Your 5 Days on the Middle Rhine: Koblenz to Mainz Castles

Explore the impressive Mainzer Dom, a thousand-year-old Romanesque cathedral that is a symbol of the city's rich history. Marvel at its architectural grandeur and the various historical elements it has accumulated over centuries.

"The Museum is fantastic. I’ve seen many but this one is breathtaking. The details from the earlier Cathedral are beautifully conserved and are right at your own height to admire."— Michael Otten

Dive into the history of printing at the Gutenberg Museum, dedicated to Johannes Gutenberg, the inventor of movable type printing. See original Gutenberg Bibles and learn about the revolutionary impact of his invention.

"It was a delight to visit the Gutenberg museum. I especially loved the demonstration of the replica press. A single ‘G’ was made from molten tin right before our eyes! There is an interesting tarot deck on display as well."— Annelies B.

Wander through the charming cobblestone streets of Mainz's Old Town, admiring the historic timber-framed houses and the picturesque Kirschgarten square. This area is perfect for a leisurely stroll, offering a glimpse into local life and unique architecture.

"Lovely small square led by cobblestone narrow street. The square is surrounded by charming half timbered houses dated centuries ago. They are preserved so well and very well decorated with flowers and plants. There are some cute stores and cafes nearby. A cannot missed spot while visiting Mainz."— Aggie Wang

Visit the remnants of the Roman Theater, one of the largest north of the Alps, and explore the nearby Citadel Park. These sites offer a direct connection to Mainz's Roman origins as 'Mogontiacum' and provide panoramic views over the city.

"I was impressed by the preservation and size of the Roman theatre. Walking through the rows of seats and looking at the stage truly gives you a sense of how the place functioned almost two millennia ago. The guide shared interesting anecdotes that made the visit even more vivid."— Mariana Fuchs

Visit this historic church renowned for its breathtaking stained-glass windows by Marc Chagall, casting ethereal blue light throughout the interior.

"Photos just can't show the beauty! The windows are a beautiful cobalt blue, I've never seen the like. No admission cost, but they do have areas out for donations. Google Maps took me to the back for some reason, and the front entrance wasn't really obvious. I'm adding a pic of the front entrance, hours are posted and you just push the door to go in."— Jason Carlton

Discover Mainz's Roman heritage at the Museum of Ancient Seafaring, featuring reconstructed Roman ships and artifacts unearthed from the Rhine.

"Very nice museum and no charges at all. You can of course buy a souvenir or a book and make a donation if you want. Place has a lot of exhibits and also accessible for blind people and lots of interactive things for kids. If you have some time, definitely worth checking out. 👍"— Starlight

Wander through the charming cobblestone streets of Augustinerstrasse, admire the historic half-timbered houses, and explore the picturesque Kirschgarten square.

"Lovely small square led by cobblestone narrow street. The square is surrounded by charming half timbered houses dated centuries ago. They are preserved so well and very well decorated with flowers and plants. There are some cute stores and cafes nearby. A cannot missed spot while visiting Mainz."— Aggie Wang

Explore the grand former residence of the Archbishops-Electors of Mainz, a significant historical and architectural landmark reflecting the city's imperial past.

"Beautiful from the outside but part of the building is closed off for construction and the Christmas market."— Paul Heller

Wander through the charming, less-trafficked courtyards and narrow alleys of Mainz Old Town, discovering picturesque corners and historic architecture away from the main thoroughfares.

"Beautiful and peaceful location. Nice eateries and some shopping options."— SUMUKH V MAKAM

Dive into the vibrant history and traditions of the famous Mainz Carnival, exploring costumes, floats, and artifacts that celebrate this unique cultural festival.

"Pretty small and pretty strange museum, but interesting. Unfortunately, there is no possibility to pay with card, but the price itself is fair - it is only three euros"— Roman Meyer

Visit the Drususstein, an ancient Roman monument and cenotaph dedicated to Nero Claudius Drusus, offering a glimpse into Mainz's Roman past.

"Beautiful to look at, unfortunately during our visits the tower was under construction, therefore inaccessible. There is a sitting area right behind with nice views of Citadelle. Visited in May 2022."— Pavel D.

Take a breathtaking cable car ride across the Rhine to the magnificent Ehrenbreitstein Fortress. Explore the historic grounds, museums, and enjoy panoramic views of the Rhine and Moselle confluence.

"The Koblenz Seilbahn offers a highly recommended, smooth, and spectacularly scenic aerial journey across the Rhine River. Providing a direct link between the city center near the Deutsches Eck and the high plateau of the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, the cable car ride itself is a highlight of the region. The modern, spacious gondolas glide silently over the water, offering unrivalled panoramic views that capture the famous confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers, the lush river landscape, and the historic rooftops of Koblenz below. Travelers should note the excellent value of the combined ticket, which allows access to both the cable car and the fortress entrance; for instance, the student rate is particularly affordable at just 11 EUR. The entire experience is efficient and provides a breathtaking introduction to the region's geography, making it a wonderful way to travel up to the fortress or simply enjoy a unique perspective of the city."— Arunbhaarat

Visit Deutsches Eck, the iconic 'German Corner' where the Rhine and Moselle rivers converge, marked by a majestic equestrian statue of Emperor William I.

"A must-visit landmark in Koblenz! Deutsches Eck is a truly impressive and symbolic place where the Rhine and Moselle rivers meet. The monumental Kaiser Wilhelm statue adds a powerful historical atmosphere to the area. The view from the platform is beautiful, especially on a clear day – you can clearly see the two rivers flowing side by side. It’s a great spot for walking, taking photos, and simply enjoying the peaceful riverside scenery. Definitely one of the highlights of Koblenz!"— özgür Demir

Explore this magnificent 19th-century castle, a prime example of Rhine Romanticism, offering historical insights and breathtaking views of the Rhine Valley.

"A small castle with a beautiful view of the Rhine. Only a few rooms are opened and visitors are given a big house slippers to be worn over shoes when walking inside the castle. Taking photos inside the castle is not allowed. It would have been nice if any of the towers are accessible. We had our 1.5 years old on a stroller and had to park the stroller by the gate. We brought a hip-seat so we can carry our toddler to see the rooms, so that was not a problem. The hike up from the parking is quite steep, but it didn't feel particularly long. The forest was clean, scenic and we enjoyed the fresh air. The path for using the stroller up and down between the parking garage and castle is good. There is no free parking / parking ticket validated by the castle's ticket office (we were told this was an old information)."— Mina Kaharuddin

Enjoy a leisurely walk along a section of the famous Rheinsteig trail near Koblenz, offering spectacular, crowd-free vistas of the Rhine River and surrounding landscapes.

"A beautiful hiking trail, pleasant peace, simply beautiful"— Volker Hagenschulte