Experience the Rhine by Bike & Boat

The Rhine – Germany’s Longest River

Before you even step aboard your ship and experience a typical day on a bike and boat tour with us, the Rhine has already completed an extraordinary journey of its own.

Though it holds the title of Germany’s longest river, running 865 kilometers (537 miles) within the country, it actually begins its course in Switzerland, making it, in a sense, a Swiss native. Its source lies at Lake Toma near the Gotthard Pass, where it emerges as the Vorderrhein.

Over its full 1,233-kilometer (766-mile) route, the Rhine flows through six countries. After the Vorderrhein merges with the Hinterrhein near Tamins in the Swiss canton of Graubünden, it becomes the Alpine Rhine. Around 200 kilometers (124 miles) later, it flows into Lake Constance. The Seerhein connects the lake’s upper and lower basins, and in the middle of the Konstanz Rhine Bridge, you’ll find Rhine kilometer zero.

Between Lake Constance and Basel, the river is known as the High Rhine, home to one of its most dramatic highlights: the Rhine Falls near Schaffhausen. At 23 meters (75 feet) high and 150 meters (492 feet) wide, this spectacular cascade ranks among Europe’s largest waterfalls.

From Basel onward, the river becomes navigable and is known as the Upper Rhine, flowing through Switzerland, France, and Germany. This is where your cycling and cruise adventure begins. Between Bingen and Bonn, the river is called the Middle Rhine, a section rich in UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as the legendary Lorelei Rock. Here, the landscape is steeped in winemaking tradition, with castles, terraced vineyards, and picturesque villages lining the banks.

Further downstream, the Rhine becomes the Lower Rhine and takes on a new character, passing through the urban centers of Bonn, Cologne, and Düsseldorf. Eventually, it reaches the Netherlands, where it branches into several distributaries and flows into the North Sea as the Delta Rhine.

The Rhine Adventure Begins

My journey kicks off bright and early, at 5 a.m., to be precise, at Salzburg’s main train station. From there, I catch a train to Munich, then travel via Mannheim to my destination for the next three days: Koblenz.

By early afternoon, I finally arrive. After a 20-minute walk, I catch my first glimpse of the river cruise ship waiting peacefully at the banks of the Rhine. I check in, receive my cabin on the lower deck, and join a short meet-and-greet with the other guests.

The first official activity is a cable car ride up to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, offering a fantastic view over Koblenz. From here, you can see where the Rhine and Moselle rivers meet at the Deutsches Eck, and our ship, resting serenely below, completes the picture perfectly.

Marvel at Breathtaking Scenery

On the second day, our cycling route takes us from St. Goar through Bacharach and Bingen to Rüdesheim. To make the most of the day, we set off bright and early at 5 a.m., cruising to St. Goar. Perched above the town is the impressive ruin of Rheinfels Castle, while across the river, the twin fortresses of Katz and Maus stand guard. A little further upstream, this picturesque scene is framed by the famous Lorelei Rock, a true highlight of the Rhine.

After a hearty breakfast, the roughly 30-kilometer (about 19 miles) cycling stage begins, following the Rhine Cycle Route all the way. It’s truly beautiful: the Rhine to the left, with stunning views of the Loreley rock, and on the right, charming villages nestled in the Rhine Valley. It’s my first time exploring this region, and within these first few minutes, I already get a strong sense of what makes this area so unique and special.

In Bacharach, a quaint historic town known for its many half-timbered houses, I pause for a short break at the old Posthof. This former monastery enchants with its lovely courtyard and ancient walls. Feeling refreshed, I continue along the Rhine Cycle Route, passing several more castles before finally reaching Bingen. There, I catch the ferry across the Rhine to Rüdesheim.

Half-timbered houses on the Rhine near Rüdesheim

A Glass of Wine in Rüdesheim

Rüdesheim, today’s destination, is a charming wine town known for its famous Drosselgasse. From the very first moment, you sense the town’s deep connection to wine and vineyards. I stop at a traditional wine garden to sample the house specialties, enjoying each glass in a relaxed and welcoming setting.

In the evening, I’m treated to a delicious four-course dinner on board. Sharing the experience with fellow guests, we watch the sun set over Rüdesheim, bringing a perfect close to a memorable day.

Experience the Rhine by Bike & Boat

The Rhine – Germany’s Longest River

The Rhine Adventure Begins

Marvel at Breathtaking Scenery

A Glass of Wine in Rüdesheim

My Conclusion

Tip for Early Bookers