Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The Rhine Valley is storybook Germany, a fairy-tale world of legends and robber-baron
castles. Cruise the most castle-studded stretch of the romantic Rhine as you listen for the
songofthetreacherous Loreley.Forhands-onthrills, climb throughtheRhineland'sgreatest
castle, Rheinfels, above the town of St. Goar. Spend your nights in a castle-crowned village,
either Bacharach or St. Goar.
Planning Your Time
The Rhineland is magical, but doesn't take much time to see. Both Bacharach and St. Goar
are an easy 1.5-hour train ride (€15) or a one-hour drive from Frankfurt Airport, and they
make a good first or last stop for travelers flying in or out.
Ideally,spendtwonightshere,sleepinBacharach, cruisethebesthouroftheriver(from
Bacharach to St. Goar), and tour Rheinfels Castle. If rushed, focus on Rheinfels Castle and
cruise less.
Ifpossible,visittheRhinebetweenAprilandOctober.Thelowseasonislowerherethan
insomeotherpartsofGermany.ManyhotelsandrestaurantsclosefromNovembertoFebru-
ary or March. Riverboats don't run, sights close or have short hours, and neither Bacharach
or St. Goar have much in the way of Christmas markets.
