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World Heritage Middle Rhine Valley Highlights
Rugged slate slopes, legendary castles and rocks shrouded in legend – the Upper Middle Rhine Valley is one of the most spectacular cultural landscapes in Europe. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2002, this section of the Rhine can easily be discovered in two days – by train, boat or bike directly from Oberwinter. We show you the seven most impressive highlights for a perfect short trip. Load your camera, take your Germany ticket and off you go!
Day 1: Castles, views & Loreley rock
In the morning – Marksburg Castle in Braubach
The only hilltop castle on the Rhine that has never been destroyed. Guided tours from 10 a.m., highlight: torture chamber with original stretched bed. Tip: Take RE 10 to Braubach, then shuttle bus line 539 (parking lot overcrowded from 09:30).
Midday – Deutsches Eck & Koblenz cable car
Combo ticket (€22) for the cable car & Ehrenbreitstein Fortress. Skip-the-Line QR saves waiting time. Top photo opportunities at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle. Attention: Observe G airspace for drone clearance!
Afternoon – Pfalzgrafenstein Castle near Kaub
It sits enthroned in the Rhine like a stone ship. Crossing by boat (€ 4, last return trip at 5 pm). Tip: audio guide & children’s quiz “Become a tax collector!”. New in 2024: 3D mapping show on the historic ice age of 1784.
In the evening – Loreley plateau
Barrier-free access with glass platform “Spectaculum”. Sunset spot with information boards on geology. Best light atmosphere in May around 8:45 pm.
Day 2: Half-timbered houses, Germania & castle ruins
Morning – Bacharach old town
According to CNN Travel 2025: “Europe’s Cutest Small Town”. Must-see: Postgässchen & the Old House from 1368. New AR app virtually reconstructs medieval towers.
Midday – Niederwald Monument & Rüdesheim cable car
The 38 m high Germania Monument offers a pure Rhine panorama. Return journey by cable car (9 € return). Guided tour of the vine laboratory at Geisenheim University daily at 1 pm.
Afternoon – Rheinfels Castle in St. Goar
Largest ruin in the region with tunnel experience (bring a helmet light). Combined ticket: museum & mine tunnel (€12). Wine bar on site serves Riesling GG 2023. Barrier-free: new glass lift to the cannon platform.
Conclusion – St. Goar ferry ⟷ St. Goarshausen
Evening blue photo spot at 7 pm with a view of Katz & Maus Castle. Return to Oberwinter via RB 26 (approx. 55 min).
Arrival, tickets & tips
With the €49 Germany Ticket you can use all trains (RB 26, RE 10). Bicycles free from 9 am. Alternatively: KD day ticket for € 29 (e.g. Koblenz → Rüdesheim). Since April 2025, an additional boat departs from Boppard at 08:15. Timetables: www.rhein-mosel-bus.de | www.k-d.com
Photo hacks for Instagram & Co.
– Cable car hyperlapse (8 sec. in 2× speed) = +23 % likes
– Golden Hour Loreley: -0.3 EV, white balance 5600 K
– #upperrhinevalley: 2.1 million reach 2024
– Drone zone: Only permitted from river km 529 (Bingen)
Culinary delights along the route
– Boppard: Winzervesper (€ 16) with Spundekäs in a wine tavern
– Kaub: Loreley latte with slate decoration (edible food coloring)
– Rüdesheim: flambéed Rüdesheim coffee in the castle
– Oberwesel: Vine bread without wheat at the Diedenhofen bakery
Conclusion: Experience UNESCO World Heritage in style
In just two days, you will experience the most fascinating World Heritage highlights of the Middle Rhine Valley – castles, cliffs, half-timbered houses and Rhine romance. Oberwinter is your perfect base camp with rail connections, e-bike trails and a feel-good apartment. Book now and discover the UNESCO magic for yourself!
