Part 8: Take your time in Oberwesel and stroll 500 meters on the historic medieval town wall, letting its timeless charm transport you to another era. Climb the high tower (Steingassenturm) to marvel at the sweeping views of the enchanting Rhine Valley. As the day draws to a close, retreat to the picturesque Schönburg Castle hotel, perched high above the river, and let its enchanting atmosphere complete your unforgettable experience before continuing your journey by boat.

Oberwesel boasts a long-standing tradition of wine-making and invites visitors to explore its scenic vineyards through guided wine hiking tours. These tours include four wine tastings in three different vineyards and lead visitors on 16 Saturdays each year to the stunning 'Sieben-Jungfrauen-Blick' (Seven Virgins View) viewpoint. They are also available for solo travelers.

Part 9: Half-day Rhine River cruise from Oberwesel heading south to Kaub, where the boat stops for a land excursion. From the boat and Kaub, visitors can admire Gutenfels Castle and the Pfalz moated castle (Pfalzgrafenstein), located on an island in the middle of the Rhine.

Part 10: Spend some time in Kaub and visit the Pfalz moated castle (Pfalzgrafenstein), a unique fortress perched on an island in the middle of the Rhine, before boarding a boat. Gutenfels Castle, located above the town, is privately owned and not open to visitors. While in Kaub, you can also visit the Blüchermuseum, which commemorates Prussian Field Marshal Gebhard Leberecht von Blücher and his pivotal role in the Battle of Waterloo on June 18, 1815, alongside British commander Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington.

Part 11: Half-day Rhine River cruise from Kaub heading south past the Pfalz moated castle (Pfalzgrafenstein) toward Bacharach and Stahleck Castle. The journey passes the 'Wild Danger' (Wildes Gefähr), a striking 400-meter-long rock formation with a steep gradient in the Middle Rhine mountain range, located at Rhine kilometer 544.7.

Part 12: Take some time to explore Bacharach before boarding your boat. Stroll through this medieval town along the Rhine, following the walkable city wall.

The circular route (Stadtmauerrundweg) begins next to “Mainzer Straße No. 2” and spans 418 meters, passing four city towers and leading to Stahleck Castle's courtyard, where you can enjoy stunning views of the Rhine River valley. The return route takes you past the ruins of the Gothic Werner Chapel, leading back to the city center near St. Peter's Church.

Join a guided wine hike through the picturesque vineyards to the Postenturm, where you can savor a breathtaking postcard view of Bacharach and Stahleck Castle, accompanied by four delightful wine tastings.

Many guests highly recommend the "Rheinhotel" for a comfortable stay, as well as the more budget-friendly hotel-pension "Im Malerwinkel" for those looking for economical overnight accommodations.

Part 13: Enjoy a half-day Rhine River cruise from Bacharach heading south to Assmannshausen or Rüdesheim. Along the way, you'll pass picturesque landmarks, including the Fürstenberg ruins above Rheindiebach, the Nollig ruins above Lorch, Heimburg Castle above Niederheimbach, Sooneck Castle, and the stunning Reichenstein Castle above Trechtingshausen, as well as Rheinstein Castle further along.

Part 14: In Assmannshausen (opposite Rheinstein Castle), take a stroll from the landing stage to the Seilbahn Assmannshausen cable car, which will take you up to the Rhine hills and the Jagdschloss Niederwald castle.

After that, enjoy a scenic 4 km walk through the Niederwald Landscape Park (Landschaftspark). The hike begins at Jagdschloss Niederwald and follows the Rhine Trail (Rheinsteig) for about 750 meters through the forest, leading you to the enchanting Zauberhöhle cave and onward to the viewpoint at Ruine Rossel. Continuing along the Rhine Trail (Rheinsteig), you'll walk approximately 1800 meters along the ridge of the Rhine hills. At the Naheblick viewpoint, revel in breathtaking views of Ruine Ehrenfels, the Mouse Tower, the mouth of the Nahe River, Bingen with Burg Klopp, and the stunning Rhine Valley.

On your journey, you'll encounter information panels, the Eremitage, and finally reach the highlight of your hike: the famous Niederwald Monument (Niederwald-Denkmal).

Part 15: The Niederwald Monument (Niederwald-Denkmal) offers another spectacular vantage point to admire the Rhine, the picturesque Rhine River valley, and the sprawling vineyards of the Rheingau region. Just northeast of the monument, you’ll find the Seilbahn Rüdesheim cable car, which provides a comfortable ride down to the charming town of Rüdesheim along the Rhine. Once in Rüdesheim, don’t miss the famous Drosselgasse, a delightful 144-meter-long alleyway filled with vibrant shops and eateries. At the upper end of Drosselgasse, take a short 30-meter walk to Siegfried's Mechanical Music Cabinet, home to over 400 self-playing antique musical instruments.

Plan your Rhine River adventure and explore the most captivating castles in just 2, 3 or 4 days! Along the 65 km stretch of the Middle Rhine River between Koblenz, Boppard, Lorelei Rock and Rüdesheim, you will find around 30 castles and ruins.

• Select Your Rhine River Day Cruise Departure Point
• Group availability request for day cruises on the Rhine River.
• Group Pricing Request for Rhine River Day Cruises.
• Rhine River Day Cruises for Pupils, Students, and Teachers.

19 Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for Rhine River Day Cruises

Arriving from Cologne (Köln) Airport, your adventure begins as you travel along the picturesque route to Boppard in the stunning Rhine River valley.

• Many outdated travel guides suggest a one-day boat trip from Cologne to Mainz or vice versa.
• However, this lengthy route has not been serviced by day passenger ships for several years.
• Similarly, the stretch between Koblenz and Linz on the Rhine River has lost its appeal, with no day passenger ships operating in that area anymore.
• Instead, we recommend a more efficient journey: traveling the 120 km from Cologne to Boppard by car or train, which runs every hour.

There are no daily boat cruises from Frankfurt city or Frankfurt Airport to Mainz or Wiesbaden on the Rhine River.

• Instead, travelers can take a train from Frankfurt to either Wiesbaden or Mainz to start their Rhine River cruise.
• The section of the Rhine River between Mainz and Wiesbaden to Rüdesheim and Bingen is much flatter than the hilly terrain of the Middle Rhine, which means there are no castles visible from the cruise boats along this route.
• Therefore, if you are coming from Frankfurt, it is advisable to begin your Rhine River cruise in Rüdesheim or Bingen.
• Additionally, starting your boat cruise along the Middle Rhine castles in Rüdesheim or Bingen is more economical than beginning in Mainz or Wiesbaden.

Winter schedule: Rhine River Half-Day Round Cruise

• During the winter months of November, December, January, February, and March, half-day round cruises on the Rhine River are available, although options may be limited.
• These cruises are particularly popular during the Christmas market season, with departures from key locations such as Rüdesheim, Boppard, and Cologne.
• For those looking to experience the beauty of the Rhine in winter, Rüdesheim is conveniently accessible by train from Frankfurt, making it an ideal starting point for winter and Christmas market cruises.
• The winter program typically operates from late October through early April, ensuring that visitors can enjoy the scenic views and festive atmosphere along the river.

 
E-Mail | www.guenstigerurlaub.de

© 1997-2025 www.rhine.vacation-package.net
All rights reserved. Subject to change. Without guarantee. Imprint | Data protection
Status:  Samstag, 01. März 2025 - 5283