The 9 Best Things to Do in Bacharach, Germany

Step Into a Fairy Tale

This is the ideal village on the Rhine river. Half-timbered houses line the narrow streets as they wind through the old town. Most buildings were constructed before the sixteenth century and are appealingly crooked. A small creek flows into the river and stone bridges provide picture-worthy backdrops.

Unlike some other, larger, more well-known towns on the Rhine, Bacharach remains quite sleepy. While locals expect tourists to wander their streets with a camera at the ready, they seem quite welcoming towards ausländer (outsiders) who can appreciate their special place in the world.

Discover the Symbol of Bacharach

Walking up from the water, Wernerkapelle is the symbol of Bacharach. This elegant sandstone ruin is a marker on the way up to the castle. Admire the Gothic clover-leaf-shaped design that is still standing after its roof collapsed in 1689 as a result of debris from the French blowing up the castle. To find the Wernerkapelle, follow the stone steps and signposts that lead to the site.  

Sleep Like Royalty and Pay Like a Pauper

Continue up the path about 10 minutes to approximately 160 meters (520 ft) above sea level and you'll find Burg Stahleck. Built by the archbishops of Cologne in the 12th century, this castle protected the town and collected tolls from trade passing by on the river. 

The castle was heavily fortified and surrounded by a partial moat but was still conquered several times over the years, like the aforementioned destruction by the French.

It was rebuilt in the 20th century and today, it is not nearly so impenetrable. It is open to the public as a jugendherberge (hostel). Along with the typical bunk beds for 168, there are private rooms fit for a family and a shared playroom.

From the windows of the castle and the open courtyard, guests can admire the breathtaking views of the river. Built on the orders of the Archbishop of Cologne, it was destroyed in the late 17th century but rebuilt in the 20th and is now a hostel.

Cruise the Rhine

Taking a cruise down the Rhine is the premier past time and how most people find their way to Bacharach. This area's many castles and surprisingly delightful villages offer endless entertainment, making it popular with international visitors. Besides Bacharach, popular attractions nearby on the Rhine include:

• St.Goar: This quiet town is the entry point for the ruins of Rheinfels Castle. 
• Marksburg Castle: This princess style castle is one of the few castles that have never been destroyed.
• Schönburg: Yet another castle in the seemingly endless line of castles on the Rhine is above the medieval town of Oberwesel. Today, it is a luxury hotel. 

Trade Beer for Wine

Despite Germany's reputation for beer, it is all about the wine along the Rhine. The area is renown for its white wines, particularly Riesling.

The importance of wine in the Rhine is hard to miss. Every steep hill is carefully terraced and vineyards line both sides of the river. The best three vineyards in Bacharach are Wolfshöhle, Posten and Hahn. Visitors can buy these wines throughout the town, or go directly to the vineyards to sample their wares.

The wine bars of Weingut Fredrich Bastian and Weingut Toni Just are the perfect place to experience the best of the region. They offer tastings of individual wines, as well as samplings of a variety of wines. In June, enthusiasts can join the biggest wine party of the year at Weinblütenfest in nearby Steeg.

Even if you aren't a fan of wine, you are likely to ingest some wine while in Bacharach. The local riesling is used in cooking traditional foods from marinades to sauces to Riesling gelato (try Italia 76 Eiscafé in town).

Eat at the Oldest House in Town

The appropriately named Altes Haus (old house) really is the oldest building in town. Constructed in 1368 in the typical medieval half-timbered style, it escaped a fire that destroyed many of the other buildings at the beginning of the 19th century.

It also just might be the best restaurant in Bacharach. A medieval interior is the perfect setting for German classics like rotkohl and schweinshaxe. Pictures on the wall show how little has changed over the years at Altes Haus.

Climb to the Top

You don't necessarily need to climb to the castle to get a great view. The Postenturm (post tower) is just north of Bacharach and offers incredible views of the river and town.

Dating back over a century, it was renovated in the 21st century and opened to the public in 2005. It is an easy uphill walk through the vineyards to the tower and a short climb to the top. There is a small fee for entry.

Never Lose Sight of the Church

In this small town, Protestant Kirche St. Peter can be seen throughout as it sits in the heart of Bacharach. Begun in 1100, it was completed in the 14th century and its red and white tower pokes toward the sky.

Inside, note the alter with stunning frescoes. There are also panels depicting Martin Luther and the Reformation since its 500-year anniversary in 2017. Also watch out for the bizarre, small statues of a frog man and woman with serpents biting her breasts.

Put on Your Hiking Boots

If you prefer to take things slower than by boat or by train, you can walk the Rheinburgenweg (Rhine castles trail). It follows the west bank of the river and wanders past castles and through vineyards. Revel in unparalleled views of the UNESCO World Heritage Site valley on this elevated trail.

Follow the red R signs from Bingen to Rolandsbogen (a city south of Bonn). It was opened in 2004 and is designated as a Qualitätswegs Wanderbares Deutschland. Take the Rheinburgenweg south as it is less steep than going north.

The path is manageable even for casual walkers with only a few rocky sections. You can traverse most of the trail with basic footwear, but hiking boots are recommended. It wanders into town about every 10 km so there is no need to pack a lot of supplies. You can sit down for a full meal and a beer at regular interviews.