Because the weather was so bad, we decided on a change of plans. Our original idea was to start in Mainz and cycle as far as we could downriver, then take the train back to Amsterdam. However, it was so cold, rainy, and windy (about 6 C, with 20-40 kph NW winds) that we decided it would be better to change our riding direction. So, we elected to take the train downriver to a town called Bacharach, and then ride back towards Wiesbaden.
One of the first things we saw after getting off the train in Bacharach was St. Peter's Church, which dates back to the 12th century.
There is also a beautiful old town, with dozens of timbered buildings.
In the above picture, you can see a section of the upper part of Bacharach. The wall and tower are what remains of a wall that went around the city. A sign said that this tower is the only one left with the original roof.
There is also a castle, which is now a youth hostel, on the top of the hill, but because it was raining and muddy, we didn't feel like walking up there to check it out.
We rode around the town, enjoying the sights, and then set off heading north on the bike path that runs right along the river.
For part of the way, the path goes through a green area, where we saw lots of woodland birds, as well as geese and swans on the river.
High above us, we could also see the ruins of castles. If the weather had been more pleasant, we would have taken the time to hike up there, but it was just downright cold, so after taking a few pictures, we pedaled on.
We did stop in a charming town called Niederheimbach, where we walked up a short path to a semi-ruined castle called Burg Hohneck (Heimburg). Apparently, the castle is privately owned, and you can't go inside, but it was fun to walk around it. The path going up is a little absurd. It is lined with 1960s style mannequins and animals, supposedly telling fairy tales and maybe Bible stories. It is very weird, but made for an interesting break from riding!
I was a little curious about what Oberheimbach might be like, but we didn't want to ride uphill for 2 km in the rain to find out! So, we joined the path again, down by the river.
This tower appeared out of nowhere, with no sign to explain what it was about. I had to stop for a photo.
Shortly afterwards, there was a place to cross the tracks and go around the tower into the town of Trechtingshausen.
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| The Rathaus (townhall) |
We also rode past this amazing-looking castle, but we couldn't figure out exactly where the entrance was, and of course it was raining, so we gave up.
This charming church appeared along the path.
I liked this castle because although some of it has been restored, it doesn't look as polished as some. You can still see the rustic construction. The setting is also wonderful.
Some photos of the river from the walk up to the castle:
After this, we rode a few more kilometers to Bingen, where we saw the Maus Castle, which is built on a small island in the river.
Then we went to Burg Klopp, which is an old castle that has been repurposed to serve as the town hall of Bingen. There is also a small tower that you can climb.
From Bingen, we took a very short ferry ride (maybe 5 minutes) to the town on the other side (Rüdesheim). It took us a while to find the ferry, as Google Maps had led us to believe we could take a different ferry that would go upriver to the next town. However, when we inquired about it, we were told that with our bikes we would need to take a car ferry, which was quite a bit further away.
We got there just as the ferry arrived. The cost was 3.30 euro each, which I thought was quite expensive, considering we only went about 900 meters!
Rüdesheim turned out to be another charming town. We rode through, admiring the timbered buildings, old churches, etc., but apparently I didn't take many photos. We then rode on to Oestrich-Winkel, yet another beautiful town with more of the same. From here, we took the train the short distance back to Wiesbaden.
If it sounds like a bit of a long day, it was, but it was enjoyable, and we now understand why this area is such a popular tourist spot.
Even in spite of the rain and single-digit temperatures!
A swan on the river:
