Forming part of the UNESCO-listed Rhine Gorge, Boppard is a charming town and wine-growing hub in Rhineland-Palatinate. While remains of Roman occupation are visible in the town, a storage yard from the Federmesser culture has also been uncovered, indicating that humans have been settled here for at least 13,000 years.
Things to do in Boppard
Stroll through the centre of Boppard to see the ruins of Kastell Bodobrica, a Roman-built fortification dating back to the 4th century. Particularly impressive are its thick walls, which are among the best-preserved Roman walls in Germany. Occupying Boppard’s historic electoral castle is a small museum where you can learn about the town’s links to Engelbert Humperdinck.
If you’re up for a challenge, take on the Mittelrhein-Klettersteig, a via ferrata that was opened to the public in 2006. It comprises hiking passages, iron ladders and climbing cables overlooking the vineyards, forests and heathland of the Rhine Valley. Spectacular views are also on offer from the hiking trails of Traumschleife Elfenlay, which watches over the viaduct of the Hunsrück Railway.
A short drive west of Boppard are the remains of Thurant Castle, which is perched atop a hill spur overlooking the village of Alken. It’s the only double castle in the Moselle Valley and was divided in two by a thick wall in 1248. Now beautifully restored, the castle features a hunting room, a small chapel and a wine cellar, as well as a dungeon that’s complete with a torture chamber.
Getting around Boppard
Boppard is around 1.5 hours’ drive from both Frankfurt Airport and Cologne Bonn Airport, which offer flights to destinations around the globe. Regular trains connect from Cologne and Mainz to the Boppard railway station and buses travel throughout the town. The centre of Boppard can easily be explored on foot.