Heidelberg or Bacharach
 

Hi guys just a quick question I have a spare day, I guess you can call it that haha in Germany in august and both Bacharach and Heidelberg look great from the research I have done and pictures etc etc. From where I am staying they both are 90 minutes away by train.Can you all please tell me if you hyave been to either and why I should visit them. Thanks guys.

I think I would stay in Bacharach. You then have access to a number of castles, plus the beauty of the Rhine river, the vineyards, etc. I like Heidelberg, but just think Bacharach and the Rhine wins out as a tourist destination.

As one who benefitted greatly from Mainhattengirl's advice, I'd recommend you listen to her post. Even if it's just day trips and you aren't staying overnight. Heidelberg is a terrific visit, but I enjoyed the Rhine more. Not knowing why you picked Bacharach, I can't comment on that; there are lots of options for seeing some of the Rhine valley towns and castles, depending on exactly where you are coming from. I don't think just Bacharach would take a whole day (certainly not as long as seeing just some of Heidelberg would take), but there are all sorts of castles up and down the valley, several towns accessible by train (which I assume is how you are arriving), and places to catch a river cruise ride, of various lengths. Either choice will be terrific.

If you are going to do something in the location, then Heidelberg is a better choice because there is a lot to do there (not much to actually do in Barcharach). If you are going to Bacharach as a place to explore the Rhine, then I would choose it.

Thanks for all you're replies. Im heading towards Bacharach now it does look quite beautiful and a little town I know I would enjoy. I will be staying in the Rhine for a few days so I may as well head there and Im also thinking St Goar in the same day as well :) I am quite fascinated by the castles and vineyards. Yes I will be coming via train and a cruise sounds tempting on the river. Thanks for the help everyone.

I thought Rudesheim was very charming as well, if you can fit it in.

Do take a Rhine cruise. It's a great way to see the castles.

I think there is a castle in St. Goar? that Rick Steve's has a walking tour description in his guide book. I believe he also has a short walking tour of Bacharach (sorry, been awhile since I was in this part of Europe). But if you do those two walks and a nice lunch, that would make for a very pleasant day. There is a vineyard on the edge of Bacharach and of course a cruise on the Rhine, even if a short one, is a must do. Enjoy!

Burg Rheinfels is in St. Goar. Great ruined castle. Take a flashlight to explore all the unlit passages.

Without knowing your exact timing or travel plans I will also add these two:

Marksburg is the best preserved castle on the Rhine. Very cool.

Burg Rheinstein is absolutely lovely, too. There's a boat dock at foot of steep climb--some of the different boat tour options may stop there. I loved it.

Rheinfels was also wonderful, big and rambly ruin, but Marksburg is not a ruin and Rheinstein is very unbusy and smaller and pretty.

Do check carefully hours of operation, etc., before you pick your castle/s. And Rudesheim is fine--could be quite busy and very touristy, but nice.

I've done the following from Mainz, and it's perfect: train to Bacharach; KD cruise to St. Goar; train back from St. Goar. Just make sure to get the KD cruise schedules and plan your time accordingly (and yes, do take the boat north because it is MUCH faster than southbound).

I do not think you will regret your choice. Bacharach is a great little town, and Rheinfels is my favorite castle in Germany. I like Rheinfels because you can pretty much explore anywhere you want to, and are not limited to a tour. Bigtyke is correct, bring a flashlight and I would add to also wear clothes that you do not mind getting dirty as there are some areas you might need to crawl through if you are really adventurous.

Marksburg and Eltz (up near the Mosel river) are great castles that are in wonderful shape, but you can only see them via a tour.

Have a great time!