Travel Report: Active Along the Rhine Valley

Arrival in Koblenz

On the day of arrival, we reached Koblenz around midday. As it was already very warm, we first took a short break to freshen up before heading back into the city.

Afterwards, we went up to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress. From there, we had a spectacular view over Koblenz, the Rhine and the Moselle. We could also already spot the MS OLYMPIA waiting for us down by the river.

In the evening, we enjoyed our first dinner on board, which was very tasty and rounded off the day nicely. It was a relaxed start to the trip and gave us a first impression of Koblenz and the MS OLYMPIA.

Aerial view of Koblenz showing the confluence of two rivers, with cruise ships docked along the shore and the city extending into the distance.

Metal viewing platform at Ehrenbreitstein with visitors, elevated above a colorful wildflower meadow with purple and yellow blooms under blue sky.

Two women taking selfies at Deutsches Eck in Koblenz. Left photo shows monument, right photo shows Rhine River and cityscape in background.

Large stone monument in Koblenz with equestrian statue on top. The structure features a stepped base with relief carvings and arched openings.

From Koblenz towards Boppard

On the second day of the trip, we started directly from the ship in Koblenz at 9:00 a.m. After crossing to the other side of the Rhine, the route first led us through the shady Bienhorn Valley, a former wine-growing area where old walls and terraces could still be seen.

Afterwards, the path continued through the forest and gradually climbed uphill. We took a short break at the “Friedheim-Blick” viewpoint before the trail led steeply downhill over slate stones towards the Ruppertsklamm gorge. Good footwear was definitely important here, as the descent was a little more demanding in some sections.

After a break in Lahnstein and a stop at a beer garden with a view of Lahneck Castle, we made use of one of the alternative options and took the train on to Boppard. The MS OLYMPIA was already waiting for us there. We ended the day with dinner and a sundowner on the sun deck.

Person sitting on wooden bench at Friedland Blick viewpoint, overlooking a valley with a town and river surrounded by forested hills.

Female hiker with backpack standing on rocky path in Rupertsklamm gorge, surrounded by moss-covered rocks and lush green forest.

Female hiker with backpack crossing wooden footbridge with metal railings in Ruppertstklamm gorge, surrounded by lush green vegetation and rocky walls.

From St. Goar to Oberwesel

After breakfast, we took the train from Boppard to St. Goar. This is where we started the shorter hiking option of the day. Right at the beginning, the trail led us up to the Wackenberg. The climb was manageable and rewarded us with a lovely view back towards St. Goar. From there, we continued along the RheinBurgenWeg towards Oberwesel.

Around midday, we stopped at a nice wine café with a view of the Loreley Rock. We enjoyed a Riesling in the sun and picked up an ice cream before continuing on our way.

Afterwards, the route led us along the vineyards whose wine we had just tasted. Along the way, we had wide views across the landscape and the Rhine until we finally spotted the MS OLYMPIA, already waiting for us in Oberwesel. At around 9.5 kilometres, this stage was much shorter than the day before, but still varied and very enjoyable to walk.

Aerial view of the Loreley rock formation and Rhine River bend with a cargo ship, railway line, and forested slopes under blue sky.

Two photos: Ricarda and Sophie by the Rhine in St. Goar, and standing on a covered viewpoint overlooking the river valley.

White church tower with spire in St. Goar overlooking the Rhine River. Vineyard-covered hills and town buildings visible in background.

Glass of white wine held up with the famous Loreley rock formation visible in the background along the Rhine River under blue sky.

Two hiking trail signs on a wooden post: yellow RheinBurgenWeg Zuweg sign and orange Saar-Hunsrück Traumschleife Mittelrhein sign.

Aerial view of Oberwesel, a historic town along the Rhine River with medieval towers, church spires, and hillside vineyards under clear blue sky.

Castles Everywhere

On the third day, we decided to go by bike. After breakfast, we started in Oberwesel and followed the Rhine Cycle Route towards Rüdesheim.

Shortly after setting off, we already noticed how varied this stage was. Pfalzgrafenstein Castle was the first castle we saw that day, beautifully located on a small island in the middle of the Rhine. We then continued past Bacharach, with Stahleck Castle high above the town, and the ruins of Fürstenberg Castle. As the route follows the Rhine for long stretches, there are several places where you can go right down to the water. We stopped on a small headland and, at that exact moment, the MS OLYMPIA passed us on the river.

We continued on to Trechtingshausen, where we took a break at a small beach. Reichenstein Castle is also nearby. On this stage, you really notice how strongly castles, ruins and rocks shape the region.

Finally, the bike tour led us to Rüdesheim. After dinner, we ended the evening in a small wine garden right by the Rhine.

Red bike on stone wall overlooking Rhine River with Pfalzgrafenstein Castle on island. Vineyards and hills visible in background.

Two female cyclists with red touring bikes standing by the Rhine River with Pfalzgrafenstein Castle and green hillside vineyards in background.

Two red touring bikes parked on grass by the Rhine River. A cyclist sits nearby. Terraced vineyards cover the hillside across the water.

Cyclist with red e-bike viewing Rhine River and Olympia ship, with terraced vineyards on hillsides in background.

White passenger ferry on the Rhine River with terraced vineyards and 'Rüdesheimer Gottland' sign on hillside. Church visible on hilltop under clear blue sky.

Stone castle surrounded by vineyard rows in Rüdesheim. A large tree stands beside the fortress, with the Rhine River and town visible in the background.

Narrow cobblestone alley Drosselgasse in Rüdesheim with string lights, traditional signs, and a church spire visible in the background at dusk.

From Rüdesheim to Mainz

After breakfast, we set off from Rüdesheim for our next bike tour. Once again, the route followed the Rhine, with plenty to see along the way, including wine villages, historic buildings and beautiful views of the river.

A longer section took us towards Wiesbaden-Biebrich, where we passed Biebrich Palace, located directly on the banks of the Rhine. We then continued towards Mainz-Kastel and crossed the Theodor Heuss Bridge into Mainz. As our ship was moored close by, we were able to go briefly back on board around midday.

In the afternoon, we joined a guided city walk with a wine tasting. In a small group, we explored Mainz with a handcart and got to know several regional wines while also gaining a first impression of the city.

Afterwards, there was still some time to explore Mainz on our own before returning on board for dinner.

Red e-bike parked on grass in front of the baroque Biebrich Palace with its distinctive pink facade and ornate architecture under blue sky.

Cyclist on tree-lined path along the Rhine near Mainz. Green grass and river visible on sunny day.

Family on a cobblestone square in Mainz old town. Two children sit on a bench while an adult stands nearby with a red wagon.

Hand holding wine glass with German text 'Ja oder Wein' and red ribbon holder at Mainz Cathedral Square with historic cathedral towers in background.

Hiking and Sailing to Worms

The next day, we chose the hiking option again. This stage led from Mainz to Bodenheim and followed the RheinTerrassenWeg trail.

At first, we walked through Mainz and along the Rhine. Afterwards, the surroundings became quieter: passing the former limestone quarry in Weisenau, the route continued towards Laubenheim. From the vineyards there, we had a lovely view and could even spot the Frankfurt skyline in the distance.

In Bodenheim, we discovered a wine vending machine at a local winery and took a short break. Afterwards, we travelled by train to Nierstein, where we were able to watch the MS OLYMPIA arriving.

In the early afternoon, we continued by ship to Worms. As it was very sunny, we moved inside to the lounge for coffee and cake. After dinner on board, we went into the city on our own. Sights worth seeing there include the cathedral and the Martin Luther Monument.

Hiker with backpack standing by wooden cross in Bodenheim, viewing vineyards and valley landscape under blue sky.

Steel truss bridge spanning the Rhine River in Mainz with green vegetation along the riverbank and clear blue sky above.

View from ship bow with German flag on mast, sailing on wide river with green wooded shores under clear blue sky.

By Bike from Worms to Nierstein

On this day, we decided to go by bike once again. In the morning, we started in Worms and cycled towards Nierstein. At the beginning of the route, the MS OLYMPIA accompanied us on the Rhine for a while, while we mostly cycled along the water.

We took a break at Lake Eich. The lake has a large sandy beach and is a good place for a short stop. Those who like can also have a small snack there before continuing. Afterwards, the route continued towards Nierstein on well-developed cycle paths. We arrived earlier than expected and were able to watch the MS OLYMPIA slowly arrive and moor.

After a short break, we spontaneously decided to take the suburban train to Mainz once more. We had really liked the city, and the connection was very easy. Later, we returned to Nierstein and went back on board.

While the ship continued to Mainz, we enjoyed our 5-course gala dinner. The passing landscape made the evening even more special. Once we arrived in Mainz, we ended the trip with a sundowner on the sun deck.

Cyclist with red bike and helmet viewing sandy beach at Eich lake. Trees frame the scene, with blue water and green vegetation in background.

Two people sitting on a bench by the Rhine River in Nierstein. Bicycles with blue panniers are parked nearby. Green vegetation and water visible.

Person viewing the Martin Luther Monument in Worms, featuring a central statue of Luther surrounded by seated figures on pedestals.

Upward view of Worms Cathedral showing a round stone tower and Romanesque architecture with arched windows against a blue sky at dusk.

Ship crew in uniform standing together in lounge as passengers applaud. Bar and windows visible in background aboard Olympia.

Departure from Mainz

The next morning, it was time to say goodbye after breakfast. The MS OLYMPIA was moored in Mainz, where disembarkation was scheduled by 9:00 a.m.

After a week of hikes, bike tours and many impressions, it was time for us to head home. What made the trip especially interesting for us was getting to experience both types of travel within one tour. The combination of active stages on land and quieter moments on board made the journey very varied.

For us, it was a great opportunity to experience the new hybrid concept of Bike & Boat and Hike & Boat ourselves, while also collecting impressions, photos and videos along the way for this travel report.

Two women sitting in open van with bicycles, suitcases and bags ready for departure. Bikes are secured inside the vehicle.

Our Conclusion

This trip showed us how well cycling, hiking and life on board can be combined. We especially enjoyed the change between active hours on land and quieter moments on the ship.

Before the trip, we had not expected the Rhine to be so varied along this route. Castles, vineyards, small towns, rocky landscapes, beaches and ever-changing views followed one after another.

For us, it was exciting to experience the first hybrid product combining Bike & Boat and Hike & Boat for ourselves. The option to switch between the two activities from day to day adds plenty of variety to the trip while still leaving enough time to explore the places along the way at a relaxed pace.

In the end, we took many impressions home with us: breathtaking views of the Rhine, castles, vineyards, small breaks along the way and, of course, plenty of photos and videos from the trip. An active and varied journey with enough time to enjoy the moment.

P.S. In 2027, this tour will be operated by a different ship, the MS SWITZERLAND.

Two hikers in blue jackets sitting on Rheinsteig trail overlooking Rhine river valley with forested hills and distant town below.

Hike & Boat, Koblenz - Mainz

8 Days

Blue cycling panniers, dark backpack and hiking boots placed on grass among dandelions in a vineyard with bare vine trellises under blue sky.

Hike & Boat, Mainz - Koblenz

8 Days

Deutsches Eck in Koblenz with equestrian monument, colorful flags, Rhine river, and Ehrenbreitstein Fortress on hillside under blue sky.

Bike & Boat Koblenz - Mainz

8 Days