Bacharach sits in the middle of the UNESCO World Heritage Rhine Gorge, with a string of medieval towns and castles within easy reach by train or ferry. The entire stretch between Bingen and Koblenz rewards slow exploration.
Loreley Rock The famous slate cliff that inspired the siren legend is about 12 km north by river, near the town of Sankt Goarshausen. The viewpoint on top of the rock gives one of the best panoramas of the Rhine Gorge. Reach it by train to Sankt Goarshausen and a steep walk up.
Kaub Directly across the river from Bacharach by ferry, Kaub has the Gutenfels Castle on the hill above and the extraordinary Pfalzgrafenstein — a boat-shaped fortress built on an island in the middle of the Rhine in the 14th century as a toll station. The combination of the two castles and the ferry crossing makes for an easy half-day.
Koblenz At the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle, Koblenz is the main city of the region and worth a half-day or full day. The Deutsches Eck promontory, the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress (cable car access), and the old town are the main draws.
