If you’ve rented a car in the Rhineland on your adventure through Germany, you may want to drive along the Upper Middle Rhine Valley. This area is home to a number of captivating destinations waiting to be explored.

1. German Wine Road

Your journey will begin on the German Wine Road in Rhineland Palatinate, an experience designed to take a couple of days for thorough exploration.

Next, travel along the Autobahn A 61 to Bingen, the gateway to the stunning natural landscape of the Upper Middle Rhine Valley—a UNESCO World Heritage site stretching approximately 40 miles from Bingen to the city of Koblenz.

Your drive along route B9 through the river valley will take you through terraced vineyards, revealing the charming castles positioned on steep hills. Here, you’ll encounter both magnificent structures housing museums and restaurants, along with some in ruins, noted for their picturesque settings.

For excellent photo opportunities, ensure you stop at the Maeuseturm (located just behind Bingen) and take in the sights of the castles Rheinstein, Reichenstein, and Sooneck.

2. Bacharach: A Well-Preserved Medieval German Town

The recommended next stop is the enchanting city of Bacharach, heralded as one of the most well-preserved medieval towns in Germany. To get your bearings, take a stroll along the 600-year-old city wall, which features original guard towers, one of which houses a hotel. Then, meander through the village streets showcasing historic timber-framed houses.

Bacharach is rich in atmospheric dining options; keep an eye out for a “Weinstube,” a traditional wine tavern serving regional fare and exquisite wine from the surrounding steep vineyards. Don’t miss the timber-framed restaurant “Altes Haus” from 1368, a venerable landmark of Bacharach.

While we typically recommend spending just one day in this charming town, you might consider extending your stay. For a unique experience, why not spend the night in a castle? Castle Stahleck, overlooking Bacharach, has been transformed into a hostel—a fantastic option for budget travelers, with private rooms available.

Germany is home to numerous other castle hotels. Therefore, do your research before venturing through the Rhineland to determine if you would prefer Castle Stahleck or continue your adventure elsewhere.

3. The Lorelei Rock

From Bacharach, follow the Rhine until you reach Koblenz. After visiting Castle Stolzenfels, a 13th-century structure beautifully restored to its former glory, you can opt to cross to the opposite shore of the Rhine to spend the night at Braubach’s “Landgasthof Zum Weissen Schwanen” (Inn to the White Swan). Nestled behind the former village tower, the hotel sits within a renovated mill from the 13th century, featuring the preserved wooden mill wheel displayed inside the timber-framed structure.

Shortly thereafter, it is just a brief drive to Germany’s famed Lorelei, an impressive slate rock rising nearly 400 feet above the Rhine. This rock is steeped in German legends and folktales.

The Lorelei signifies one of the narrowest and deepest sections of the Rhine—a perilous area that contributed to numerous boat accidents up until the 19th century. According to legend, the beautiful siren Lorelei lured sailors to their doom from her perch atop the rock.

The most splendid way to appreciate the majesty of the Lorelei rock is by taking a boat trip. Many towns along the Rhine offer day trip cruises (available from Bacharach, Braubach, or Koblenz). Alternatively, you can drive to the top of the Lorelei for striking views of the region, where you can also purchase souvenirs at the Lorelei Visitor’s Center.