The town of Bacharach is a must-visit for anyone looking for a real taste of the Rhine Valley.
Bacharach's special charm is in its amazingly well-preserved medieval buildings, set against a backdrop of rolling vineyards and the meandering Rhine. It's like something out of a fairy tale!
A view of Bacharach and the Rhine river
The town's skyline is dominated by the impressive Stahleck Castle and dotted with half-timbered houses and ancient fortifications
The surrounding scenery is equally impressive, with the steep hillsides and terraced vineyards creating a stunning backdrop to the town's architectural gems.
Its location on one of Europe's most important waterways has made it historically important as a wine-trading centre and it's still a popular tourist destination today.
Bacharach is located in the heart of the Rhine Gorge in western Germany, within the Rhineland-Palatinate state.
The lovely medieval town is about 50 kilometres south of Koblenz and around 90 kilometres west of Frankfurt.
Bacharach is in the Middle Rhine region, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Frankfurt Airport (FRA) is the closest major international airport to Bacharach and is the best option for most travelers. It offers a wide range of flights from around the world and has good transport connections to Bacharach.
Distance to Frankfurt Airport: 85km
Distance to Frankfurt Hahn Airport: 95km
Distance to Cologne Bonn Airport: 130km
Distance to Luxembourg Airport: 190km
Frankfurt Hahn Airport, despite its name, is actually closer to Bacharach than to Frankfurt. It's mainly used by budget airlines and can be an option for cost-conscious travelers, though the transfer to Bacharach may require additional planning.
Cologne Bonn Airport, while slightly further away, can sometimes be a good alternative, especially for those combining a visit to Bacharach with travel in the Rhineland region.
Bacharach train station is situated about a ten-minute walk from the historic town centre.
The rail line runs along the left bank of the Rhine river between Mainz and Koblenz. There are also regular train services to Frankfurt Airport and the city of Frankfurt.
Bacharach is part of the Rhein-Nahe local public transport association, which includes bus and rail services and has single and group day tickets.
The German rail service offers a ticket ('Rheinland-Pfalz/Saarland-Ticket') which includes unlimited travel for a day on regional trains and bus services in the Rhineland-Palatinate and neighboring Saarland.
The B9 runs along the western side of the Rhine through Bacharach north to Koblenz and south to Bingen am Rhein.
The local road L224 connects with the A61 motorway west of Bacharach near Rheinböllen.
A regular ferry service up and down the Rhine is offered during the summer season by Köln-Düsseldorfer-Rheinschiffahrt.
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Bacharach's first documentary mention dates back to the early 11th century, but it's thought the area may have been settled as early as the 7th century.
The town's name has its roots in the Celtic word "Baccaracus," which means "altar to Bacchus," the Roman god of wine. This shows that viticulture has been a part of the town's history for a long time.
The town really came into its own in the Middle Ages, mainly because its prime location on the Rhine. Bacharach became a prosperous town thanks to its wine and wood trade, with vineyards covering the surrounding hillsides.
A view of Bacharach and Burg Stahleck from the Rhine river
The construction of Burg Stahleck castle in the 11th century and the town's defensive walls show just how important Bacharach was strategically in the region.
Many of Bacharach's most famous half-timbered houses were built before the 16th century, which helps to keep the town's medieval charm alive and well today.
In more modern times, the medieval character of the town has helped to make the tourist industry in Bacharach one of the main sources of its prosperity.
Burg Stahleck, a 12th-century castle on a hilltop, is one of Bacharach's most iconic landmarks. These days, it's a youth hostel, and it offers some pretty amazing views of the Rhine Valley.
The castle's location at the top of the town shows how it was built to defend against attack, and gives us an insight into the region's feudal past.
The Alte Haus (Old House) at the heart of the historic centre has some pretty intricate timber framing. It dates back to 1368 and is one of the oldest half-timbered houses in the region.
Half-timbered houses in the historic centre of Bacharach
The ruins of the Wernerkapelle (Werner Chapel) are a Gothic masterpiece, left unfinished in the 13th century and now a picturesque ruin.
If you're looking for a great view, the Postenturm (Post Tower) is the place to go. This historic observation tower, surrounded by vineyards, offers some stunning views of the town and river, so it's a great spot for photographers.
St Peter's Church combines Romanesque and Gothic styles. The interior is decorated with medieval frescoes, which provide a tranquil space for reflection.
The town's well-preserved medieval walls and towers, including the imposing Marktturm (Market Tower), give visitors the chance to walk in the footsteps of ancient watchmen. These fortifications did more than just protect the town. They also helped regulate the important wine trade, which was a major part of Bacharach's economy.
The tourist information office in Bacharach is located in Oberstrasse between the railway station and the historic centre. It is open all week with slightly shorter opening hours at the weekend.
Tourist Office: rhein-nahe-touristik.de