Rhine River Valley Itinerary
The Rhine River Valley Road Trip is an unforgettable journey along one of Europe's most beautiful rivers. Starting in Cologne, Germany and ending in Mainz, Germany, this 226km (140 mile) route will take you through the towns of Königswinter, Linz am Rhein, Koblenz, Sankt Goar, and Rüdesheim. This road trip is suitable for all types of drivers, and can be done on a moderate budget.
The best time to take this road trip is in the spring or summer months, when the picturesque landscapes along the Rhine come alive with vibrant colors. You will have the opportunity to witness some of Germany's most iconic UNESCO Heritage Monuments, including the Middle Rhine Valley and the Upper Middle Rhine Valley. You can also explore some of the area's historical sites, such as the Marksburg Castle and the Lorelei Rock.
The Rhine River Valley Road Trip is an excellent way to experience some of Germany's most stunning scenery and historical sites. With its excellent road conditions and breathtaking views, this road trip is sure to provide you with an unforgettable experience and lots of memories.
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number of days
226 km
route length
fair
budget
family
good for
on the right
traffic direction
low
accident level
START
Cologne
Distance 226 km
Driving time 4.3 h
Pace: modest
58.7 kWh
Airports
CGN
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DUS
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Cologne is the perfect starting point for a road trip along the Rhine River Valley. The city has a long history, with plenty of sights to visit, from its iconic twin-spired Cathedral to the city's oldest church St. Gereon. Visitors can explore the old town, take a stroll along the cobblestone streets and visit the many museums, galleries and cafés. The city also boasts a vibrant nightlife scene and plenty of shopping opportunities.
Those flying in can do so via Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN), located just 12 miles southeast of the city. Car rental services are available, making it the ideal starting point to the Rhine River Valley Road Trip. From here, travelers can explore the cities along the Rhine, including Bonn, Koblenz, Speyer, and Heidelberg.
No matter how long you stay in Cologne, you're sure to see sights that will remain with you for a lifetime. Take in the breathtaking views of the Rhine River, visit the Roman-Germanic Museum, or marvel at the many works of art in the Wallraf-Richartz Museum. There's something for everyone to enjoy in Cologne.
1
Cologne
- Bonn
- Königswinter
Distance 61 km
Driving time 1.0 h
Pace: modest
15.9 kWh
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Itinerary
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Are you ready for an unforgettable road trip? Start your journey in Cologne and drive through the beautiful Rhineland to Bonn, the former German capital city. Here you can explore the old town with its many historical sites, such as the magnificent Poppelsdorf Palace and the impressive City Hall. Then, keep your journey going to Königswinter, a stunning town located on the Rhine River. Along the 61km route, you will be able to admire some UNESCO Heritage sites, so make sure you don’t miss them! The drive will take you less than an hour, so you will have plenty of time to explore the town and its surroundings. The breathtaking view of the Siebengebirge Mountains will leave you speechless. Don't forget to visit the Drachenfels Castle, a majestic old ruin, and the charming town of Bad Honnef. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check out the Itinerary of this stage. You won't regret it!
Königswinter - Germany - Europe - Scenic Drive - pixabay.com
Königswinter - Germany - Europe - Scenic Drive - www.needpix.com
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2
Königswinter
- Unkel
Distance 14 km
Driving time 0.2 h
Pace: fast
4.3 kWh
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Are you ready for an amazing road trip from Königswinter to Unkel? This 14km journey will take you less than 1 hour, and you will be able to explore some of the most interesting places in the region.
In Königswinter, you can visit the famous Drachenfels mountain, where you can take a cable car to the peak and enjoy spectacular views of the Rhine valley. The city's old town is also worth a visit, where you can find a variety of shops and restaurants.
In Unkel, you can take a stroll along the banks of the Rhine and explore the picturesque old town. In the city, you can find the ruins of the old Unkel Abbey, which was founded in the 12th century.
Along the way, you can also visit the beautiful Monrepos Palace and its lovely gardens.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!
Unkel - Germany - Europe - Scenic Drive - Wikimedia Commons
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3
Unkel
- Remagen
- Linz am Rhein
Distance 5 km
Driving time 0.1 h
Pace: modest
1.4 kWh
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Start your journey in Unkel, Germany and explore the old town and its picturesque riverbank. From here, you are only 5 km away from the beautiful Remagen, a town that is known for its vineyards and picturesque landscape. Visit the famous Remagen Bridge and take a stroll along the Rhine River. From Remagen, you will drive to Linz am Rhein, a town that is famous for its rich history and cultural heritage. Visit the St. Martin Church and the ruins of the old castle. Enjoy the views of the Rhine Valley and the surrounding vineyards. In less than an hour, you will reach the destination of this stage of your journey.
We hope you enjoyed this stage of your tour and that you were able to explore the most interesting places in Unkel, Remagen, and Linz am Rhein. For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage.
Linz am Rhein - Germany - Europe - Scenic Drive - commons.wikimedia.org
Linz am Rhein - Germany - Europe - Scenic Drive - www.wallpaperflare.com
Linz am Rhein - Germany - Europe - Scenic Drive - commons.wikimedia.org
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4
Linz am Rhein
- Andernach
Distance 21 km
Driving time 0.4 h
Pace: modest
5.4 kWh
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Welcome to the Linz am Rhein to Andernach stage of your road trip! This 21km stretch of road will take you less than an hour to drive, and it's full of interesting sites and attractions.
Start your journey in Linz am Rhein, where you can take in the sights of the historic old town and the beautiful riverside. Don't miss the Linzer Burg, a castle built in the 12th century, and the Church of the Assumption of Mary, a beautiful Baroque church.
Continue your journey to Andernach, where you can explore the ruins of Andernach Castle, a medieval fortification built in the 13th century. You can also take a walk around the old town and visit the many churches and monuments.
Make sure to take some time to enjoy the scenery along the way and to take in the sights of the Rhine River.
For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check out the "Itinerary" of this stage.
Happy road tripping!
Andernach - Germany - Europe - Scenic Drive - www.wallpaperflare.com
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5
Andernach
- Koblenz
Distance 19 km
Driving time 0.3 h
Pace: fast
5.8 kWh
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Embark on a 19 km journey from Andernach to Koblenz, Germany, and explore some of the most interesting places in the region. This drive will take you less than an hour and you will be able to admire the picturesque landscapes and historical sites along the way.
Start your journey at Andernach, a small town located at the Rhine river, and enjoy its beautiful old town, the Andernach Geyser, and the medieval castle. Then, drive to the city of Koblenz and explore the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, the Deutsches Eck, and the beautiful old town.
During your drive, you can also admire the vineyards and the romantic Rhine river. Don't forget to stop at some of the small towns along the way, such as Brohl-Lützing, Urmitz, and Lahnstein.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your journey!
Koblenz - Germany - Europe - Scenic Drive - fshoq.com
Koblenz - Germany - Europe - Scenic Drive - www.wallpaperflare.com
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6
Koblenz
- Lahnstein
- Boppard
Distance 24 km
Driving time 0.6 h
Pace: modest
6.2 kWh
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Embark on an exciting road trip from Koblenz to Boppard and explore the picturesque Rhine Valley! This 24km route takes less than an hour to drive, and is part of a larger tour through the area.
Start your journey in Koblenz, a city with a rich history and many attractions, such as the Electoral Palace, the Deutsches Eck, and the Koblenz Cable Car. As you drive along the Rhine, you will pass through Lahnstein, a charming town with a historic old town and a beautiful castle.
Continue your journey to Boppard, a romantic town on the banks of the Rhine. Here you can visit the old town and the city walls, the Gothic Church of St. Severus, and the Imperial Palace.
For more detailed information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage.
Boppard - Germany - Europe - Scenic Drive - commons.wikimedia.org
Boppard - Germany - Europe - Scenic Drive - www.wallpaperflare.com
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7
Boppard
- Sankt Goar
Distance 14 km
Driving time 0.2 h
Pace: modest
3.8 kWh
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Embark on an unforgettable road trip from Boppard to Sankt Goar, a distance of just 14km, taking no more than an hour of driving. Along the way, you'll pass through some of the most beautiful and historic parts of Germany.
Start your journey in Boppard, a charming town known for its vineyards and breathtaking views of the Rhine Valley. As you drive along the river, you'll be able to spot some of the area's most impressive castles, including the Rheinfels Castle, the Marksburg Castle, and the Ehrenfels Castle.
Continue your journey to Sankt Goar, a picturesque town located on the Rhine and surrounded by vineyards. Here you can take a boat ride on the Rhine or visit the ruins of the Rheinfels Castle, one of the largest castles on the Rhine. You can also explore the local market and sample some of the region's famous wines.
No matter which attractions you choose to visit, you're sure to have an amazing time on your road trip from Boppard to Sankt Goar. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check out the Itinerary of this stage.
Sankt Goar - Germany - Europe - Scenic Drive - commons.wikimedia.org
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8
Sankt Goar
- Bacharach
Distance 13 km
Driving time 0.2 h
Pace: modest
3.5 kWh
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Embark on a 13 km road trip from Sankt Goar to Bacharach, Germany. This drive will take you less than an hour and is one of the most beautiful stages of this larger tour. As you drive, you will be able to admire the stunning landscapes of the Rhine Valley, and the medieval castles that dot the area.
In Sankt Goar, you can visit the ruins of Rheinfels Castle, the largest castle on the Rhine. You can also explore the city's old town and its many historical sites.
In Bacharach, make sure to visit the medieval town walls, the 13th century Stahleck Castle, and the Gothic church of St. Peter. There are also some great restaurants and wineries in the area, so be sure to try some of the local wines.
Along the way, you can also enjoy the beautiful views of the Rhine Valley. The drive is a great way to explore the area and its many historical sites.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check out the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy the journey!
Bacharach - Germany - Europe - Scenic Drive - www.flickr.com
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9
Bacharach
- Rüdesheim
Distance 20 km
Driving time 0.6 h
Pace: slow
4.5 kWh
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Embark on a road trip from Bacharach to Rüdesheim, Germany and explore the quaint towns and gorgeous landscapes of the Rhine Valley. The journey is only 20 km long and can be completed in less than an hour. As you drive, take in the sights of the medieval castle ruins in Bacharach, the vineyards and the Loreley Rock in St. Goar, and the stunning views of the Rhine Valley. Be sure to stop in the charming town of Rüdesheim and explore its cobblestone streets, half-timbered houses, and the Niederwald Monument. You can also take a cable car ride up to the Ehrenfels Castle ruins for a unique view of the valley. For more information about attractions, accommodation, restaurants, and campsites along the route, refer to the Itinerary. Enjoy your journey!
Rüdesheim - Germany - Europe - Scenic Drive - www.maxpixel.net
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10
Rüdesheim
- Mainz
Distance 33 km
Driving time 0.6 h
Pace: modest
8.6 kWh
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Welcome road-trippers! Get ready for an unforgettable journey from Rüdesheim to Mainz. This 33km trip will take you less than an hour and will take you through some of the most interesting places in Germany.
Start your journey in Rüdesheim, a charming town with a great wine-making tradition. Here you can visit the famous Drosselgasse, a picturesque street with many restaurants and wineries. Don't miss the opportunity to try some of the delicious local wines!
Continue your journey to Mainz, a city full of history and culture. Here you can visit the Mainz Cathedral, one of the most important churches in Germany. Enjoy the beautiful architecture and the amazing view from the top of the tower. Also, don't forget to visit the Gutenberg Museum, where you can learn about the history of printing and the invention of the printing press.
As you drive along the route, don't forget to pay attention to the beautiful landscapes and historical sites. This is one of the stages of a larger tour, so don't forget to check the "Itinerary" of this stage for more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route.
We hope you have a great journey from Rüdesheim to Mainz!
Mainz - Germany - Europe - Scenic Drive - commons.wikimedia.org
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Mainz
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Mainz is the perfect ending point for your Rhine River Valley Road Trip. Located on the banks of the Rhine, it is the capital of the Rhineland-Palatinate state of Germany. It is also home to the Gutenberg Museum, dedicated to Johannes Gutenberg, the inventor of the movable type printing press. The city is also home to the Mainz Cathedral, a large Romanesque church built in the 12th century, and the Mainz State Theatre, which hosts operas, musicals, and plays.
The city is full of history, culture, and beautiful sights. The Mainz Citadel, a former fortress, is an iconic landmark of the city, and the Rheingoldhalle, a concert hall, is a popular local attraction. For those interested in art and culture, there are several galleries in the city, including the Museum für Antike Schifffahrt and the Museum for Ancient Navigation.
The city also has plenty of parks and gardens to explore. The Rheingarten Park is a great place to take a walk, and the Gonsenheimer Wald is home to a variety of wildlife. For those looking to do some shopping, the Mainz Market is a great place to find unique souvenirs and gifts.
For those traveling by car, the city is located just a few hours away from Frankfurt International Airport (FRA). So, whether you’re looking to explore the city’s rich history, explore its parks and gardens, or simply relax and enjoy the beautiful views, Mainz is the perfect ending point for your Rhine River Valley Road Trip.
Rhine River Valley at a glance
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Start:
Cologne
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End:
Mainz
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Distance:
226 km
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Stay:
2 days
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Getting there:
Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN),
Düsseldorf Airport (DUS)
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When to drive:
May, June, July, August, September
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More info:
More info you can find in the "Itinerary" section at each stage.
Before you set off
Embark on an enchanting journey along the Rhine River Valley Road Trip, a picturesque route that stretches from Cologne to Mainz in Germany. This 226km (140 miles) adventure offers Roadtrippers the opportunity to immerse themselves in the cultural richness and stunning landscapes of the Rhine Valley, a region steeped in history and natural beauty.
Key Destinations and Top Sights:
- Cologne: Kickstart your Road Trip in this vibrant city, home to the UNESCO-listed Cologne Cathedral, an architectural masterpiece and one of the largest cathedrals in Europe.
- Königswinter: Ascend Drachenfels hill by the historic cog railway for panoramic views and explore the ruins of Drachenfels Castle, perched high above the Rhine.
- Linz am Rhein: Stroll through this picturesque town adorned with colorful half-timbered houses that epitomize charming German architecture.
- Koblenz: Witness the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers at Deutsches Eck and visit the imposing Ehrenbreitstein Fortress.
- Sankt Goar: Discover the legend of Lorelei Rock and explore the majestic Rheinfels Castle, the largest fortress along the Rhine.
- Rüdesheim: Wander through the lively Drosselgasse lane, enjoy local Riesling wines, and visit the Niederwald Monument, celebrating the unification of Germany.
- Mainz: Conclude your journey in this cultural hub, where you can delve into the history of printing at the Gutenberg Museum, named after the inventor of the movable-type printing press.
Best Time to Go:
The ideal time to embark on this Road Trip is during the spring or summer months when the weather is pleasant, and the vineyards and landscapes are in full bloom, providing a magical setting for your travels.
Potential Risks:
While general Road travel risks apply, the Rhine Valley boasts exceptional Road conditions and signposting. Nevertheless, it's wise to stay alert when navigating through the winding routes and always check local traffic updates.
Interesting Facts for Roadtrippers:
- This Road Trip is accessible to drivers of all skill levels and can be enjoyed with a moderate budget.
- Explore the iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Upper Middle Rhine Valley, celebrated for its cultural and historical significance.
- The Rhine Valley region is dotted with medieval castles, ancient ruins, and lush vineyards, producing some of Germany's most renowned wines.
- The Rhine River has been an important trade route since Roman times, and its valley is brimming with myths and legends, such as the famous Nibelungenlied.
A good choice for:
Traversing the Rhine River Valley Road Trip will lead you through a tapestry of fairy-tale landscapes and captivating history. It's a journey that combines the allure of nature with the mystique of the past, promising Roadtrippers an unforgettable experience etched with moments of wonder and discovery.
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