Oberwesel – in the middle of the UNESCO World Heritage Upper Middle Rhine Valley

Right in the heart of Europe, nestled between dramatic cliffs, gentle vineyards, and the river Rhine, sits Oberwesel. This 80-kilometre stretch of valley is home to more castles per kilometre than anywhere else on earth – so take your time picking a favourite.

The Romans brought wine to the region around 2,000 years ago, and it’s still very much the soul of the culture, the food, and the landscape. The slate rock of the Middle Rhine was once quarried here and used to roof castles across Europe. History doesn’t get much more tangible than that.

Getting here is easy. Oberwesel has its own train station, with services from Koblenz and Mainz running every 30 minutes. If you’re driving, take the B9 scenic route along the Rhine rather than the A61 motorway – trust us, it’s worth it. In Oberwesel you’ll find supermarkets, restaurants, wine bars, and everything you need for a comfortable stay.

History

The Celts settled along the Rhine early on, and Oberwesel was one of their spots. The Romans followed, bringing their culture with them. The Rhine has always been a major trade route, connecting the region to the wider world. The local slate became the roofing material of choice for castles across Europe. And the wine from these steep-sloped vineyards is celebrated for its unique mineral character, its freshness, and its complexity.

Hiking

The Middle Rhine and the Hunsrück hills offer fantastic hiking trails in every direction. Lace up your boots, head out, and take it all in at your own pace.

Social life and food

The people here like to socialise. If you walk into a Straußwirtschaft – one of those cosy little seasonal wine taverns run by local winemakers – and it looks full, just wait a moment. There’s almost always room for one more. Or two. Alongside the local German kitchen, you’ll also find food inspired by European and even Thai traditions. The Rhine Valley is full of surprises.