Top 10 Things to Do in Bacharach, Germany

805

The quaint little town of Bacharach is one of the prettiest towns along the Rhine river. Bacharach is home to beautiful vineyards, a 12th century castle and charming cobblestone streets. It’s also a great place to explore half timbered architecture and enjoy some amazing German wine. This post covers the top 10 things to do in Bacharach.

Things to Do in Bacharach

1. Burg Stahleck

Rising 160 meters above the valley is the 12th century fortification castle. Take a short hike up to Stahleck for some stunning vistas of the Rhine river and the surrounding areas. The castle is a youth hostel today. Step inside and enjoy a refreshment at the café. There are no guided tours of the castle but you can visit the courtyard and the amazing views from it for free.

2. Wernerkapelle

Wernerkapelle or Werner Chapel is perhaps the most famous site in all of Bacharach. This red stone gothic styled chapel was first built around the 1200s and destroyed in the 1600s during the Nine Years’ war. Today, there is a plaque here in the memory of the Jewish population who suffered inhumane crimes against them.

3. Postenturm

Postenturn or the post tower is a great place to see some awesome views of Bacharach, along with some of its most famous sites like the castle, Wernerkapelle and the Rhine river all in one place. You can climb up to the tower for these views or keep walking towards the right side of the tower (when looking at it from town) for more views.

4. Altes Haus

Dating from the 1300s, Atles Haus is the oldest house in Bacharach. You can eat some classic German dishes here at the restaurant that’s on the ground floor. However, note that opening times are varied depending on the day and are limited.

If Altes Haus is closed (like it was when I visited), check out the restaurant called Weinstube Zum Grünen Baum next door. They have a beautiful back patio and also serve your typical German cuisine.

5. St. Peter’s Church

This protestant church is the largest church in Bacharach and is another famous site in town. Completed in 1269, it’s built in the Romanesque-style with a bit of Gothic influence. There are a few medieval frescos to the left of the alter but overall the church is pretty simple inside.

6. Hike Along the Vineyards

There are hiking trails above the town of Bacharach. To access them get up to Postenturm and then follow the paths. If you keep going pass Postenturm to your right as you face the tower, you come to an old ruin that you can climb up to. From there, you can continue on to another hiking trail that goes along the vineyards.

7. Altstadt (Old Town)

The little town of Bacharach is very charming! Wander along the pebble stone streets and enjoy all the beautiful half timber buildings with their wrought iron signs.

8. Walk the Walls

One of the best ways to explore Bacharach is from on top of the town walls. You can access them by a staircase near the train station at one end of the town.

9. Taste Regional Wine

Weingut Karl Heidrich and Weingut Friedrich Bastian both offer wine tasting. Try a flight of the regional wines.

10. Try Riesling Ice Cream

The Rhine area is known for its Riesling wine and Eiscafé Italia 76 offers a Riesling flavored gelato. I asked the shop owner if it was good and he said I need to try it. So glad I did because it was amazing! I am not sure how they got the exact taste of Riesling in the gelato but I highly recommend trying it!

Did you find this Top 10 Things to Do in Bacharach post useful? Please let me know by liking/commenting below or sharing this post on social media! Thank you!!

Pin this post for later!

The Rhine river’s sister, Mosel also has some beautiful towns along side its river banks. Check them out HERE or below!

Top Things to do in Cochem, Germany

Things to Do in Beilstein, Germany