The Rhine Valley between Mainz and Koblenz

In autumn the Rhine cruises offer delicious landscapes different from the rest of the year: Riesling villages, castles and vineyards, from Koblenz to Mainz, we discover the most traditional and charming side of western Germany.

The vines perch on the slopes and are reflected in the still waters of one of the most important rivers in Europe. The Rhine, here silent and majestic, flows in its most captivating section, encountering forests, traditional villages, old medieval castles and wineries where you can taste the famous white wines of the region.

We can opt for the river cruise or follow the course of the river by road, jumping from one bank to the other at various marked points, where ferries travel continuously from one pier to another. Koblenz, at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle, is a beautiful city, with a picturesque historic center with narrow streets and the disturbing presence of the Ehrenbreitstein fortress.

Going down the river we come to Boppard, a quite touristy old imperial city, famous for its delicious dishes of trout and other river fish; the small fortified town of braubbach; Marksburg Castle, Sankt-Goar, Oberwesel… All of them places where it is worth stopping and taking a walk.

Special mention deserves the Rheinfels Castle, despite being in ruins, because it preserves all its charm intact and offers what is undoubtedly the best view of the Rhine Valley. Closer to Mainz, we find another castle, that of pfalz, located on a small island in the river and accessible by boat.

The final stage is Mainz, the Gutenberg town, a labyrinth of ancient streets that converge in its impressive cathedral. By car, boat, or better yet, by bike, this stretch of the Rhine Valley is definitely one of the most beautiful walks in Germany.

More information - Heidelberg Castle

Images: germany.travel