Rhine River Area in Germany?
Traveler
Posted on: Mon, 12/03/2007 - 14:16
Hey everyone, I am looking to spending a day or two trekking the area around the Rhine River, many people have reccommended it to me, I know there are plenty of old castles and interesting scenery. If anyone could give me specific locations and means of transportaion I would apppreciate it, along with any other reccomendations. I was also wondering if there were any World War II sites worth visiting as a day trip from Berlin or Dusseldorf. Thanks again!
Kenneth
St. Goar has a cheap hostel with a fantastic view, just below Rheinfels Castle ruins. St. Goar has a train station like all the towns but is better because of the ferry across the river there to St. Goarshausen and another train station on that side.
Best castle tour: Burg Eltz near Moselkern (train station) on the Mosel River; take train from Koblenz to Moselkern, the main regional train hub, and hike 45+ minutes from the station. Rick Steves guidebook gives directions or check Bavaria Ben’s pages:
http://www.bensbauer…
On the Rhine, Marksburg Castle is really good: www.marksburg.de . Steep but short hike from town. Use St. Goar ferry, walk north, take train to Braubach; or from Koblenz, head south along the east bank to Braubach.
Hike from St. Goar cliffwards (start up steps next to train station on the right) and walk the trail south to Oberwesel; about 2.5 hours through vineyard, pasture, forest, punctuated by views of the river gorge, including the Loreley on the other side (Loreleyblick lookout on your side.)
Hike from St. Goarshausen to the cemetery then cliffwards and north to Burg Maus Castle. Cool Falconry show there. Maybe 1.5 hours one way?
WW II site on the Rhine: check out the museum at Remagen – www.bruecke-remagen…. . Housed in the supports of the old Luddendorf bridge, very interesting, lots in English. See the movie “Bridge at Remagen” before you go.
I second St. Goar. My friend and I did some great hiking in that area. Rheinfels castle is in ruins, but you are able to freely wander around. We went up there just as it was getting dark and had the whole place to ourselves.
Bacharach has one of the more backpacker-popular castel-hostels on the Rhine. Steep hike to get there, but great views. Plus onsite bar. There is a ferry tour up the Rhine, but I have no idea if it is worthwhile.