Germany by train/bicycle
Mar 25th, 2001 | 04:20 PM
#1
Guest
Posts: n/a
Germany by train/bicycle
We plan to travel to Germany in early September 01. I have been there on business and loved the area. So my wife and I are going back. I like traveling to small villages by train, eating and drinking beer. She wants to see castles. We both like to bike, and that would seem the ideal way to see some of the sights. I have found several German bike web sites, but they are German language only. Does anyone have any suggestions. Our destination is open, and we only have 7 or 8 days.
Mar 25th, 2001 | 08:22 PM
#2
Guest
Posts: n/a
The Rhine Gorge might be the place for you. You can bike the paved bike path next to the river, moving from town to town, rather easily -- no need for a tour here, just a good map. Oberwesel is hosting a wine market on the eighth, and the "Rhine in Flames" fireworks/burning castles show is on the same night -- it might be a good place to bed down. Oberwesel also has a bike rental shop in the middle of town. You could explore Bacharach to the south or beyond to Bingen (several castles along the way) or head north to St. Goar and explore Rheinfels castle ruins, or head further north to Boppard, a very nice town for a beer on the main plaza or at one of the river promenade restaurants. Boppard also has some Roman ruins and a chair lift ride to a nearby peak (there's a good place at the top with an incredible view where you can have a beer, too.) From Boppard, you can ferry across the river and bike a few miles north to Braubach and see the very best castle on the Rhine -- Marksburg Castle. See www.roadstoruins.com/marksburg.htm .Wherever you end up, you can bike back or hop on a train with your bike if you're pooped. <BR> <BR>The best way to train around the region is by daypass -- for between $14 and $18 per day, depending on the day of the week, up to 5 people can travel together all day up and down the Rhine between Mainz and Bonn, on either side. <BR> <BR>Russ
Mar 26th, 2001 | 06:17 PM
#3
Guest
Posts: n/a
I prefer to do 'fixed center' cycling, where I stay in one place and then make day trips from there. I prefer to stay in one place for a week at a time, but perhaps 3 days minimum at each place. <BR> <BR>One way to extend your cycling range is to cycle one way and take a train back. (most trains with baggage cars take bikes) I did this once from Koblenz. <BR> <BR>If you want to do the point-to-point route, there is a nice bike path that follows the route of the Romantic Road. <BR> <BR>There are some great German bike maps available over there. Check out the Cycling Tourist CLub in England (i think CTC.org.uk) to see if they have any resources. <BR> <BR>I found cycling in Germany to be very enjoyable as long as you stick to smaller roads.
