How to Enjoy Bacharach, Germany

Grab your traveling shoes

Located along the Rhine River near Frankfurt, Germany, the river town of Bacharach makes a wonderful place to visit. The Rhine is a busy river filled with boat traffic, both commercial and private. Large hills line both sides of the river, where they tower as much as a thousand feet above the water. Castles abound in the area, as do numerous vineyards. October is a particularly nice time to visit, when the summer crowds have left, the price of a room comes down and the fresh Beaujolais wine is flowing.

Instructions

1. Sleep in a 1,000-year-old castle. The Burg Stahleck is just that--a castle that overlooks the mighty Rhine River. The castle is now a member of Hostelling International, which means anyone can stay there, though members do get some benefits. The view from the castle is extraordinary and there is a tower, where you can reserve a room in advance. This place is one of Europe's great hostelling experiences.

2. Walk along the streets and admire the half-timbered architecture of Bacharach. The town sits right along the river and is filled with fine examples of this common form of German architecture. There are many shops to visit and a postal museum.

3. Take a boat ride on the Rhine River to the Rocks of Lorelei. These rocks are actually slate cliffs that rise high above the river. The rocks are located about 10 miles downriver from Bacharach. A tour boat is a good way to make a leisurely journey and also get a feel for the river. There is a famous legend about a young woman who jumped from the cliffs and died. She then became a siren and would lure sailors to death in the treacherous waters near the cliffs. Of course, her name was Lorelei.

4. Walk through the vineyards. There are many country lanes that traverse the rugged terrain where the grapes grow. It is a fascinating journey to walk along these country lanes, especially in the fall when the grape leaves turn a golden brown.

Tips & Warnings

• Bacharach is a great jumping off point for a journey along the Rhine River. As you head downstream, you pass many quaint towns and majestic castles.

• The river has a very strong current.