Exploring Bacharach, Germany

While studying abroad in Central Europe last summer with Middle Tennessee State University, we got to take a day trip to a small, medieval town along the Rhein River called Bacharach. The train only came on the hour, and I felt that I had traveled back in time six hundred years.

St. Peter’s Church and the Rhein River in the background.

Upon entering the city, we immediately ascended a hill to the Stahleck Castle. The climb was more intense than anyone had anticipated, but there were cappuccinos waiting for us at the top.

My mom enjoying her cappuccino at Stahleck Castle. Timeless, isn’t she?

With a few other travelers from the group, I continued to hike above the castle until we reached the top of the hill. Flowery vistas and vineyards surrounded us, and I saw my lifer hoopoe.

The town of Bacharach, Germany. The prominent buildings are St. Peter’s Church and the gothic ruin of the Wernerkapelle.

“The hills are alive…”

My mom along a narrow vineyard path.

The tiny gardens along the city wall were well-tended and intimate. Some houses had muscadine jam and wine for sale, and payment was completely on the honor system. What a quaint town!

Geraniums along the city wall.

Before catching the train back to Mannheim, we walked a few kilometers down the road to a ferry and crossed the Rhein to see the village of Kaab.

Watching barges go down the Rhein on the way to Kaab. Thanks to Matt for this photo. :)

Boarding a car ferry (by foot) to cross the Rhein River

Before leaving, got bought getato from a tiny shop. This is amarena (cherry), which is a local favorite.

On our way back to Mannheim, we stopped in Mainz to see the famous Mainzelmännchen pedestrain traffic signs. Mainzelmännchen, or “little Mainz men,” are six cartoon mascots for the famous German TV public broadcaster ZDF. After crossing several crosswalks to see them, we hopped back on the train.

Mainzelmännchen pedestrian traffic signs in Mainz.