Exploring the Rhine River Castles & Wine Region – A Romantic Road Trip in Germany

May 11, 2019

Last updated on September 25th, 2024 at 12:33 am

If you guys are looking for a romantic getaway or a perfect weekend road trip in Germany, then you’ve hit home. In this 2-day itinerary blog post, we will take you through dozens of medieval castles on the Rhine with fine German Riesling wine and explore the cutest small villages in Germany.

Although overnight Rhine river cruises are more popular here, Gaurav and I preferred driving at our own pace on this road trip in Germany. Having said that, we did sneak in a river cruise for a fraction of the price you would pay otherwise. All that and more information below –

PS: This was such an easy layover trip for us, something you guys should look into when flying via Frankfurt.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links.

This image shows a serene riverside town nestled between green hills along the banks of a river, with a barge sailing smoothly down the water. The picturesque scene includes buildings lining the shore and hills covered in greenery, under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds.
This image features a quaint riverside village at the base of a hill, crowned by a historic castle that overlooks the town. The castle, built on the rocky, tree-covered hill, stands out with its medieval architecture, while colorful buildings line the waterfront below. The scene is set under a clear, blue sky.

Mosel River region is another popular destination for castles, wines, and the river cruises. If you haven’t heard of the Rhine or the Mosel River then no sweat, I am sure you might have heard of the famous Riesling wine from Germany? Or perhaps the really popular castle Burg Eltz? Or the medieval castles near Frankfurt? This was such an off the tourist trap trip that I highly recommend anyone visiting Europe to add this on your Germany itinerary.

Related: How to spend 3 perfect days in Munich

Driving map for RHive valley road trip in Germany from Frankfurt to Koblenz passing by several medieval castles

Transportation in the Rhine River Region

We picked up our rental car from Frankfurt airport and drove this entire stretch along the Rhine River. I summed up our trip as –

Cruising along the Rhine, chasing castles and wine.

By Car:

While everyone fancies driving down the German AutoBahn (Highway), don’t forget they do have speed limits as opposed to the popular contrary belief. So watch out for those speed signs on the Autobahn. You can easily start your road trip from either Frankfurt in the south or Cologne or Koblenz in the north. 

This image shows a man standing beside an open door of a dark-colored Mercedes-Benz parked on a quiet road surrounded by lush greenery. The scene is peaceful, with trees in full bloom in the background, and a few parked cars visible in the distance. The man appears to be enjoying the serene environment in a forested or park-like area.
The fun of driving German cars in Germany

In case you do not want to drive, then below are a few other ways to see Rhine Valley region by train or by cruise.

By Train & Cruise:

You can easily cover this region by a combination of Deutsche Bahn trains & K.D. cruises along the Rhine. You will have to take the Inter-city Express trains (ICE) between bigger cities and regional express trains or a cruise ship between smaller towns.

This image shows two modern trains at a small station labeled "Bacharach," with one train featuring a colorful red, white, and blue design. The station is nestled in a scenic valley with green hills in the background, under a clear sky. The platform is quiet, and the area around the station has grassy slopes and a few small buildings, giving it a peaceful, rural feel.

K.D. (Koln-Dusseldorfer) Cruise Ships are part of regional transportation and a perfect way to do a Rhine river cruise on a budget. While taking K.D cruise you can get down at their multiple stops to explore the cute little German towns.

This image captures a docked river cruise boat named "Geist des Weines" with colorful decorations and passengers on board, at a scenic location. In the background, green hills rise up with a historic castle perched on one of the slopes. The dock signage reads "Köln-Düsseldorfer," indicating the cruise route or company, and the scene is set under a bright blue sky.

TIP: If you are doing a round trip via ship then check the K.D. cruise schedule for the last ferry out. Otherwise, consider taking the DB train on your return. Some tips on booking transportation (you can buy boat ride tickets at the port) –

  • You will need to take the ICE train to either Koblenz or Mainz or Frankfurt from any other big city in Germany.
  • From Koblenz hbf change from ICE trains to regional express to get to Boppard hbf and then walk till Boppard K.D. where the K.D. cruises begin.
  • Similarly from Mainz hbf change from ICE to regional trains to get to Bingen hbf and then walk till Bingen K.D. port where the cruises begin. 

Private Cruise:

A popular way to see Rhine valley and castles in the German wine region is by taking a Rhine river cruise. If you like to spend overnight on a cruise and can shell a little extra cash then this is a great way to travel. I get motion sick so I preferred mixing trains and a road trip along with a mini K.D. cruise instead.

This image shows a large river cruise ship named "A-Rosa Flora" gliding along a calm river, with green hills and a hilltop castle in the background. The ship features modern design with large panoramic windows and is set against a backdrop of lush greenery and a partly cloudy sky. The scene highlights the peaceful surroundings and scenic beauty of the area.

Rhine River Valley 2-day DIY Itinerary

Below is our itinerary broken down by each day. We hope this helps you plan the most romantic holiday in Germany.

Tip: There is a castle at every bend on Rhine river (no joke) so choose your stops carefully on this weekend trip. Here’s a great map of all the castles on the Rhine.

Day 1

We collected our rental car at Frankfurt airport and hit the autobahn early in the morning. If you are taking the train instead of driving then head to Mainz or Bingen to start exploring all the castles near Frankfurt.

Stop 1: Mainz

Mainz is a big city close to Frankfurt and known for hosting several festivals along the river. Check out Mainz festival calendar to see if you want to tap on it. We stopped here for a morning stroll through the market on the riverfront

This image shows a woman in a yellow and blue summer dress walking down a narrow, cobblestone street in a picturesque village. She is holding the brim of her hat, partially covering her face, as she strolls past charming pastel-colored buildings with traditional architecture. The peaceful street is lined with vintage-style lampposts and a sign for a winery that reads "Weingut Franz Lüdicke."

Stop 2: Rudesheim am Rhein, Burg Rheinstein and Reichenstein (Near Bingen)

‘Rudesheim am Rhein’ is a small town in Germany and popular for its Riesling wine (of course!). Take the Rudesheim cable car ride, if you have the time, to Niederwald Monument passing over the German vineyards. 

We skipped the cable car but drove by some of the castles nearby namely Burg Rheinstein and Burg Reichenstein. Both these castles can be seen on your drive or from the K.D. ferry.

TIP: If you ever dreamed of staying in a castle then this is your chance – Reichenstein castle, built in the 12th century, is also a castle hotel in Germany. 

This image shows a narrow, cobblestone street framed by an old stone archway, likely part of a historic structure. The charming street is lined with pastel-colored buildings and decorated with potted plants, vintage lampposts, and small details that give it a quaint, rustic feel. The archway is weathered, with patches of greenery growing along its edges, enhancing the scene's old-world atmosphere.

Stop 3: Bacharach (Overnight Stay)

Next up we headed to Bacharach, my favorite town, also popular for its Riesling wines (duh!). We chose to spend our first night in Bacharach as it was centrally located on our planned route. And not only that, the quaintness of this small town was as a bonus to stay overnight. We explored the town of Bacharach the next day so more info on that below.

TIP: Another great place to stay overnight would be the town of Oberwesel.

This image features a charming cobblestone street lined with half-timbered buildings, typical of traditional German architecture. One building, in particular, stands out with red and white timber framing, and a sign for a "Café Restaurant" surrounded by vines. The street leads to more picturesque structures in the distance, set against the backdrop of a green hill under a clear, blue sky. The peaceful atmosphere captures the essence of a quaint, historic village.
This image depicts a scenic view of a vineyard on a hillside overlooking a picturesque village with a prominent church tower. The village is nestled between the hills and the river, with the sun casting a warm glow over the landscape. In the background, green hills rise against the backdrop of the river winding through the valley, creating a peaceful and idyllic atmosphere.

Stop 4: Bacharach to St. Goar Rhine River cruise with K.D.

After checking in our Airbnb in Bacharach and finding street parking for our rental car, we decided to take the afternoon ferry from Bacharach to St. Goar. We could only go till St. Goar to avoid missing the last ferry back for the day. 

The scheduled K.D. river cruise we took had an English speaking tour guide who explained the history and folklore behind all the castles and the Lorelei (rock pictured below) on Rhine River. Burg Katz is another beautiful medieval castle that you will see from St. Goar.

This image captures a group of people on a river cruise boat admiring the scenic view of steep, rocky hills covered in lush greenery along the riverbank. The boat sails through a narrow section of the river, with towering cliffs on both sides, under a bright blue sky with a few clouds. The passengers are enjoying the peaceful atmosphere and natural beauty of the landscape.
This image shows a group of people walking across a bridge into the town of St. Goar, as indicated by the large archway sign. The background features colorful buildings, including the "Hotel Rheinfels," with a church spire rising above the rooftops. The sky is clear, and the sun casts a warm light over the town, creating a welcoming atmosphere as visitors enter this charming riverside location.
This image features a scenic riverside village nestled against a steep, green hillside, with a castle perched near the top. The village buildings, in various pastel colors, line the riverbank, creating a picturesque contrast against the natural surroundings. The calm river reflects the scene, while the bright blue sky enhances the peaceful and idyllic atmosphere of the location.

Stop 5: Schloss Rheinfels in St. Goar

Since St. Goar was our last stop we decided to explore the town for an hour before heading back.  Right away, we headed to Rheinfels Castle which was built in the 13th century. You can either take a shuttle bus to go up to the castle from the town center or hike up a paved path. Given the little time we had, we took the shuttle back and forth.

This image shows a smiling couple sitting together in a decorative carriage with "Schloss Rheinfels" written on it. They are positioned under an archway, and the background includes a vintage bicycle and a sign pointing to "Villa Rheinfels." The scene is cozy and intimate, capturing a joyful moment between the couple in what appears to be a historic or scenic setting.
This image features a woman sitting in the arched stone window of a historic ruin. She is smiling and dressed in a navy blue dress with black shoes, framed by ivy growing along the edges of the weathered stone structure. The background reveals more of the ancient stone walls, adding to the charm and timeless atmosphere of the setting.

TIP: For those dreaming of staying in a castle, Burg Rheinfels is another castle hotel in Germany to get pampered like a royal.

This image shows the entrance to Schloss Rheinfels, a historic castle now serving as a "Romantik Hotel," as indicated by the large sign in the foreground. Visitors are walking along a stone path toward the castle, which is surrounded by medieval walls and colorful flags waving in the breeze. The bright blue sky and lush greenery add to the inviting atmosphere of this popular tourist destination.

On the return boat ride, a glass of wine each made for a perfect companion to relax and enjoy the beautiful views of castles on the Rhine.                 

This image features a bottle of 2016 Dornfelder wine from Rheinhessen alongside a half-filled glass on a mosaic-patterned table. In the background, blurred figures enjoy the scenic view of a river and distant hills, with a castle and a church visible atop the landscape. The relaxed, outdoor setting, with the wine as the focal point, suggests a leisurely moment during a river cruise or at a riverside café.
This image shows a woman enjoying a glass of white wine while gazing at the scenic view of terraced vineyards on a hillside. She appears relaxed, standing at a table on an outdoor terrace or deck, with a few buildings and greenery visible in the background. The sunny weather and picturesque landscape suggest a peaceful moment in a wine region.

Day 2

Stop 1: Explore Bacharach

We woke up at the crack of down to explore Bacharach the next day. That was the best decision ever since we were the only two souls out in the whole town which happens probably never in Europe.

On that note, if you are wondering when to visit Germany, we highly recommend spring or fall i.e. right before or after the summer tourist season hits to avoid the crowd. 

This image captures a low-angle view of a quiet cobblestone street lined with historic buildings in a charming town. The street is flanked by colorful facades, traditional windows, and lanterns, leading toward a distant building with half-timbered architecture. The perspective highlights the texture of the cobblestones, giving the scene a timeless, rustic feel.

What to see in Bacharach:

  • Burg Stahleck Castle: The castle in Bacharach is now turned into a youth hostel. Yes, that means you don’t have to pay a bomb to stay in a castle, grab yourself a bunk bed or a small private room on a budget.
  • Hiking: There are a few great hikes in Bacharach taking you through the vineyards. One of those trails takes you up to Burg Stahleck. We hiked to the old post tower to get the below postcard view of the town and the castle.
  • Vineyards: You don’t have to go far to explore vineyards in Bacharach, you are already surrounded by it. And if you haven’t noticed already, most of these vineyards are situated on the mountain slopes giving the local wine a fine flavor.
  • Ancient ruins: Wernerkapelle is an unfinished gothic ruin still standing tall in Bacharach. There is a trail which goes behind the Bacharach church that leads you here.
  • Walk around the town: Bacharach is one of the prettiest towns in Germany with some of the oldest buildings, take some time to leisurely walk around.
This image showcases a tall, red wooden structure standing in the middle of a terraced vineyard on a hillside. The structure contrasts with the surrounding green vines and yellow wildflowers, set against a bright blue sky. The rows of grapevines stretch up the hill, creating a picturesque and peaceful scene typical of a wine-producing region.
This image shows a woman in a yellow dress and sunhat standing in a vineyard overlooking a charming village. The village features a prominent church with a tall spire and the ruins of a large Gothic structure. The scene is set in a valley with rolling hills and a river in the background, creating a picturesque and serene landscape typical of a historic European town. The woman smiles as she enjoys the beautiful, sunny day in this idyllic setting.
The Cathedral tower (left) and Wernerkapelle ruins (right) in the backdrop

Stop 2: Explore Boppard

After breakfast, we drove to the town of Boppard passing by the town of Oberwesel. It was a beautiful Sunday morning in Boppard where farmer’s market and a spring festival was taking place. Boppard is a bigger town so you will find tons of local stores and German food places to try here.

This image shows a lively town square with a modern, artistic fountain at the center, surrounded by outdoor cafés with red umbrellas. The square is bordered by traditional half-timbered buildings and a large, historic church with white walls and arched windows. People are sitting on benches and enjoying the day, contributing to the vibrant and inviting atmosphere of the town. The architecture and open space create a charming blend of old and new.
This image shows a hand holding a sandwich filled with a crispy breaded fish fillet, in front of a seafood deli counter displaying a variety of sandwiches. The counter features options such as "Brathering" for €3.00 and "Tiefseekrabben" (deep-sea shrimp) for €4.00, with colorful sandwiches neatly arranged on beds of lettuce. The setting is likely a seafood market or deli, offering fresh, ready-to-eat options.

Stop 3: Marksburg Castle

Marksburg Castle is another popular castle in the Rhine valley located on the east side of the river. We were driving on the west side and the only way to cross the river is on a boat (there are no bridges!). So we saw the castle from a viewpoint across the river. TIP: If you have the time then take a tour of this castle, it is highly recommended by Rick Steves.

This image shows a majestic hilltop castle with cream-colored walls and distinctive towers, surrounded by lush greenery. The castle, perched high above the landscape, has an imposing presence, with its large keep and fortified walls. The clear sky and natural surroundings highlight the historic and picturesque nature of this landmark.
This image captures a woman in a wide-brimmed hat gazing across a river toward a hilltop castle. The castle, perched on a lush green hill, stands tall against a backdrop of blue sky with scattered clouds. The peaceful river and distant village below the castle create a serene, picturesque scene, with the woman appearing to enjoy the view and the tranquility of the setting.

Stop 4: Burg Eltz

Ideally, the next stop on our Rhine river road trip was Koblenz but we took a little detour into the Mosel River region to see Burg Eltz. The Mosel river cruises are also a popular road trip in this region and would make for a perfect weekend getaway in Germany. If you have the time explore the nearby town Cochem on the Mosel valley.

This image features a woman in a hat walking across a cobblestone bridge toward a grand, medieval-style castle surrounded by vibrant autumn-colored trees. The castle, with its multiple towers and steep roofs, creates a fairytale-like setting. The low-angle perspective of the bridge and the soft lighting from the sunset enhance the magical atmosphere, as the woman leisurely strolls toward the entrance.

TIP: You guy, you have to visit Burg Eltz castle while you are here! More info on how to get to Burg Eltz below –

Getting to Burg Eltz: Driving is the best way to get here and there is plenty of parking available at Burg Eltz. From the parking lot, you can either take a shuttle bus to the castle or a short hike on the marked trail through the forest to get here. The views are different so I recommend taking both routes, one going up and the other to come back.

TIP: Walk the paved shuttle bus route for the best postcard view of castle Burg Eltz.

This image shows a grand castle nestled in the middle of a dense forest, surrounded by vibrant green trees. The medieval castle, with its tall towers and fortified walls, sits atop a small hill, creating a striking contrast against the natural landscape. A winding path leads up to the entrance, giving the scene a secluded, fairytale-like atmosphere. The soft, warm light adds to the enchanting quality of the setting.
Walk the paved road to the parking lot to find this view

Inside Burg Eltz: There is no entrance fee to see Eltz castle’s surroundings. You only have to pay an entrance fee if you want to see the rooms inside the castle. It is very similar to visiting Neuschwanstein Castle near Munich.

Having seen both, we’d say just skip the tour unless you really want to see the room layouts and Eltz family’s belongings. Yes, the family still owns this castle. Instead, spend more time walking around the castle, the river behind it and enjoy the views from the restaurant/bar.

This image shows two hands holding drinks in a celebratory toast in front of a towering medieval castle. One person holds a glass of white wine, and the other holds a glass of beer with a picture of the castle on it. The castle’s stone walls and detailed turrets dominate the background, with intricate architecture that adds to the historical ambiance. The scene captures a moment of celebration, likely at the castle, against a backdrop of rich heritage.
This image shows a woman sitting on a stone wall, gazing at a grand castle nestled in a lush, green forest. She is wearing a hat and casual clothes, enjoying the serene and scenic view of the medieval castle below. The forest surrounding the castle enhances the fairytale-like atmosphere, and the peaceful moment suggests a connection with the natural beauty of the landscape.
Walk the paved road to the parking lot to find this view

Stop 5: Spend the night at Koblenz

After a long second day, we reached Koblenz just before sunset. Koblenz is a big city in Germany and a UNESCO World Heritage Site where the confluence of Rhine River and the Mosel River takes place.

After checking into our hotel, we did a self walking tour of the old town Koblenz. We ended our walk at the confluence of Mosel and Rhine just in time for sunset. The beautiful riverfront walkway ends at a big statue of Kaiser Wilhelm which opens up to a gorgeous view of the convergence of two rivers.

This image features a large, impressive monument with a statue of a historical figure on horseback atop a massive stone pedestal. The monument is set against a soft, pastel sky as the sun sets, casting a warm glow over the scene. People are gathered around the base of the monument, some sitting on the steps, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere. Trees flank the sides of the monument, adding greenery to this prominent, open plaza.
Koblenz Germany the walkway to the Mosel and Rhine River meeting point
This image shows a wide, paved plaza at the confluence of two rivers, with flags lining the perimeter. A few people are scattered around the plaza, enjoying the view of the water as the sun sets, casting a soft pink hue across the sky. The surrounding landscape features green hills on one side and a tree-lined shore on the other, with a distant town visible along the riverbank. A barge is gliding along the calm water, adding to the tranquil scene.
Meeting point of Mosel (left) and Rhine (right) Rivers

A few other popular things to do in Koblenz:

  • The Koblenz cable car above Rhine River which takes you to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress,
  • Schloss Stolzenfels is the other castle in Koblenz which you can tour.
  • Visit Basilica of St. Castor.
  • Walk around the streets of old town Koblenz.

Day 3

Return Trip

We had an afternoon flight from Frankfurt, so this time we took the autobahn (highway) to get back to the airport from Koblenz. If you are taking the train from Koblenz then you just need to hop on an ICE train to get to Frankfurt hbf.

Where to Stay in Rhine Valley

Here are some of our recommendations to help you with accommodation in the Rhine Valley. We stayed at Trierer Hof and it was a perfect location to explore old Koblenz town.

Bacharach

Altkölnischer Hof

Hotel am Markt

Explore Bacharach Hotels

Mainz

Guesthouse Mainz

Hotel Königshof

Explore Mainz Hotels

Koblenz

Trierer Hof

Hotel Hohenstaufen

Explore Koblenz Hotels

In closing, take it from us and skip the big cities to go explore the Rhine River valley or the Mosel River region in Germany. It has to be one of the most romantic places to visit in Germany!

More on Travel in Europe

This image captures a couple sharing a tender moment, with the man embracing the woman from behind as they both smile. They are standing on a pathway, with a grand castle towering in the background amidst lush greenery. Both are wearing hats, and the setting evokes a sense of romance and adventure, with the historic architecture and natural surroundings adding to the enchanting atmosphere.

If you like this extensive guide do pin it for later and share it with your friends and family!

where to find medieval castles in Germany
How to explore Rhine River Valley Germany
Best romantic road trip in Germany

Happy Traveling!

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24 comments on “Exploring the Rhine River Castles & Wine Region – A Romantic Road Trip in Germany”

  3. Wow, such stunning German countryside and a very detailed post. Burg Eltz looks incredible and you’re right very similar to Neuchweinstein Castle. I’m from Ireland originally and certainly plan on exploring more of Europe when I’m home so this is right up my alley. Gorgeous photos too.

    Reply

  4. I’ve been to Germany once and it was nothing like this. Definitely want to make a trip back there and check out some castles and the wine country. Looks like so much fun!

    Reply

  5. This sounds absolutely lovely! I love the idea of castle hopping and tasting wine along the way! Definitely need to visit the Rhine River valley sooner rather than later!

    Reply

  6. This is such a lovely area of Germany – full of history – but man those castles are something else. I wonder what it was like to live in them when they were built!

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  7. I LOVE the look of this holiday!

    There is something so exciting about exploring castles, from the ruined falling down castles in Wales, to the ornate perched-on-cliffs castles in Japan, I always love visited them. Germany’s castles are so dreamy and cool though! BurgEltz looks amaaaazing, was that your favourite?

    It’s awesome that this region has wine as well!!

    Reply

    • Yes, Burg Eltz was my favorite so far in Germany given its age & ruggedness. I have also been to Neuschwanstein aka Disney Castle and yet I’d say I love Eltz more 🙂

      Reply

  10. What a cool trip! My husband and I have been anxious to visit this region, and have been torn between renting a car or going on a river cruise. I think you just convinced us to do it as a road trip so that we can go at our own pace and have some more freedom! 😉

    Reply

    • Yeah, that’s the thing I don’t do well with pre-arranged tours and Rhine river cruises seemed like that for me. And given that we could still cruise along parts of the river in addition to our road trip it was a win-win!

      Reply

  11. I love the Rhine region! I had no idea you could take a short cruise to get between some of the places. I will definitely be looking into that. Koblenz looks like an area I would love.

    Reply

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