Linz am Rhein Germany: A Fairytale Town on the Rhine

along the picturesque Rhine River, Linz am Rhein is a charming medieval town in Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany. Known as the “Colorful Town on the Rhine”, Linz is famous for its half-timbered houses, cobblestone streets, and historic charm. Just a short distance from Bonn and Cologne, Linz am Rhein is a hidden gem perfect for a day trip or a peaceful getaway.

Whether you’re exploring its medieval old town, hiking in the surrounding vineyards, or cruising along the Rhine, Linz offers a perfect mix of history, nature, and culture.

Top Things to Do in Linz am Rhein

1. Historic Old Town (Altstadt) – A Fairytale Setting 🏘️✨

• Wander through the medieval streets lined with colorful half-timbered houses.
• Top spots in the Old Town:
  • Burgplatz – The heart of Linz, surrounded by historic buildings.
  • Neutor & Rheintor – Two well-preserved medieval city gates.
  • The Old Town Hall (Altes Rathaus) – A beautiful half-timbered building from the 16th century.

2. Linz Castle (Burg Linz) – A Medieval Fortress 🏰🏹

• A 13th-century castle that now houses a restaurant and medieval museum.
• Explore the castle dungeons and medieval torture chamber.
• Tip: Enjoy a meal in the castle’s traditional German restaurant.

3. The Rhine Promenade – Scenic Walks & River Views 🌊🚶‍♂️

• A peaceful riverside walk with stunning views of the Rhine River.
• Best things to do along the promenade:
  • Enjoy a coffee or ice cream at a riverside café.
  • Watch passing cruise boats and ferries.
  • Take a river cruise to nearby towns like Königswinter or Bonn.

4. The Parish Church of St. Martin – A Gothic Masterpiece ⛪🕍

• A historic church with Gothic and Baroque elements.
• Admire the stunning stained-glass windows and ancient frescoes.

5. The Buttermarkt – The Town’s Historic Marketplace 🛍️🎭

• A charming square that was once the center of Linz’s trade.
• Great for:
  • Visiting small local shops selling handicrafts and souvenirs.
  • Enjoying outdoor cafés with traditional German treats.

6. Nature Park Rhein-Westerwald – A Hiker’s Paradise 🌳🥾

• Located near Linz, this beautiful nature park offers hiking trails and stunning views of the Rhine Valley.
• Best hikes:
  • Rheinsteig Trail – A scenic path overlooking the Rhine River.
  • Westerwaldsteig Trail – A peaceful hike through forests and vineyards.

7. The Linz Wine Route – Taste Local Rieslings 🍷🍇

• Linz is part of the Middle Rhine wine region, famous for Riesling and Pinot Noir wines.
• Best experiences:
  • Take a vineyard tour and sample local wines.
  • Enjoy wine tastings at traditional Weinstuben (wine taverns).

8. The Linz Carnival (Linz Karneval) – A Fun Cultural Event 🎭🥳

• Held every February/March, Linz’s carnival features:
  • Parades with colorful floats and costumes.
  • Traditional German music and festivities.
  • A fun, lively atmosphere in the town center.

9. The Old Town Christmas Market – A Magical Winter Experience 🎄❄️

• Every December, Linz transforms into a fairytale Christmas village.
• Enjoy:
  • Glühwein (mulled wine) and roasted almonds.
  • Traditional handmade gifts and decorations.

10. Rhine River Cruises – The Best Way to See the Region ⛴️🏞️

• Take a boat cruise from Linz along the Rhine, stopping at:
  • Koblenz – To see the famous Deutsches Eck (German Corner).
  • Bonn – The former West German capital and Beethoven’s birthplace.
  • Königswinter – To visit Drachenfels Castle.

Day Trips from Linz am Rhein 🚗🏙️

1. Königswinter (20 Minutes Away) – Home of Drachenfels 🏰🐉

• Visit Drachenburg Castle, a fairytale-like mansion with Rhine views.
• Hike or take the Drachenfelsbahn (cogwheel train) to the top of Drachenfels Mountain.

2. Bonn (30 Minutes Away) – The Birthplace of Beethoven 🎶🏛️

• Visit the Beethoven House Museum.
• Explore the Botanical Gardens and Poppelsdorf Palace.
• Discover the Museum Mile (Museumsmeile).

3. Koblenz (40 Minutes Away) – Where the Rhine and Moselle Meet 🚢🏛️

• See the Deutsches Eck, where the Rhine and Moselle rivers meet.
• Take a cable car ride to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress for amazing views.

Where to Stay in Linz am Rhein 🏨

Luxury & Boutique Hotels ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

• RheinHotel Arte – A modern hotel with Rhine River views and a great restaurant.

Mid-Range Hotels ⭐⭐⭐

• Hotel Burgklause – A cozy hotel with a traditional German restaurant.
• Hotel Bucheneck – A charming riverside hotel with historic character.

Budget-Friendly & Guesthouses 💰🏡

• Gasthaus Zum Weissen Schwanen – A family-run guesthouse with rustic charm.
• Haus Bucheneck – A simple and comfortable stay in a great location.

Where to Eat in Linz am Rhein 🍽️🍻

1. Must-Try Local Foods

• Rheinischer Sauerbraten – A sweet and sour marinated beef dish.
• Flammkuchen – A German-style thin, crispy pizza with crème fraîche.
• Reibekuchen – Traditional potato pancakes served with applesauce.

2. Best Restaurants in Linz am Rhein 🍽️

• Weinstube Zum Alten Turm – A cozy wine tavern serving traditional German food.
• Gasthaus Zum weißen Schwanen – A historic inn with authentic Rhenish dishes.
• Burg Linz Restaurant – Enjoy a meal inside a medieval castle!

3. Best Cafés & Beer Gardens 🍺☕

• Kaffeekultur Linz – A perfect place for coffee and fresh pastries.
• Biergarten Rheinterrassen – A beautiful beer garden with Rhine River views.

Best Time to Visit Linz am Rhein ☀️🍂❄️

• Spring (March–May): Best for hiking and vineyard tours.
• Summer (June–August): Perfect for Rhine River cruises and outdoor dining.
• Fall (September–November): Autumn foliage and local wine festivals.
• Winter (December–February): Christmas markets and cozy wine taverns.

Why Visit Linz am Rhein?

Linz am Rhein is one of Germany’s most picturesque small towns, offering a blend of medieval history, stunning scenery, and cultural charm. Whether you’re exploring its historic streets, tasting local wine, or cruising down the Rhine, Linz is a fantastic place to experience authentic Germany.

🏰🌊🍷 Plan your Linz am Rhein adventure today and step into a fairytale!