Steamship Goethe timetable

The legendary paddle steamer “Goethe” is much more than just a means of transportation: it is a floating museum that has been sailing the Middle Rhine between Bonn and Koblenz since 1913. With the current **SteamboatGoethe timetable**, you can easily plan a day trip full of nostalgia – and be back at your vacation apartment in Oberwinter on time in the evening. Sit back, grab a coffee on board and let the castles on the shore pass by at a leisurely pace – you can book tickets conveniently online or directly at the ticket office.

History of a floating classic

When the “Goethe” was launched in Kinderdijk in the Netherlands in 1913, it was considered the most modern side-wheel steamer on the Rhine. Her slender steel hull, the red and white painted paddle wheels and the ochre-colored smoke plume quickly became a trademark of Rhine romanticism. During the Second World War, the ship served as a military hospital, survived bomb hits and then lay idle for several years. It was not until 1951 that the steamer, named after Germany’s most famous poet, returned to its regular route – refurbished and with a new steam engine that still rattles true to the original today. Since 2008, the “Goethe” has even been a listed building: it is the last passenger paddle steamer in Germany to be used in regular service.

Current timetable & prices 2025

Between May and October 2025, the “Goethe” departs daily (except Mondays) at 09:00 from the Bonn-Alter Zoll bridge. The journey south takes just under five hours, including stops in Königswinter, Unkel, Remagen-Oberwinter, Linz, Bad Breisig, Andernach and Boppard. Koblenz is reached at around 13:50 – enough time for a visit to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress or an ice cream on the Rhine promenade. The return journey starts at 16:00 and ends back in Bonn at around 20:30. – Day ticket: € 46 for adults, € 23 for children.
– Partial route ticket (e.g. Oberwinter → Koblenz): from €18.
– Family special: Two adults + two children pay a flat rate of € 99.

Highlights on the road – castles, bridges & bratwurst

As soon as the ship has left Bonn, the Drachenfels on the left and the Rolandseck ruins on the right tower over the silvery water. Between kilometers 640 and 630, one postcard backdrop follows the next: Drachenburg Castle, the Erpeler Ley and the medieval town of Linz with its half-timbered facades. Our tip: stand at the railing in good time when the ship passes the mighty Remagen bridge. It’s worth it.

Hungry? The on-board restaurant serves homemade Rhenser bratwurst and vegetarian Spundekäs bread. In Boppard, a ten-minute shore leave to the former Carmelite convent is worthwhile – the captain is waiting.

Practical tips for your vaping day trip

1. board early: Due to the limited number of seats, the Köln-Düsseldorfer shipping company recommends boarding 15 minutes before departure. There are priority lanes for online tickets in Bonn and Koblenz.
2. Pack your binoculars: On the pulpit parapet on the front upper deck, you can enjoy an unobstructed 270-degree view, ideal for spotting Marksburg Castle and the fine vineyards on the Middle Rhine.
3. Take an e-bike with you: For an extra €6, you can transport your bike – perfect for a spontaneous stage on the Rhine Cycle Path. 4.

Why the “Goethe” is perfect for your stay in Oberwinter

The Oberwinter jetty is just 700 meters from your accommodation – ideal for a leisurely stroll to the boat after breakfast on the terrace. There is also a free park & ride area opposite the old town. If you still have energy on your return, take a walk along the Rheinsteig trail to Erpeler Ley or enjoy a sundowner in the ‘RheinAussicht’ bistro.

Conclusion: Ship ahoy & bed in sight

Whether you love the romance of steam boilers or are simply looking for the most comfortable way to discover 90 kilometers of the Rhine in one day – a trip on the “Goethe” is an unforgettable experience. Thanks to the transparent timetable, you can easily plan transfers, bike tours or castle visits. Enjoy the perfect combination of retro flair and modern comfort.