We are traveling from Rotterdam to Rothenburg by train and decided to spend two nights in Boppard on the way. Can anyone give us some recommendations for hotels, restaurants and things to do? We will be there on March 29 and 30 and the Rhine cruises don't begin until April 1. We could be persuaded to go to Bacharach instead if someone has strong opinions toward it. <BR>Thank you for your help and to all of the other Fodorites who have helped me plan this trip to Germany, Wengen and Stresa.

Judi: Try the Hotel L'Europe in Boppard on Mainzer Str. Call them at +49 (0) 6742 802-0. It's rather large and it looks pretty nice, but I have not stayed there. <BR> <BR>I have stayed at the Villa Rheinfels at the ruin above St. Goar on the same side and most recently (last summer) at the Hotel Cafe' Post, just across and down river at Assmanshausen. I highly recommend the Cafe' Post, however, the Hotel Krone in Assmanshausen is probably the best on the Middle Rhine. <BR> <BR>Everything is relatively easy to reach and within minutes of one another. Where you stay (town) is of little consequence as far as seeing the sights. <BR> <BR>Have fun!

Boppard is a great town. Not many North American tourists there, but lots of European visitors. You'll enjoy a walk through its old town center and along the river promenade. There are some worthwhile Roman ruins close to the station. At the north end of town, take the chairlift ride to the Vierseenblick lookout for a bird's eye view of the huge horseshoe curve the Rhine takes here and have a beer at the patio restaurant that overlooks it. <BR> <BR>Go to Marksburg Castle in Braubach! The best example I've seen on the Rhine, never destroyed, great tour (in German, but most guides know English and should have time for a few questions.) You can get there by crossing the Rhine by ferry and walking a ways to the station, then taking a train one or two stops north, or, if you'll be visiting Koblenz, combine a quick train trip from there. <BR> <BR>Here's a website with a picture of Marksburg: <BR> <BR>www.roadstoruins.com/Marksburg.htm <BR> <BR>Have a great trip.

I agree with Russ' suggestion of the Marksburg - nice walk up to the castle, and a lot to see inside. On the same side of the river, in Wellnich,across from St. Goar, there's a great falconry demonstration at the Burg Maus castle. Pretty, easy walk up the hill, and a cafe at the top. Demonstration is in German, but the wife of the falconer speaks English, and will go out of her way to let you know what's being said if you talk to her. Unfortunately, you can't tour the castle. <BR>Never stayed in Boppard - we loved the Auf Schonberg hotel, in the walls of a thousand year old castle at Oberwesel, which you can explore at your leisure if you stay there. Oberwesel has a train station, which helps, too.In any case, they have a very good formal type restaurant. <BR>You might want to go by train to Koln, which has a gorgeous cathedral, all kinds of museums and shops, and restaurants galore. This would probably be the easiet thing to do by train, the other things will require a bunch of changing.

http://www.loreleyvalley.com/

Thank you Lee, Russ, Nickie and KK! Your answers are much better than what the guide books offer. You are much appreciated! <BR>Lee, I can't get my husband to stay in a castle again after staying at an overrated overprice castle in Ireland. <BR>Russ, we chose Boppard over Bacharach for that very reason. I'm sure there are way too many Americans in Rick Steve's Bacharach. <BR>Nickie, we'll check out the castles.