15 BEST TOWNS ON THE RHINE RIVER TO VISIT.
The Rhine River is peppered with towns on it’s banks that are all rich in beauty, character and charm. In the summer, we walked the Rheinsteig – a long-distance path that travels along the Rhine. As we walked this route, we were thrilled to find some many wonderful medieval castles, traditional German architecture like half-timbered houses and some of the best wine we’ve ever tasted.
Germany can often be overlooked as a tourist destination, but there’s something about the slow-pace of the Rhine, coupled with the old-fashioned charm that made us feel that we had stepped into a totally different universe. If you’re someone who enjoys slow travel – then exploring the towns along the Rhine would probably suit you down to the ground.
It would be possible to explore these towns on foot by walking The Rheinsteig (as we did), or by cycling along the Rhine. We met so many cyclists taking advantage of the summer weather and electrical bikes. You can also cruise along the Rhine – there are many boat tours, or hop-on-hop-off boats, making travelling between these towns really quite accessible.
In this blog post – we will set out 15 of the best towns, cities and villages on the Rhine that we think you should consider visiting – each with its own charm and story.
15 Best Towns on the Rhine: A map and guide
1/ Bonn
Our walk started in Bonn, so it was the first place we encountered on the Rhine. It surprised us, with the mix of old and new.
As Beethoven’s birthplace, it has a strong connection to classical music, but there’s also a modern, lively vibe to the city. I’d recommend starting a visit to the city at the Beethoven House, a museum set in the composer’s birthplace. Beethoven is so important to the city, so it’s a great place to learn more about him.
The Münsterplatz is the central square, dominated by the impressive Bonn Minster, a Romanesque church with Gothic additions. On Saturdays, the square buzzes with a market but on Sunday when we visited we found a peaceful and contemplative place to enjoy a coffee.
Bonn is also known for the Museum Mile, where you’ll find several excellent museums. The Kunstmuseum, which showcases modern art, and Haus der Geschichte, which tells the story of post-war Germany.
We were particularly fond of the park on the river bank opposite Bonn, cross the bridge to find a lovely green space. There are cafes and beer gardens, which get quite lively on a weekend.
Where to stay in Bonn? Try the Motel One Bonn-Hauptbahnhof.
2/ Koblenz
At the meeting point of the Rhine and Moselle rivers, Koblenz is an historic city but with a vibrant centre. The Deutsches Eck (German Corner), where the rivers meet, is marked by a towering statue of Emperor William I—the views from here are quite unique.
A popular thing to do is to take the cable car across the Rhine to the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, which towers above the city. The fortress, one of Europe’s largest, has lovely views around the area and looking back to Koblenz.
When we arrived, it was Summer Festival in Koblenz. A three day event with food stalls, music and plenty of wine flowing. The river area becomes quite lively for the whole season, but the summer festival is a particular highlight.
In the old town, we wandered around quaint alleys and squares, stopping at the Jesuitenplatz to enjoy some coffee and cake. Koblenz has a wonderful mix of ancient architecture and riverside charm. I love the mix of the cosy streets, with the openness and pace that comes with being on two rivers.
Where to stay in Koblenz? Try Hotel Morjan.
3/ Braubach
Braubach is a quintessential Rhine town that seems like it’s been plucked straight from a fairy tale. The star attraction here is Marksburg Castle, a stunning medieval fortress perched high above the town. What makes Marksburg unique is that it’s the only hilltop castle on the Rhine to have survived the centuries unscathed.
The town of Braubach itself is a delight, with its cobblestone streets, half-timbered houses, and vibrant flower boxes adorning every window. We visited in summer, when the wine garden on the river was bustling and lively.
As it happened, our visit coincided with the spectacle of the Rhine in Flames event – a firework and boat precession on the river. You can read more about that here.
Braubach is also a fantastic spot for hikers. Several trails, including those connecting to the Rheinsteig, begin here, offering scenic routes through vineyards and forests with river views.
Where to stay in Braubach? Try Landgasthof Zum Weissen Schwanen.
4/ Königswinter
Königswinter was one of our first visits to a Rhine town as we walked The Rhinesteig and I think because of this, it left a lasting impression. It is a popular spot to visit because it is surrounded by nature and lots of hiking trails, but also is home to some significant historic sights.
Towering above the town is the mystical named Drachenfels, or Dragon’s Rock. According to legend, this is where Siegfried slew the dragon in the famous Nibelungen saga. You can take Drachenfelsbahn, Germany’s oldest cog railway, to ascend the hill.
The town has a feeling of faded grandeur that gives it a certain charm. It is popular with tourists today, but there’s a feeling that perhaps this is where the great and good used to holiday. Today, there are a handful of lovely nooks in town – a pretty flower shop and a few lovely cafes, and restaurants.
Where to stay in Königswinter? We recommend Storyhotel Bergischer Hof Königswinter.
5/ Linz am Rhein
Linz am Rhein was exactly the type of Rhine town that I’d hoped to see when we visited. Practically picture perfect,. It is known as the “Colourful Town on the Rhine,” and lives up to its name with a kaleidoscope of brightly painted half-timbered houses.
The central Marktplatz is the heart of the town, buzzing with activity. We sat in one of the outdoor cafes, sipping coffee and people-watching while admiring the quaint architecture. History buffs will enjoy visiting the Burg Linz, a small castle that houses a museum.
Linz also has a vibrant cultural scene, with frequent festivals, markets, and live music events.
Where to stay in Linz? Try Großzügiges Zimmer mit Terrasse am Rheinsteig.
6/ Unkel
Unkel is a quieter town along the Rhine, that I’d say has a more lived in that touristic feel to it. The town is known for its connection to Willy Brandt, the former German chancellor, who spent his later years here. The Willy Brandt Forum is a small museum dedicated to his life and legacy.
The town itself is pretty with narrow streets, historic buildings, and a lovely promenade along the river. We enjoyed a leisurely walk here, stopping at a local cafe to enjoy a few bites and cofee.
Where to stay in Unkel? Consider Rheinhotel Schulz.
7/ Mainz
Mainz is a city that combines ancient buildings in the Old Town with a lively, modern energy.
The city’s Romanesque Mainz Cathedral dominates the centre of town, surrounded by bustling squares. We really enjoyed the young vibe of the city, a thriving university means there are loads of .
Mainz is also a hub for food and wine lovers with a few Michelin star restaurants and quirky pubs as well as wine bars.
Find our full guide to visiting Mainz here.
8/ Weisbaden
Sophistication and relaxation define Wiesbaden, a spa town found just across the river from Mainz. The Kurhaus, with its grand neoclassical architecture, is the town’s crown jewel.
You can take the Nerobergbahn, a historic funicular railway, to the Neroberg, a hill overlooking the city. At the top is a Russian Orthodox Church. Don’t miss the pretty pink Biebrich Palace, surrounded by delightful gardens.
Wiesbaden’s pedestrian-friendly streets are lined with boutiques, cafes, and wine bars, making it an ideal destination for leisurely exploration.
Where to stay in Wiesbaden? Try Hotel Alexander.
9/ Rüdesheim
A quintessential Rhine town, Rüdesheim is famous for its wine culture and charming old town. The Drosselgasse, a narrow cobbled street lined with traditional taverns, is the heart of the action.
Consider taking the cable car up to the Niederwald Monument, where the views of the Rhine and surrounding vineyards are stunning. Rüdesheim’s wine, especially its Rieslings, is among the best we tasted.
You can find out more about Rudesheim in our full guide to the town here.
10/ Assmanshausen
Known for its red wines, particularly Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir), Assmannshausen is a delightful village. We loved its laid-back atmosphere and scenic setting.
From here, it’s possible to take a chairlift to the Niederwald Monument, connecting it with Rüdesheim. The trails in this area are some of the most scenic along the Rhine.
Assmanshausen is quite a small place, we would recommend staying in nearby Rudesheim and visiting Assmanshausen.
11/ Bad Hönningen
Bad Hönningen is a spa town known for its thermal baths and wellness offerings. The Römer-Thermen, a thermal spa, an ideal place to relax.
The town also has a beautiful riverside promenade and offers easy access to hiking trails in the surrounding countryside.
12/ Eltville
Eltville, known as the “City of Wine and Roses,” is one of the most picturesque and upmarket towns along the Rhine. Its castle, surrounded by rose gardens, is a romantic spot that we particularly beautiful.
The town is also a hub for wine lovers, with plenty of opportunities to sample the local Rieslings. We particularly enjoyed the smart river front bars, like Anleger 511 – ideal for a cold glass of wine on a sunny day.
Where to stay in Eltville? Try Weinhotel Eltvinum.
13/ Sankt Goar
in the heart of the Upper Middle Rhine Valley, Sankt Goar is a charming riverside town. It’s best known for its proximity to the Lorelei Rock, a legendary spot steeped in myth.
The ruins of Rheinfels Castle dominate the town. You could spend hours wandering through its sprawling grounds and enjoying the views of the Rhine Gorge.
Where to stay in Sankt Goar? Try Hotel Schloos Rheinfels.
14/ Leutesdorf
Leutesdorf is really a small village rather than a town. But it’s a real gem for wine lovers. Surrounded by vineyards, it’s known for producing some of the finest Rieslings in the region.
We loved visiting the local wineries and walking along the super peaceful riverside paths from our campsite to a restaurant in the evening. The relaxed pace of life here was a welcome contrast to busier towns.
One thing we noticed in this area is that wineries tended to close quite early – so it may be best to book appointments if you want to visit some of those in Leutesdorf.
Where to stay in Leutesdorf? Try Leutesdorfer Hof.
15/ Oestrich-Winkel
A vibrant town with a strong winemaking tradition, Oestrich-Winkel is the perfect place for foodies to visit.
You can explore Schloss Vollrads, one of the oldest wineries in the world. The castle is surrounded by lush vineyards, and its tasting room offers a fantastic introduction to the region’s wines. Schloss Johannisberg is also close to the town – this was recently voted the 5th best vineyard in the world.
Where to stay in Oestrich-Winkel? Try Hotel Schwan.
Written by Emma
Wine Lover. Yogi. Hiker. Writer.
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