The day trip I take every visitor on is a drive down the Rhine River Valley. Known for its castles, scenic views, and wine it’s easy to see why the entire stretch of river in this region is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

The first stop on this wonderful day trip is the small town of Rudesheim. Nestled against the Rhine River, the city is known for its narrow streets filled with restaurants and shops. It’s probably worth noting that the town is absolutely shut down in the winter and is conversely jam-packed with tourists in the summertime.

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After you check out Rudesheim, check out the large status commemorating the unification of Germany. The status overlooks the Rhine valley and offers commanding views over several mountain ranges. If you drive, don’t follow the Google Maps directions up the dirt roads meant for agricultural vehicles. Take the other suggested route on paved road. Don’t ask me how I know.

On the way back down from the statue, check out the Aulhausen Abbey which has a very dark but very pretty church.

Cross the Rhine River on one of the many car ferry and drive about ten more minutes to the town of Bacharach. This town is much quieter and arguably more beautiful than Rudesheim. Check out the ruins of the chapel and a rebuilt city wall tower for beautiful views over the town and the river. While you are walking to the city tower, notice how steep and rocky the vineyards are. The restaurants in this town serve flammkuchen, a type of flatbread with a soft cheese as well as locally-sourced wine. The wine from this region of Germany tends to be of the Riesling variety, a sweet white wine. I find it tastes best with spicy food and that it’s impossible to find a riesling that’s actually dry.

My original trip to this area took me to Burg Reichenstein, which is a relatively new castle built in the early 1900s. Please skip this castle, as it was built in a traditional English style and has nothing original to the castle built on the site hundreds of years earlier.

Instead, drive farther downriver to the town of St. Goar. Above this town is a castle called Burg Rheinfels, which is well worth your time. I didn’t check out the town of St. Goar, but it looked pretty.

For extra bonus points, check out the nearby Lorelei Cliffs, which are a part of a legend taught all across Europe.