Bidish The ninth-largest and one of the most picturesque German states, Rhineland Palatinate (in German, Rhineland Pfalz) boasts a lot of history and culture which is unmissable for the travelers. Be it the beautiful towns along the Rhine river or the vineyards along the Moselle, or even the city where those two rivers converge, Rhineland-Palatinate sparkles with beauty and charm that will quickly claim a place in your traveling heart.
With abundant history and unwavering beauty, the following are the 10 most beautiful places to visit in Rhineland-Palatinate.
Koblenz
A city that lies at the beautiful convergence of the Rhine and Mosel rivers, Koblenz is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful cities in Germany.
Koblenz offers a calm and peaceful environment to its visitors. The city was founded over 2,000 years ago by the Romans as a military post. Throughout the medieval ages, it continued to grow in trade and defense. Boasting rich history and several well-preserved historical sites, Koblenz is sure to enthrall every tourist who comes to visit.
The city is mostly known for the Deutsches Eck (the German corner) and tourists flock to Koblenz every year to see this place. While it is the main attraction for many to visit Koblenz, the charm of the old town, the brilliant views from the cable car, and the breathtaking atmosphere along the two rivers make them return time and time again.
The blend of the old and the vibrant modern developments is turning Koblenz into a famous tourist destination.
Mainz
The largest city and the capital of the state, Mainz is an interesting place to visit in the Rhineland-Palatinate. Johannes Gutenberg, regarded as the most famous individual in Mainz, built a movable printing press which was a great innovation in the 15th century and still holds a significant part of historical importance for Mainz today. The Gutenberg Museum is a nice place for tourists to see his “inventions and printed works.”
Additionally, Mainz is home to a stunning cathedral that is well worth a visit. Three times a week for the entire year, farmers’ markets take place around the Cathedral, attracting locals and visitors alike who come to buy the best produce.
Only 25 minutes from Mainz, but in a different state of Hesse, Wiesbaden flaunts its sophistication with fancy architecture and a vibrant city center. If you have time, do take a detour to immerse yourself into the delightful city of Wiesbaden as well.
Trier
Situated in the Moselle region of Rhineland Palatinate, Trier is a city that is rich in ancient history, dating all the way back to the grandeur of Roman times.
Trier was a significant city for the Romans, serving as one of the capitals of the Western Roman Empire. It still houses many well-preserved historical Roman sites. The Roman Bridge, built in 2 AD, is still in use today. Other important attractions from Roman times include the Porta Nigra, Trier Cathedral, and the Roman Amphitheater.
Trier is also notable as the birthplace of the famous philosopher Karl Marx. His house has been transformed into a museum, where enthusiasts can visit to see his influential works and gain a sense of the environment that inspired him.
Bacharach
Another town deserving of the ‘fairytale’ label, Bacharach was a thriving trading center in the Middle Ages. Entering Bacharach is sure to be met with immense excitement over seeing its well-preserved medieval architecture, tiny cobblestone streets, and the fact that the city proudly flaunts its rich history.
Bacharach attracts many local and international tourists, both young and old, who are willing to get a taste of the romantic medieval surroundings. With ruins of an old castle, a historical old town, and many romantic photo-shooting locations, Bacharach is surely a must-visit town in Rhineland Palatinate.
Boppard
Boppard marvels at its natural beauty, medieval old town, and the breathtaking landscapes along the Rhine. It is a place that captures the essence of the Rhine romanticism movement. The Rhine romanticism movement was inspired by the entire Rhine valley, including Boppard, which has inspired many artists and poets, including Germany’s own Johann Wolfgang von Goethe.
Along with the beauty it provides, Boppard also offers many activities for travelers to enjoy a quality holiday. Hiking to Vierseenblick, biking along the Rhine or enjoying wine from the vineyards—there are many ways a traveler can etch Boppard into their memories.
Cochem
Cochem is a beautiful medieval town that is always flooded with tourists, but it never loses its charm. The main reason for its popularity is the presence of Reichsburg Castle, a thousand-year-old castle that has gone through the turmoil of changing rulers and was even destroyed in the 17th century. It was later restored and is now safely owned and preserved by the town of Cochem.
Besides the castle, one cannot ignore the beauty that the city in itself provides. Tiny streets with cute shops and wineries, along with the relaxing riverside promenade that invites you to take a stroll, Cochem exceeds expectations through the charm it offers.
Burg Eltz
Also commonly known as Eltz Castle, Burg Eltz is a fairytale castle that looks as if it has been plucked out of a Harry Potter movie. Constructed in the 12th century, it marvels at its medieval architectural details in its towers and half-timbered buildings. The castle has been owned by the Eltz family for over 800 years.
Sitting on a hill surrounded by lush green forest, Eltz Castle is as charming in the summer as it is mystical in winter. The castle is open to the public from the first of April to the first of November, and a bus from Hatzenport goes directly to the castle. In winter, you cannot go inside the castle, but you can visit the place with your own vehicle or by hiking from Hatzenport/Bullay.
Monreal
Monreal is a very tiny town, even by the standards of a town, hidden in the Eifel region of Rhineland-Palatinate. It is an instagrammable place that attracts many tourists all year round.
There’s a scenic spot in the town where you can see the streams of the Elzbach River flowing gracefully through the tiny houses on either side, creating a scene that poets and painters yearn for.
Visitors can hike to the Löwenburg, also known as Monreal Castle, and the neighboring Philippsburg, locally known as das Rech (the Deer), which are situated atop a hill and offer spectacular views of the town and its surroundings.
Traben-Trarbach
Previously two separate towns, Traben, on the left bank, and Trarbach, on the right bank of the Mosel River, were united in 1904, forming the twin town now known as Traben-Trarbach.
With ancient remains and artifacts dating back to Roman times, Traben-Trarbach flourished in the Middle Ages due to its significant growth in wine trading. The Brückentor, a gate designed in Art Nouveau architecture connecting Traben and Trarbach, is a major landmark.
In addition to its history and architectural brilliance, the town’s proximity to the Mosel River offers a variety of outdoor activities for its visitors. Hiking, biking, cruising along the Mosel, and sampling the region’s wine specialties are few activities that can keep the tourists engaged.
Hängeseilbrücke Geierlay (Geierlay suspension bridge)
The Hängeseilbrücke Geierlay, also known as the Geierlay Suspension Bridge, is 360 meters long and 100 meters above the ground. The bridge connects the villages of Mörsdorf and Sosberg.
The Geierlay Suspension Bridge was designed by Swiss Engineer Hans Pfaffen, inspired by similar suspension bridges in Nepal. Crossing the entire bridge, not swayed by how the bridge shakes – which intensifies as you reach the middle, is in itself a top activity to do here and is even considered brave.
Additionally, a visit to this place offers great views of the forest. I recommend visiting in the autumn season when the forests are adorned with the graceful transformation of the leaves, offering even more vibrant colors.
Located in Koblenz myself, I am constantly awed by the beauty of Rhineland-Palatinate and find myself appreciating it more as I spend more time here. I hope you will also visit some of these beautiful places that are sure to inspire you.
