A river of wine, castles and romance

The Rhine Bike Trail from Mainz to Cologne.

The Rhine bike trail from Mainz to Cologne is the most beautiful part of the river. Here hot springs and spas attracted already the ancient Romans to the Rhine. Today vineyards and picturesque towns add to the region‘s charm. Admire this manmade landscape and look forward to Cologne where you can see the cathedral spires tower over Germany's oldest city. Enjoy its innumerable cultural and historical treasures, world-famous museums and active art scene. The world feels at home in Cologne, where people meet for a Kölsch, a chat or simply a laugh. Life in Cologne is uncomplicated and vivacious. A wonderful town for the end for your tour.

1. day  Mainz arrival

In Mainz you should be well on time! Not just the Roman-Germanic central museum, the Gutenberg museum, the emperors cathedral and the electors castle are worth an ample visit (arrival possible by German railway/ rental bike at hotel).

2. day  Mainz - Rüdesheim 35 km/49 km (19-31 miles)

The beautiful first stage leads through rolling vineyards and well-known wine villages. The Rhine is flowing quite unhurriedly, forming little islands and broadening its bed up to 800 m width! Until you reach Rüdesheim you may visit (+ 14 km) the half-timbered town of Eltville and monastery Eberbach, which are worth seeing.

3. day  Rüdesheim - St. Goar 38 km (24 miles)

Pompous castles attract on your way. And you definitely should climb up to the Loreley! A hiking path leads up to this lovely spot and offers a beautiful sight to the narrowest part in the romantic Rhine Valley.

4. day  St.Goar - Koblenz 36 km (22 miles)

Further on in the narrow Rhine Valley, the route firstly leads to Boppart. In this place it is quite turbulent, but if you wish you can go to "Vierseenblick" by cable car in densely wooded heights. Or you may visit on your further way to the ‚Deutschen Eck‘ in Koblenz the well preserved castle Marksburg and castle Stolzenfels.

5. day  Koblenz - Bad Godesberg 58 km (36 miles)

Cosy health resorts and inviting wine villages vie for your visit! Thermal baths and beer gardens also want to regale you. Or you may have a break from cycling and go to an enjoyable boat trip on the Rhine. Between Koblenz and Bad Godesberg everything is possible!

6. day  Bad Godesberg - Cologne 43 km (27 miles)

Bonn will be on your way and invites for an ample visit until the Cologne cathedral comes into field of vision. The today’s stage isn’t that long so you will be quite early in your hotel which is located in the city centre. You will still have enough time to admire the manifold sights of Cologne.

7. day  Cologne departure

Nobody wants to leave, but after a week in the beautiful Rhine Valley the tour ends in Cologne (departure possible with German railway).