A Journey Through Castles, Vineyards, and Timeless Towns

Spanning 200 km along the Rhine River in Germany, this UNESCO World Heritage route (between Bingen and Koblenz) immerses travelers in medieval charm, terraced vineyards, and legendary landscapes. Here’s your guide to this fairy-tale drive:

Begin in Cologne, famed for its Gothic cathedral. Head south on the B9 road along the Rhine’s west bank.

Key Stops & Highlights

1. Koblenz. Where the Rhine and Moselle Rivers meet. Visit the Deutsches Eck (German Corner) monument and ride the cable car to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress for panoramic views.
2. Braubach & Marksburg Castle. Explore Marksburg Castle, the only Rhine fortress never destroyed. Its medieval halls and armory offer a step back in time.
3. Lorelei Rock. A steep slate cliff steeped in myth (said to lure sailors with a siren’s song). Park at the viewpoint or take a river cruise to admire this iconic bend.
4. St. Goar & Burg Rheinfels. Tour the ruins of Burg Rheinfels, a 13th-century castle with labyrinthine tunnels. Sample Riesling at a riverside winery.
5. Bacharach. A postcard-perfect town with half-timbered houses and the Wernerkapelle chapel ruins. Walk the vineyard trails or sip wine at Weingut Karl Heidrich.
6. Bingen & Mäuseturm (Mouse Tower). See the Mäuseturm, a medieval tower on an island, and explore Burg Klopp, a hilltop castle overlooking the Rhine.
7. Rüdesheim am Rhein. Stroll the Drosselgasse, a lively alley lined with wine taverns. Ride the Seilbahn Rüdesheim cable car to the Niederwald Monument for Rhine views.

Conclude in Mainz, home to Gutenberg’s printing press museum and Romanesque Mainz Cathedral. Cross the river to Wiesbaden for thermal baths or extend your trip to Frankfurt.

Tips for the Drive

• Roads: Follow the B9 (west bank) or B42 (east bank) for the best views. Ferries connect both sides (e.g., St. Goar–St. Goarshausen).
• Season: April–October for vineyards in bloom; December for Christmas markets.
• Wine: Taste Riesling and Pinot Noir at family-run Weinguts (wineries).
• Cruises: Book a KD Rhine Cruise for a car-free perspective of castles.

For ferry schedules, castle tours, and event info: www.romantischer-rhein.de/en/