Bacharach, Germany - A hidden gem along the Rhine River

Bacharach, Germany, is one of the prettiest towns along the Rhine River and a great place for a day trip. Spend a few hours wandering this town and you will feel transported back in time to when the castles on the Rhine thrived. The half-timber houses along the edge of the river, surrounded by grapevines, are a beautiful sight. In fact, Victor Hugo once stated that Bacharach was “the world’s prettiest town” after his visit. We did this day trip as part of our two week road trip in Germany, but it also makes for the perfect all weekend away or day trip from another area of the Rhine or Mosel Valley. So now you know why you have to visit, here is everything you need to know about what to do when visiting Bacharach.

Interested in visiting more of Germany? You can see all my Germany travel guides here!

picturesque garden in bacharach city walls, germany

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Where is Bacharach, Germany

Bacharach is located in the Mainz-Bingen district in the Rhineland-Palatinate region of Germany. It sits along the Rhine River, 49 km from Koblenz.

How to get to Bacharach

Way stopped at Bacharach as part of our two-week road trip through Germany. We took a day trip from Koblenz, driving down the Rhine river castle hunting, ending in Bacharach for lunch and a walk. The drive took 45 minutes.

It is also possible to take the train to Bacharach. If you are visiting the town on a day trip from Koblenz, then you can take the direct train between the two cities. This takes around 35 minutes. Alternatively, you can catch the boat. This departs Koblenz twice a day (at 9 am and 2 pm).

view of burg stahleck from outside of bacharach walls

History of Bacharach

Bacharach dates back to the early 11th century when it was first documented, however, it is possible the town dates back even further. From the 14th century, Bacharach became an important trading hub for the wine industry, a loading dock of sorts for supplies who bought wine and grapes up the Rhine. It was not until 1936 that Bacharach was granted rights as a town.

The town wall was then built, and finished in 1400. From this point it expanded, with the addition of Wernerkapelle and Burg Stahleck.

In 1974, Bacharach was an important point in the Nine Years War, and was temporarily taken over by the French.

In the 20th century, the historic buildings of Bacharach were taken over and some restored. Today, Bacharach is one of the best destinations to visit along the Rhine River.

Things to do in Bacharach, Germany

Marktturm

Marktturm is the official entrance to Bacharach, cutting through the old city wall. It is a very picturesque point, with so much history behind it.

Steeger Tor

As there is an entrance, there is also an exit. Steeger Tor is located inland and is a beautiful brick structure that was once very important in guarding Bacharach against intruders. The houses behind this wall are incredibly picturesque so keep your eyes open!

Marktturm, bacharach, rhine river germany

Burg Stahleck

Burg Stahleck is the castle in the middle of Bacharach. Originally built in the 12th century, it was damaged in the 17th century by demand of the Archbishop of Cologne. It was then rebuilt in the 1900s and is now open as a hotel and restaurant! If you want to stay in a real castle, you can book your stay at Burg Stahleck here!

From the castle, walk up to Aussichtspunkt Burg Stahleck. From here you not only get an amazing view of the castle, but also one of the best views of the Rhine.

How to get to Burg Stahleck

You can drive up to the castle, however, the car park is quite small. There are three walking paths up from Bacharach. One of these starts in the south of the town and heads up a beautiful windy path past Sonnenturm. This path includes a lot of stairs.

The next option is to take the northern path which leads up past Rhine Wernerkapelle, an old monastery ruin. This path is quite windy so not so strenuous.

Alternatively, you can take the Burg Weg from Blücherstraße, followed by the very steep klättersteig, which joins the path from Rhine Wernerkapelle. This path is quite intense but has some very beautiful views.

Pfalzgrafenstein Castle

Pfalzgrafenstein Castle is another castle, very well known for its prominent location in the middle of the Rhine river. This was once a very big tolling station for the princes who lived along the Rhine. Today, you can take a tour out to the castle, or simply view it from a distance from the two roads either side of the river. Read more about its history here!

Postenturm

Postenturm is an observation point located on one of the hills beside Bacharach. It’s a short walk up to the structure and then three floors of stairs to the top of the view point. From here, you get an amazing view of the town backing onto the Rhine river.

Bacharach region wine tasting

There are quite a few wine cellars in Bacharach, all serving locally produced wines from the grape vines surrounding the town. It is said that some of the best wine from the Rhine region, and Germany in general, comes from Bacharach. This goes back to the days when the region was inhabited by princes and kings, who would apparently only drink the wine from Bacharach.

I definitely recommend visiting Weingut Toni Jost, Weingut Friedrich Bastian, or any of the other wineries along Blücherstraße.

Saint Peter’s Church

Saint Peter’s Church is the big church in the Center of Bacharach. It has a very distinct style, painted cream and red, with large windows covering its four walls.

Burgruine Stahlberg Ruine Burg Stahlberg

Just outside of Bacharach you will find Burgruine Stahlberg Ruine Burg Stahlberg. This 12th-century ruin was abandoned over 400 years ago, but once formed the main defence of the Bacharach empire. Today, the castle is a popular destination for hikers, with the Stahlberg-Schleife and the RheinBurgenWeg passing through the area.

Altes Haus

Altes Haus is one of the oldest, preserved buildings in Bacharach, Germany. The half-timber house dates back to 1368. Today, it is a restaurant so you are free to explore the inside too!

Final thoughts on Bacharach, Germany

As I said, Bacharach is an incredibly beautiful town on the Rhine river! You can of course stay multiple nights here, but it is very much possible to visit Bacharach on a day trip from Koblenz, or another town along the Rhine river.