Looking for the best things to do in Boppard, Germany? My doodle Ruby and I recently visited this charming town to explore the magical Rhine Castles Hiking Trail and its unique klettersteig (or via ferrata) and found so many cool things to do from Nature to history and everything in between.
Nestled inside the largest river bend along the Rhine River within the UNESCO Upper Middle Rhine Gorge site, Boppard is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the magic of Germany’s Rhine Valley.
Boppard is the kind of place where people sit at a cafe without their phones, content to simply soak up the sun and enjoy the moment.
Is Boppard Worth visiting?
Author’s TL;DR: Boppard offers a delightful mix of outdoor activities, river cruising, historical and cultural experiences, and mouthwatering cuisine with one of the best family-friendly klettersteig (via ferrata) in Germany.
It’s one of the most “active” towns along the Upper Middle Rhine Valley and a nice place to homebase, but it does not offer a true castle hotel.
🛎️ Click here to find the best hotels in this serene German town.
What You Will Learn
Is Boppard Worth Visiting?
The Town of Rhine Wine and Magnificent Views Accessed by Chairlift
This charming town, nestled along the left bank of the Rhine River, has a rich past that is waiting to be explored and is definitely worth visiting. If you’re looking for nightlife, you may want to skip it however.
Did you know that Boppard’s beginnings can be traced back to an early Celtic settlement?
After the Celtic rule, the town later became the Roman fort of Baudobriga, from which the modern name Boppard has emerged. It even served as a royal residence under the Merovingian dynasty.
Today, Boppard is a state-recognized tourism resort, well-known for its expansive wine-growing industry, which started during Roman times in 643.
Over 75 hectares of its land are now dedicated to vineyards, making it the largest wine-growing center in the Middle Rhine.
What are the 25 Best Things to Do in Boppard Germany?
Join me as we journey through some of the most unforgettable things to do in Boppard, from soaring above the sparkling Rhine in a picturesque chairlift ride, taking a ride on the Harry Potter train, to delving into the town’s rich history at the Romanesque Church of St. Severus.
Short on time? Quick Verdicts
Don’t have time to read the whole article? No problemo!
Best Thing to Do
Only in Boppard for a day? This tour will show you the best of the Rhine by boat.
Go River Cruising to Spot Loreley
- 2.5 hour river cruise
- Departs from Boppard
- English and German
Overall Best Accommodation in Boppard
Most of the Boppard hotels line the waterfront promenade, but this hotel is a cut above the rest and offers unrivaled spa facilities.
Stay at the SPA hotel Bellevue Rheinhotel
- 4 Star hotel Built in 1887
- Art Nouveau decor with elegant touches
- Indoor pool, spa, sauna
What to do in Boppard Germany
25 Best Things to do in Boppard
Despite this being a lovely wine village for people who want a quiet weekend, there’s a surprising number of things to do here.
Ruby and I wandered around on an April day and want to share our experience with you.
Overall Best
1. Ride the Boppard Chairlift to the Vierseenblick (four lakes view)
The Boppard Chairlift took us on a gentle ride to the Vierseenblick viewpoint, otherwise known as the four lakes view. You can see the illusion of four separate lakes due to the extreme bend in the Rhine River here in the middle Rhine Valley.
As we ascended, the beautiful landscape unfolded before my eyes, and I couldn’t help but be dazzled by the sight of the Rhine, the vineyards, and the surrounding forest.
As a physical therapist, I’m always down for tourism that is accessible for all mobility levels and the chairlift is one of the best things to do in Boppard for all ages.
If you are exploring more of Germany’s Rhine valley, you can also ride the Rüdesheim gondola or Niederwald Assmannshausen chairlift.
On the Moselle River just a 30 minute drive away, you can ride the Cochem chairlift too.
If you want all the deets about the chairlift, read my full guide on the Boppard Chairlift Sesselbahn.
Chairlift 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 |
Updated 2023
2. Relax on a Rhine River Cruise
A trip to Boppard would not be complete without a river cruise to enjoy a leisurely tour of the Rhine.
You’ll admire the picturesque scenery, including castles, vineyards, and quaint villages lining the riverbanks.
Boppard is very close to the famous (or infamous) Loreley rock and while I won’t spoil the story for you completely…think sirens and sailors.
⛴️ This is my favorite Rhine River cruise from Boppard.
3. Turn Inside at St. Severus Church
Another attraction that left a lasting impression on me was the stunning St. Severus Church. It was built in the 11th and 12th centuries over Roman baths.
As I wandered through the serene atmosphere, I marvelled at the architecture and the beautiful frescoes on display.
Opening times: 10.00 a.m. – 6.00 p.m.
4. Stroll on the Rheinallee Promenade
During my stroll along the Rheinallee Promenade, I was delighted by the view of the Rhine and the vibrant scene of people enjoying the outdoors.
There are plenty of places to grab a drink or snack and benches to relax on to watch the people and boats go by.
5. Take the Harry Potter Train to Ehrbachklamm
I didn’t take this ride, but I definitely have enjoyed the fairytale waterfall hike at the end of the touristic train ride at the mystical Ehrbachklamm serviced by the Hunsrückbahn (train).
The restored train goes from Boppard to Emmelshausen and has 5 tunnels and 2 viaducts that look like a mini-Harry Potter train.
Here’s their website for more info to book.
🏰 I built this Rhine River Castle Guide specifically for people to understand the history and architecture of the amazing castles in the Rhine River Gorge.
Outdoor Activities in and Around Boppard
6. Rhine Castle Hiking Trails
Boppard has some of the most beautiful and varied hiking trails along the Rhine River with some of the most scenic views I’ve ever seen.
- The Vierseenblick is truly unusual and easily accessed by hiking the Mittelrhein-Klettersteig Boppard or using the Boppard chairlift (for an easier approach).
- Another of my favorite trails was the 200 km long Rhine Castles Trail that goes right through Boppard. I’ve only hiked sections of it, but one day I’d love to do the entire trail and stay in cute towns like Boppard each night at a caste hotel.
- And just outside Boppard is the lovely “dream slice” Ehrbachklamm hike that is about 6 miles or 10km with narrow gorges and spilling waterfalls.
If you’re not sure how much time you need to hike, you can use my hiking time calculator to estimate your time and not end up out after dark.
7. Ride the River Cycling Routes OR Bike Park
I found that Boppard is an ideal destination for cycling enthusiasts like me, with numerous cycling routes along the picturesque Rhine River that are mostly flat.
However, there is a really cool bmx / mountain bike park at the top of the Boppard chairlift for more adventurous bike riders.
8. Climb on a Via Ferrata – MittelRhein Klettersteig
It’s not every day that you get to try out a Via Ferrata, so I was thrilled to find the MittelRhein Klettersteig in Boppard. This route offers a unique combination of hiking and climbing for an exhilarating experience, with stunning views of the Rhine Valley. The adrenaline rush was totally worth it!
To tackle this challenging route, you’ll need to rent Via Ferrata (Klettersteig) equipment at the Base Camp bar and restaurant near the chairlift, which is open from 10:00-19:00 (10 am to 7 pm). The climb takes about 3 hours, so it’s recommended to start before 16:00 (4 pm).
9. Golf at Jakobsberg
I’m not a golfer… yet! I do know a lot of people love it and how much better can golf get than playing with a view of the Rhine River and Boppard from above? Reviews state that it’s pretty nice, there are trainers and it’s not too expensive.
There’s also mini-golf right near the Boppard chairlift ascent in town for the rest of us. 😇
10. Fly Above the Riverbed Paragliding at Gedeonseck
If you really want to level up your adventure, you can go paragliding from the Gedeonseck near the top of the Boppard chairlift.
🪂 If you’re not sure about paragliding, read my article on how to go first time paragliding and learn how dangerous paragliding is.
Culinary Experiences in Boppard
11. Wine Tasting – This is Roman Wine Country in Germany!
One of the best things to do in Boppard is to try its exceptional wines, thanks to its location along the Rhine River.
I can’t wait to try various Rieslings and other regional specialties at local wineries and wine bars, such as the Weingut Matthias Müller.
If you’re in the mood for red wines, you should take a boat cruise and do some fun things in nearby Assmannshausen on the right bank of the Rhine.
12. Savor the Local Restaurants
When it comes to dining options, Boppard has a number of local restaurants that offer delicious, authentic cuisine. One of my favorites is Römerburg Weinhaus + Restaurant, which serves delectable German and European dishes.
Some other restaurants that caught my attention include:
- Restaurant Alte Schmiede
- Vierseenblick (on the mountain)
- Gedeonseck (on the mountain)
These establishments serve mouthwatering local dishes that allow visitors to savor the rich flavors of the region.
13. Get Coffee on the Marktplatz
After a fulfilling meal, I adore finding a cozy spot to enjoy a freshly brewed cup of coffee and watch the world go by.
Boppard’s Marktplatz is the perfect spot for this, with charming cafes like Chocobar and Lo Stivale espresso and gelato shop, both offering a relaxing atmosphere to sip a cappuccino and marvel at the beautiful market square and listen to the sounds of the beautiful fountain.
Historical Sites in Boppard Altstadt
I love the rich history of Boppard, and exploring its historical sites has been a highlight of my visit (despite all the hiking) 🥾😃. For detailed and up-to-date information, check the Boppard tourist signs, but here are some of my favorites.
14. Roman Fort
One of the first places I ventured to was the Römer-Kastell, a Roman fort that dates back to almost two thousand years ago!
Just imagine the stories these medieval town walls could tell! I took a stroll around the ruins, trying to picture the soldiers who once walked the same ground.
15. Boppard Museum
Next on my list was the Museum Boppard. This charming museum provided me with a glimpse into the town’s fascinating past. I enjoyed the medieval artifacts, archaeological finds, and exhibits showcasing the Roman influence on Boppard.
| Day of the Week | Opening Time | Closing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesday | 10:00 AM | 5:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 10:00 AM | 5:00 PM |
| Thursday | 10:00 AM | 5:00 PM |
| Friday | 10:00 AM | 5:00 PM |
| Saturday | 11:00 AM | 6:00 PM |
| Sunday | 11:00 AM | 6:00 PM |
| Monday | 11:00 AM | 6:00 PM |
16. Electoral Castle
Then I checked out the Boppard’s Electoral Castle (Alte Burg), one of the few middle Rhine castles that has never been destroyed. The majestic 13th-century castle sits right along the riverbank, making it quite unique compared to other castles that are usually tucked away on hilltops.
Every stone seemed to whisper a tale from times long gone.
17. Karmeliterkirche (Carmelite Church)
The first thing I saw after parking the car was the Carmelite Church (Karmeliterkirche). There were even nuns in habits walking by!
The architecture of this beautiful church, located by the Rhine, enchanted me, and the serenity of the place truly touched my soul. I couldn’t have asked for a better way to soak up the rich history of this beautiful town.
Festivals and Events
18. Boppard Wine Festival
If you can plan your trip to coincide with the Boppard Wine Festival you’ll be in for a treat. Held annually in late September, the festival offers an array of delightful activities for everyone to enjoy.
19. Summer Music Nights
Another memorable event I came across in Boppard was the Summer Music Nights. These relaxed Friday evenings by the Rhine provided a fantastic opportunity to enjoy live music, ranging from brass to rock tunes.
Day Trips from Boppard [Less Than 1 hour]
There is no shortage of day trips from Boppard. Here are some of my favorite spots:
20. Oberwesel Day Trip
I loved walking around the picturesque town of Oberwesel, visiting the beautiful red Liebfrauenkirche church near the train station, and admiring the well-preserved town wall with 18 medieval towers.
🔥 Travel Tips:
Burg hotel auf Schönburg is my all time favorite castle hotel in Germany.
21. Rüdesheim Day Trip
Another memorable day trip took me to Rüdesheim, a lovely town nestled along the right Rhine River.
Here, I enjoyed a leisurely stroll down the charming Drosselgasse, a narrow lane filled with wine bars, shops, and restaurants. On this sunnier side of the Rhine you’ll find a really cool gondola that goes next door to Assmannshausen.
22. Burg Rheinfels Day Trip
For a bit of adventure, I decided to visit Burg Rheinfels, an imposing fortress near St. Goar only a 15 minute drive away from Boppard. The majestic castle offered me a glimpse into the fascinating history of the region.
As I climbed the walls and explored the castle grounds, I was rewarded with unbelievable views of the Rhine Valley and its beautiful surroundings.
🏰 On a different trip, I loved staying at Hotel Schloss Rheinfels, a true castle hotel.
23. Calmont Klettersteig Adventure Day Trip
Located only one hour drive away on the equally beautiful Moselle River, the Calmont Klettersteig is another via ferrata that actually goes right through the steepest vineyard in Europe.
It’s really not that hard, my mini-doodle did it (with a boost from me up the metal ladders). I have vertigo when doing hikes in the Alps or Dolomites, but this was just pure fun.
And while there are numerous wine tasting areas on the trail (including a wine vending machine) I would save wine tasting for AFTER the klettersteig.
24. Geierlay Suspension Bridge – 2nd Longest in Germany
The Geierlay suspension bridge is a 40 minute drive away from Boppard and is one of the best adventure day trips in Germany.
You can cross the 2nd longest suspension bridge in Germany on this day trip. It’s 100 meters high and 360 meters long.
25. Burg Reichenstein Museum
35 minutes away from Boppard and also on the left bank of the Rhine is the restored castle and gardens at Burg Reichenstein. You can have a lovely meal here, tour the gardens and the museum.
My best mother’s day was spent hiking between castle hotels on the Rhine river and this is one of the castle hotels that we stayed at.
🛎️ Book here to stay at this amazing Rhine Castle hotel.
Map of Things to Do
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.
Boppard Travel Guide
In this guide, I will first share with you some tips about Boppard such as:
- How to get to Boppard
- How long to stay on Boppard
- How to get around in Boppard
- Best time of year to visit Boppard
- Where to stay in Boppard
How to Get to Boppard
By Train: The Boppard Hauptbahnhof lies between Mainz and Cologne on one of the most scenic stretches of Germany’s excellent train network.
Boppard is served by the MittelrheinBahn and the main station is right in the center of town.
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: Boppard is just 10 km away from the major roadway A60. 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. Bring euro coins for the machines.
By Flight: If you want to catch a flight to Boppard, the closest airport is Frankfurt International, about a 1.5 hour drive. Cologne-Bonn, Luxemburg and Frankfurt Hahn are also within 2 hours drive.
How Long to Stay in Boppard
Most people coming to Boppard may only be here as a stop on the Rhine River boat cruises and that’s totally fine.
You can see quite a few things in the space of an afternoon.
However if you really want to soak in the genuine German ambiance I would suggest 2-3 days to really see all that it has to offer.
Boppard Castle Tours:
A weekend getaway to Boppard is perfect to pair with a visit to next door Sankt Goar and its Burg Rheinfels castle hotel & museum or Schloss Schöneck sitting above the town.
How to Get Around Boppard
One of the best ways to get to know Boppard is by walking around the Altstadt, or Old Town. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time as you wander through the narrow streets and admire the half-timbered houses.
You can also rent a bike or ebike, but the town is small enough for most people to enjoy it by foot. To reach other villages or towns on the Rhine you can utilize the train and bus system, hike, bike or go by car.
🚘 Looking for a car rental service?
If you need a car for your trip, then my personal recommendation is to choose Discover Cars, an Award winning car rental comparison website. You can find, compare and rent a car globally there.
Hire a car HEREBest Time of Year to Visit Boppard
Year Round Fun – but April through October is the Best
Mother’s day is my absolute favorite time to visit. The canola oil fields are blooming a brilliant yellow and fruit trees are still in blossom.
The crowds haven’t come yet and you get to enjoy restaurants and wine tastings without reservations. However, the rest of the year has its benefits and you can always go hiking.
January through March is the low season and many hotels and restaurants are closed.
Where to Stay in Boppard
Luxury | Best Spa Hotel in Boppard
One of my favorite hotels is the Bellevue Rheinhotel, a spa hotel nestled in the old town and close to the river. The view is simply fantastic, and I found it to be an excellent value for money. Not to mention, it’s close to restaurants, shops, and cafes.
Mid-Range Hotel Boppard
Another scenic gem I came across is the Hotel Zur Fahre situated right in front of the pier and the ferry stop. This lovely hotel offers convenience and gorgeous views of the river, making it a must-see lodging option.
Budget Stay Boppard
For more of a budget stay, I would recommend the Hotel Das Ebertor, it offers both hostel and hotel accommodations and is a little bit outside the main center directly on the water with a park.
Camping in Boppard
Campingpark Sonneneck offers a pool, camping spots and glamping. The Jugendzeltplatz Boppard offers great group camping spots.
FAQ Boppard
What is Boppard known for?
Boppard, Germany is known for several things, including:
Wine: Boppard is the biggest wine-growing center in the Middle Rhine, with over 75 hectares devoted to vineyards. The town has been known for its wine since Roman times.
Rhine Gorge: Boppard is located in the Rhine Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its scenic beauty and historic castles.
Roman history: Boppard was established by Julius Caesar as a Roman fort in the attempt to protect the Rhine River left bank. The town has a rich history dating back to Roman times.
Tourism: Boppard is a designated Fremdenverkehrsort (state-recognized tourism resort) and attracts visitors with its scenic beauty, historic buildings, and outdoor activities such as hiking and cycling.
How do you get to Boppard?
There are several ways to get to Boppard, Germany, depending on your starting point. Here are some common options:
By train: Boppard is well-connected to several cities and towns thanks to the Regional Express Network. You can get to Boppard in 15 minutes from Koblenz, about 1 hour from Mainz, and about 2 hours from Frankfurt. You can use websites like Omio to plan your train journey.
By car: Boppard is located on the B9 highway, which follows the Rhine River. It is also located about 10 km from the A60 highway. If you are driving from Frankfurt, the journey takes about 1.5 hours.
By boat: Boppard is a popular stop for river cruises on the Rhine River. You can take a boat from several nearby towns and cities, including Koblenz and Rüdesheim.
By plane: The nearest airport to Boppard is Frankfurt (FRA), which is about 1.5 hours away by train or car. Other nearby airports include Cologne/Bonn (CGN) and Düsseldorf (DUS). You can use websites like Rome2rio to plan your journey from the airport to Boppard.
From the moment we arrived, I knew we had stumbled upon a hidden gem in Germany’s Rhine Valley. The idyllic town, with its cobbled streets, half-timbered houses, and stunning riverfront vista, evoked a sense of whimsy and wonder that made our early spring stay unforgettable.
I was captivated by the picturesque landscapes, historic architecture, and friendly locals who were always up for a chat about photography, wine, or hiking – my favorite things!
Before you go….
If you are curious about more German fairytale hikes and travel tips check out the beautiful Moselle River hidden Gems:
📍 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
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.
Thanks for reading this travel guide on the best things to do in Boppard Germany.