Rhineland Riviera: Day trip Linz Rhineland
A day trip to Linz Rhineland sounds like a postcard idyll – and that’s exactly what awaits you between the candy-colored half-timbered facades of Linz am Rhein and the stately villas of Bad Honnef. After just a 20-minute drive from the Oberwinter vacation apartment, you’ll be at the pier, hear the chugging of the ferry and feel the short break vibe. Feel like it? Then let’s explore the “Rhenish Riviera” together – and then check your preferred dates for the vacation apartment!
Why the Middle Rhine is called the Riviera here
A mild microclimate, vineyards and Mediterranean flora have made the banks of the Rhine between Remagen and Königswinter known as the “Rhenish Riviera” since the 19th century. In Linz am Rhein – affectionately known as the “colorful town” – over 150 listed half-timbered houses line the market square. Just a few kilometers to the north lies Bad Honnef with its palm-lined promenades and the island of Grafenwerth. The panorama is framed by the volcanic Drachenfels – the very mountain that William Turner painted in 1827 and thus boosted tourism in the valley. Today, the region attracts leisure cyclists, Instagram photographers and historians alike; a real all-rounder for couples, families and business guests with an evening off.
Travel & mobility: ferry, boat and bike in 2025
The fastest connection is the Linz-Kripp car and passenger ferry. It runs daily from 05:30 to 22:00 at 15-minute intervals (summer timetable 2025).[1] Wheelchair spaces, dog transport and card payment are possible. If you want to enjoy the water panorama for longer, book a KD-Linienbummel. The white ships operate from April 5 to October 26, 2025 on the Cologne ↔ Linz route with up to 250 departures.[2] A day ticket currently costs €27.50, children pay half price. Combine the boat trip with the Rhine Cycle Path: rental bikes can be unlocked at all piers. Tip: The Linz → Unkel stage (9 km) has almost no inclines and offers a view of the Rhine 24/7.
Must-sees in Linz am Rhein
*Old Town & Colorful Houses* – Lose yourself in alleyways such as Mühlengasse, where pastel half-timbered houses compete for attention. *Kasbachtalbahn* – A historic diesel rattletrack from the 1950s rumbles seven kilometers through ravines to the Steffens brewery. *Powder tower & town wall* – Children can play knights on the 1.4-km circular route around the wall.
For a break, we recommend the Rheincafé *Lädchen*, famous for its redcurrant and meringue tartlets. If you are looking for a souvenir, you should stop by the Koch pewter foundry – pewter has been cast by hand here since 1820.
Opposite – Bad Honnef & the island of Grafenwerth
A five-minute ferry ride will take you to Bad Honnef-Rhöndorf, the home of former Chancellor Konrad Adenauer. The *Konrad-Adenauer-Haus* offers a glimpse into his original study. Further south, you will reach the island of Grafenwerth: an outdoor pool, mini golf and miles of riverside paths make it a family hotspot. A jazz morning pint is held here every Sunday between May and September – admission is free. If you want to go higher, take the Drachenfelsbahn, Germany’s oldest cog railroad, and enjoy views as far as Cologne.
Culinary tips & insider routes
*Red wine trail light*: Start at the Linz ferry, follow the red grape on a white background to the *Menzenberg* winery (4 km). Picnic baskets with regional Riesling sparkling wine await you there. *Boat menu with panorama*: The KD fleet serves tarte flambée from the stone oven – perfect to accompany the sunset. *Evening lights cruise*: Every Friday in July, an LED-lit party raft departs from the Linz pier at 9 pm. Tickets are available from €15. Ultimately, however, it is the short distances back to Oberwinter that round off a stress-free day trip – you can be back on your terrace in less than 25 minutes.
Conclusion
The Rhenish Riviera proves that great vacation moments are sometimes just a stone’s throw away. Linz, Bad Honnef and the picturesque west side of the Rhine can be discovered in one day by ferry, boat or bike. Pack your camera, reserve a slice of cheesecake by the water – and click on **”Book now“** now to secure your box seat among all the highlights!
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