As my trusty doodle Ruby and I tackled the rugged paths of the MittelRhein Klettersteig, we found ourselves trekking beneath the Boppard Sesselbahn (Boppard chairlift) – a cool slice of engineering that offers sky-high rides with killer views. This unexpected encounter with the chairlift made me think that almost anyone can get up here for these awesome views.
It’s so slow and gentle and it would be perfect for anyone wanting a relaxing easy ride with views, views, views!
It’s also near the Mittelrhein klettersteig, perfect for a first timer.
Boppard Chairlift Travel Tips
- Location: Boppard, Germany
- When to Ride: April – October
- Duration: 20 minutes
- Points of Interest: Rudesheim, Oberwesel, Sankt Goar, Assmannshausen, Mittelrhein Klettersteig hike
- Closest Airports: Frankfurt International & Hahn, Cologne-Bonn, Luxemburg
- Parking: Pubic Parkplatz (5 min walk)
But just like Wesly from the Princess Bride likes it…the chairlift goes…slowly.
Boppard Chairlift – (Boppard Sesselbahn) Experience
Author’s TL;DR: The chairlift in Boppard, also known as Sesselbahn Boppard, operates during the warmer months from 10 am daily. It is open from April to October, depending on the weather.
Located in the beautiful town of Boppard in Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany, the chairlift takes you on a scenic journey over the stunning landscape of the Rhine River Valley, the magical Rhine Castles hiking trail and the amazing Rhine castles.
Morgan’s Video Boppard Chairlift
Who is it good for?
- Families with small kids
- People who want to see Vierseenblick (Four Lakes View)
- Getting to the Bike park
- Romantic Date at the GideonsEck
- People whose knees can’t tolerate the steep hike up (or down)
- Day trippers from Koblenz or Frankfurt
Who is it not good for?
- People with an extreme fear of heights
- Anyone wanting an extreme rush – it’s gentle!
What is the Sesselbahn Boppard?
If you’re looking for a unique and unforgettable experience and one of the best things to do in Boppard, I highly recommend taking a ride.
The ride lasts about 20 minutes each way, and visitors can choose to take a one-way or round-trip ticket.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to see the beauty of the German Rhine River from a whole new perspective!
Keep reading, because below I tell you everything you need to know about this family attraction as well as our experiences walking around.
Spoiler alert: It’s a gentle ride!
🚠 SUMMER CHAIRLIFTS in Germany
An easy & relaxing Way to experience the German OUTDOORS 🚠
It doesn’t have to be HARD to explore Germany’s mountains and vineyards.
1️⃣ On the Upper Middle Romantic Rhine UNESCO site:
the Rudesheim cable car and Assmannshausen chairlift help you create a gentle loop called the Rudesheim Ring Tour. The Boppard chairlift gets you to the Vierseenblick. And the Ko
2️⃣ Flying over the Moselle River:
the Scenic Cochem chairlift takes you over vineyards and slate blue craggy mini-mountains.
3️⃣ On the German Weinstrasse:
the gentle Rietburg Chairlift helps you skip the uphill and have unbelieveable views over the Rhine plain and skip the hard part of the Edenkoben Tal hike.
4️⃣ In Bavaria:
the Kranzberg Sessellift gets you high above Mittenwald and allows you to hike the stunning Hoher Kranzberg hike good for family.
Just like an e-bike, a bit of technology can make exploring nature more accessible to everyone.
Ticketing and Schedule
Opening Hours and Seasons
Opening Hours 2023
Period | Opening Time | Closing Time |
---|---|---|
April 1 – April 15 | 10:00 AM | 5:00 PM |
April 16 – Sept 30 | 10:00 AM | 6:00 PM |
Oct 1 – Oct 15 | 10:00 AM | 5:30 PM |
Oct 16 – Oct 31 | 10:00 AM | 5:00 PM |
You can bring your dog or your bike on the chairlift also.
The chairlift takes you up to a height of nearly 240 meters and the trip takes 20 minutes one way. The valley station is located in Mühltal and the chairlift takes you to the top which is a short walk from Gedeonseck.
It is important to note that the chairlift operates seasonally, and is closed during the winter months. It is advisable to check the official website or call the chairlift office to confirm the opening hours and seasons before planning your trip.
Pricing and Discounts Chairlift Boppard
It is important to note that the prices may change without notice, so it is advisable to check the official website or call the chairlift office to confirm the lift ticket prices.
Ticket Type | Round Trip | One Way |
---|---|---|
Adult | 10,00 € | 7,00 € |
Children up to 14 years | 6,00 € | 4,00 € |
Groups of 15 people or more | 9,00 € | – |
Children up to 14 years (group) | 5,00 € | – |
Multi-Trip Card | – | – |
Day Ticket (for bikers) | 30,00 € | 21,00 € |
Half-Day Ticket (for bikers) | – | – |
10-Trip Card | 60,00 € | – |
Bicycle / Dog (one way) | 1,50 € | – |
I made a full tour guide of the Rhine River Castles and Castle Ruins with GPS, history and architecture tidbits.
How to Get to the Chairlift
This attraction is operated by Stuhlbahn GmbH and is located on Mühltal street near the train line.
Parking: The nearest parking is in a public parking lot and is paid with coins.
Related Reading:
How to Get to Boppard
By Train: Boppard is served by the MittelrheinBahn and the main station is right in the center of town. Trains are about 1 time per hour.
✈️ When you book your transport online, I personally recommend and always use OMIO. They search for trains, buses, flights and ferries, so you get the easiest way to your destination!
By Car: There are multiple ferries that allow you to criss cross the Rhine river, so it’s easy to drive to Boppard from wherever you may be approaching. There can be backups however, just give yourself some extra time. Parking can be challenging in summer and is usually paid.
🚗 Car Rental: I always use Discover cars because they search for local and international options so you get the best deal.
By Flight: The closest airport is Frankfurt International, about a 1.5 hour drive. Luxemburg, Cologne – Bonn Airport and Frankfurt Hahn are also nearby.
Map of Boppard
How to Use This Map:
Click on the icon on the top left-hand corner. You will now see an interactive list.
For more info on each, click on the map icons.
To see the map in more detail, click on the [ ] in the top right-hand corner. This will open a larger map where the details of each point can be found by clicking on the location point name in the list on the left.
You can also save the map for your own use by clicking the next to the map name. This will save the map to your Google Maps, where you can make a copy and use it for your own trip planning.
To view the saved map on your phone, open Google Maps, click “saved” on the bottom, and then “maps” on the lower right.
Ride Experience
Duration and Distance
The ride takes about 20 minutes to complete a one-way journey. The ride covers a distance of approximately 915 meters, and during the journey, you gain 232 meters in height. The chairlift runs from the outskirts of Boppard over vineyards and slate blue steep mountains to one of the best lookout points in the Rhine Valley, Vierseenblick (Four Lakes View).
This place is really cool with the illusion of the Rhine river becoming 4 separate lakes.
Scenery and Views
The scenery during the ride is breathtaking. As you ascend, you will see the picturesque town of Boppard below you. The vineyards and forests that surround the town make for a stunning view.
Once you reach the top, you will be rewarded with a panoramic view of the largest river bend on the entire Rhine River. You can see the Rhine river winding its way through the valley, and in the distance, you can see the mountains that surround the valley.
Comfort and Safety Features
The chairs are comfortable and provide a smooth ride. The chairs are equipped with safety bars that you can lower during the ride. The safety bars provide an added sense of security, especially if you are afraid of heights.
The chairlift is well-maintained and adheres to strict safety standards. The operators of the chairlift are friendly and helpful, and they will ensure that you have a pleasant and safe ride.
Chairlift Location and Stuff on Top
Top Station
It starts at the valley station in Mühltal, which is located near the train line. There is parking available at the station. From there, the chairlift takes you up to the top station just 100 meters from Restaurant GedeonsEck.
Restaurant GedeonsEck
At the top station, you’ll find Restaurant GedeonsEck, which offers delicious food and drinks with a fantastic view. Whether you want to have a full meal or just a snack, you’ll find something to your liking.
The restaurant has both indoor and outdoor seating, so you can enjoy the view no matter the weather. It’s a great place to relax and take in the scenery. There’s also a great playground for the kids.
Vierseenblick
About 300 meters from the top stations is the Vierseenblick, which means “four-lake view” in English. As the name suggests, it appears that you can see four lakes from the top station.
It’s a breathtaking illusion of the river bends in the Rhine and a view that you won’t forget!
Boppard Bike Park
If you’re into mountain biking or bmx, you’ll be happy to know that the Boppard Bike Park is located near the top station of the chairlift.
The park has several trails of varying difficulty levels, so whether you’re a beginner or an expert, you’ll find something to challenge you.
Boppard MittelRhein Klettersteig
If you’re looking for a more adventurous way to explore the area, check out the Boppard MittelRhein Klettersteig. This via ferrata (a protected climbing route) takes you up the steep cliffs overlooking the Rhine, offering stunning views and a thrilling experience. Note that this activity requires a certain level of fitness and experience.
You’ll need to rent via ferrata (klettersteig) equipment at the Base Camp bar and restaurant near the chairlift. They are open 10:00-19:00 (10 am to 7 pm).
It takes about 3 hours, so you’ll want to get started prior to 16:00 (4 pm).
EXPLORE THE RHINE’S COUSIN – THE MOSELLE RIVER & IT’S HIDDEN GEMS
If you are curious about more German fairytale hikes, castles and wine tasting…
📍 My post on wine tasting and hiking in Urzig
🍷 The Best Things to do in Beilstein on the Moselle
🏰 And… the best things to do in Cochem Germany
I highly recommend taking the Boppard Chairlift Sesselbahn if you’re visiting the Rhine Valley. It’s a unique and memorable experience that you won’t want to miss.
Author profile: Morgan Fielder is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and passionate hiker who believes in exploring the world on foot with good food. Follow her journey as she shares science-based hiking tips and advocates for sustainable tourism.