While looking for a place to stay in between visits to Trier and Heidelberg, we stumbled across one of the most perfect German villages I’ve ever seen. Bacharach on the Rhine is made up almost exclusively of medieval timber-framed houses with the oldest dating from 1368.
Bacharach on the Rhine
Sometimes when visiting Germany I get a bit desensitised to seeing this kind of architecture everywhere but Bacharach is so quaint and adorable I loved every minute I spent there. Each house is so well preserved and maintained it really is like stepping back in time.
Bacharach is situated on the Rhine Gorge not far from Wiesbaden and Frankfurt and it would be an easy day trip from either city or it’s a great place to visit if you’re passing through like I was. The Rhine Gorge is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular wine-growing region.
White wine is the predominant wine produced here with most of those being Riesling but we also tried a decent red and a very nice sparkling wine. There are a number of small shops in the centre where you can taste the local wine. Most of them stocked wines from the local Mittelrhein wine region and I’d definitely recommend the Jost Riesling.
Before going crazy wine tasting you might want to take the steep walk up the hill to see the 12th-century Stahleck Castle. The castle has had various uses over the years including as an internment camp for German youth before being shipped off to concentration camps during the war. It’s currently used as a hostel.
On the way up to Stahleck Castle, you’ll pass the ruins of a Gothic chapel.
Next to the chapel is a viewing platform where you get the best views over the Rhine Gorge and the rest of the town.
Bacharach is a small town of only 2000 people so there isn’t a lot to do but stroll the cobblestone streets and enjoy the local food and wine. But the food and wine is outstanding.
Where to Eat in Bacharach
There are lots of places to eat around town but I’d recommend getting away from the main square and trying some more wine and German food at Weingut Karl Heidrich wine bar. You’ll find it on Oberstraße, the main street that runs parallel to the river.
You also get a great view of the castle from restaurant.
While Bacharach on the Rhine is an easy day trip from Frankfurt, I think it’s worth staying overnight to appreciate the town and the great food and wine you’ll find there. If you decide to go for the day, it’s an easy one-hour drive through the beautiful German countryside.
