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KD Paddlewheel Goethe Cruise: Rhine Gorge & Castle Panorama by Historic Steamer

Board the legendary paddle steamer Goethe — one of the last working paddlewheel ships in Europe — and glide through the UNESCO-listed Rhine Gorge past 40 castles, cliff-top vineyards, and the fabled Lorelei Rock. Pure, timeless Rhine romance.

What to expect

Depart from Boppard's riverside promenade and settle on the open upper deck as the gorge narrows and the castle-crowned cliffs close in around you. The ship passes the Lorelei slate rock at a suitably dramatic bend in the river, where legend holds a siren lured sailors to their doom. Commentary in German and English accompanies each landmark. The onboard bar serves local Riesling — sip a glass as Rheinfels Castle slides past above you.

Book it with
KD Deutsche Rheinschiffahrt (Köln-Düsseldorfer)
EUR 23–38 per person depending on route segment (e.g. Boppard–St. Goar–Boppard round trip); book direct at k-d.com
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Good to know

The KD ticket office is a 5-minute walk from the ship's berth in Boppard. Departures run multiple times daily April–October; the 16:15 return Goethe sailing is famously scenic. A Boppard–St. Goar–Boppard round trip takes approximately 3.5 hours. No advance booking strictly required but recommended in peak summer.

Sail there

Luxury cruises that call at Boppard — book through us, the fare is identical and your concierge stays on your side.

Avalon · Avalon Tranquility II
8 nights · calls at Boppard
from $4,563
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Avalon · Avalon Imagery II
8 nights · calls at Boppard
from $5,287
View sailing →
See all cruises to Boppard →
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