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Things to do in Middle Rhine

Our most recommended things to do in Middle Rhine

Rhine Valley Castles: 1.5-Hour Boat Tour from Rüdesheim

1. Rhine Valley Castles: 1.5-Hour Boat Tour from Rüdesheim

Experience a castle tour in the Middle Rhine Valley, where fine wines from ruby red Pinot Noir to shimmering golden Riesling are grown. Discover one of Europe’s oldest trade routes along former toll castles and robber barons' nests, where Victor Hugo, Goethe, and Heinrich Heine are onboard in spirit. Explore beloved places of the Middle Rhine Valley that inspired the poets who created Rhine Romanticism. This section of the Rhine, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2002, is home to more castles than anywhere else. Admire Rheinstein Castle, Reichenstein Castle (Trechtingshausen), the ruins of Ehrenfels Castle, and the fabled Mouse Tower of Binger Loch. See the Nahe river flow into the Rhine and marvel at Klopp Castle before continuing on to the Niederwald Monument with the Germania and the Niederwald Temple in Osteinpark. Let the myth of the Rhine Romanticism enchant you. Admire the red wine region of Assmannhausen with its famous Pinot Noir vineyards as well as the flourishing town of Bingen with the beautiful Rhine park of the 2008 horticultural show and Rüdesheim with the famous Drosselgasse.

Koblenz: Upper Middle Rhine Valley Castle Boat Tour

2. Koblenz: Upper Middle Rhine Valley Castle Boat Tour

Welcome aboard the La Paloma for a cruise in the Upper Middle Rhine Valley World Heritage Site. On no other stretch of the Rhine are the castles and palaces so beautifully strung together. On board the La Paloma, you can relax and enjoy the view. Start in Koblenz and first sail a short distance down the Rhine with a view of the Rhine in front of Koblenz, the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, and the famous "Deutsche Eck" (German Corner). At the mouth of the Moselle, the ship turns around and makes its way up the Rhine to Braubach to Marksburg Castle. The cruise takes you past the Electoral Palace of Koblenz (Kufürstliches Schloss Koblenz), the Koblenz Brewery, Lahneck Castle, Stolzenfels Castle and the Königsstuhl in Rhens. In Braubach (castle Marksburg) the ship turns around and sails back to Koblenz.

From Frankfurt: Rhine Valley Day Trip

3. From Frankfurt: Rhine Valley Day Trip

Discover the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Rhine Valley, with its vineyards and picturesque towns and villages. See the mighty medieval castles – the area has the highest density of such buildings in the world. Marvel at the stunningly beautiful "Lorelei-Felsen," or Siren's Rocks, and enjoy fantastic views over the valley from the Niederwald monument. In the summer you can ride on the Assmannshausen cable car down into the valley (optional), have lunch in a marvelous restaurant on the banks of the Rhine (included), and then take a wonderful Panorama boat trip to St. Goarshausen, past the famous Loreley. Try fine wines on location in a small tavern and or just lose yourself in the picturesque little town of Rüdesheim. Please note that the tour will only stop at Rüdesheim if time allows.  In winter time it may be possible that steamers do not operate in case of bad weather or water conditions. In this case, you will visit a castle instead. You'll travel back to Frankfurt by bus when the tour is finished and will be dropped off at the meeting point.

From Bonn: Rhine River Boat Tour to Königswinter

4. From Bonn: Rhine River Boat Tour to Königswinter

See Bonn's harbor-side attractions on a boat tour to Königswinter. Enjoy live commentary from your guide who will share lots of fun facts about Bonn, the government district, the Siebengebirge, and other sights in the area. Start your harbor adventure from the Rhine River waterfront in Bonn. From here, the boat will take you along the Rhine to the city of Königswinter. Marvel at the famous Drachenburg Castle on top of the Drachenfels. Later, the boat sets sail back to the harbor in Bonn, where you'll disembark and can enjoy the rest of your stay in the city.

From Rüdesheim: 1.5-Hour Boat Cruise with Wine Tasting

5. From Rüdesheim: 1.5-Hour Boat Cruise with Wine Tasting

Embark on a journey with famous names of history onboard a Rhine ship and enjoy a cruise along one of Europe’s oldest trade routes, passing by former toll castles and robber baron nests. Victor Hugo, Goethe, and Heinrich Heine are onboard with you in spirit as your guides to the most beautiful places, through which the Middle Rhine Valley becomes the source of the Rhine Romanticism. This section of the Rhine is home to more castles than anywhere else. Admire Rheinstein Castle, Reichenstein Castle (Trechtingshausen), the ruins of Ehrenfels Castle, and the fabled Mouse Tower of Binger Loch. See the Nahe river flow into the Rhine and marvel at Klopp Castle before continuing on to the Niederwald Monument with the Germania and the Niederwald Temple in Osteinpark. Explore the village of Assmannhausen, which is known for its red wine, as well as the flourishing town of Bingen and the world-famous Rüdesheim. Along the way, taste four wines under the expert guidance of a Rüdesheim winemaker, enjoy fresh pretzels, and take a souvenir glass home with you.

Heidelberg and Rhine Combination Tour from Frankfurt

6. Heidelberg and Rhine Combination Tour from Frankfurt

Explore romantic Heidelberg and the Upper Middle Rhine Valley on a delightful combination of a city tour and river cruise. Admire some of Germany's most charming sights, from the medieval castles in one of the country's most beautiful cities to a ride on a classic steamer. Your day starts with a ride south from Frankfurt to the picturesque city on the river Neckar. Tour the famous Heidelberg Castle for a look at the long courtyard, the mighty terrace, and one of the largest wine barrels in the world, and then take a walk in the city's medieval town center to marvel at the Old Bridge, Karl's Gate, the Church of the Holy Spirit, and the House of the Knights, as well as the oldest university in Germany. Next, the tour takes you into the Upper Middle Rhine Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its remarkable scenery and medieval structures. Admire the mighty castles, villages, and charming little vineyards, and then board a Rhine steamer for a voyage downriver from Kaub to the town of Assmannshausen. Once you're back ashore, stop to sample the local wine in a local tavern and enjoy a delicious dinner in a restaurant by the riverbank before the time comes for your return to Frankfurt.

From Rüdesheim: 2-hour Christmas Boat Tour on the Rhine

7. From Rüdesheim: 2-hour Christmas Boat Tour on the Rhine

Take part in a romantic tour by boat down the Rhine. The old castles on the hills, covered in snow, make for a magical view, which you can enjoy from your comfortable seat in the warm cabin of your boat. Listen to the stories and customs of ancient times as you cruise down the Rhine. Hear the fairytales, myths, and legends of the Rhine. Learn about the many architectural monuments and cities along its banks, and hear about German Christmas traditions past and present for a lovely day on the river. Enjoy drinks and snacks on board as you watch the fairytale landscape drift past. End your wonderful trip with a visit the world-famous Rüdesheim Christmas Market, where you can try glühwein and cookies while enjoying Christmas spectacles from all around the world.

From Boppard: Middle Rhine Valley Loreley Sightseeing Cruise

8. From Boppard: Middle Rhine Valley Loreley Sightseeing Cruise

Travel through the middle of the Unesco World Heritage Site along the Upper Middle Rhine Valley. Kick off your cruise in the romantic little town of Boppard, travel to St. Goarshausen und then back to Boppard . Experience an exciting round trip between Boppard and St. Goar/St. Goarshausen. Enjoy the two-and-a-half-hour round trip and check out castles, vineyards and romantic villages from on board of our KD ship.

Rüdesheim am Rhein: Christmas Boat Cruise on the Rhine

9. Rüdesheim am Rhein: Christmas Boat Cruise on the Rhine

Experience a romantic cruise on the Rhine River. Cruise past medieval castles and snow-capped ruins covered as you admire the view from your heated and cozy ship. Listen to festive Christmas music as the boat cruises and snack on freshly-baked waffles and local coffee from the onboard restaurant. Finish the day with a visit to the world-famous Rüdesheimer Weihnachtsmarkt der Nationen, where you can taste mulled wine and cookies while admiring the traditions of other countries.

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What people are saying about Middle Rhine

Overall rating

4.2 / 5

based on 899 reviews

The tour is amazing! Mikle our guide is absolutely the best! He gave us so much interesting information, I just have to plan another visit to Frankfurt to try everything he was talking about! The restaurant where we stop for a dinner is so interesting, I have never saw interior like that!!!! Food was not my taste, but I will definitely recommend to visit this place for drink and wonder around. You can easily spend few hour in the restaurant exploring all little things they collected and displayed. Boat ride was amazing! I didn’t want it to stop!

Our tour guide, Michael, was fantastic! We stopped in a couple of small towns for photo ops as well as a wonderful lunch at a very eclectic restaurant. We were given a nice wine tasting (including Eis Wein) to give us a nice idea of the local wines offered for our trip. The river cruise was awesome. The weather held for us, so that was a plus this time of year. I highly recommend this tour! This was my second time but a first for my friend.

This is an easy day trip and I would definitely recommend it! Since we were a small group of about 12, we were able to stop along scenic spots for photos and to enjoy the sights. Our guide Michael was funny and wonderful too. The wine tasting part was not so impressive but it was not the highlight of the trip anyway so that was ok.

Excellent trip. Our guide Michael was entertaining and knowledgeable. The boat cruise was outstanding, especially since we had the boat to ourselves! And the castles were spectacular. I would recommend this trip to all!

Great trip, very energetic guide. Despite all road challenges ( some piers were closed), the administration team could manage very well. Would recommend to any friend and family.