Filsen: Rhine Bend, Cherry Trail and Half-Timbered Houses

Filsen lies in the largest bend in the Rhine, nestled between the river, orchards and forest. Its sheltered, sunny location is ideal for extensive fruit growing, especially cherries and strawberries. The riverside landscape and fruit-growing culture together shape the town. Other highlights include paths through fields and forest, a striking old town hall and the Gothic parish church of St. Margaretha. Whether you are looking for nature, outdoor activities or local history, Filsen offers different perspectives on the bend in the Rhine.

Hiking, Rhine Views and Nature

Filsen provides access to a section of the Rheinsteig Trail, a nature trail towards Kamp-Bornhofen, and other footpaths through fields and forest. The Filsen Cherry Trail is a 2-kilometre circular route that partly follows the Rheinsteig Trail. It can be combined with a hike from Kamp-Bornhofen to Braubach.

The Rhine ferry connects Filsen with Boppard and provides access to the RheinBurgenWeg on the other side of the Rhine. If you are planning to take the ferry, check the timetable in advance. Above Filsen, the forest chapel offers views across the valley of the largest bend in the Rhine. The mild climate and natural shelters provide breeding habitats for native birds. Local thermals make it possible to hang glide over the broad valley all year round.

Cherry-Growing Traditions Along the Trail

The Cherry Trail passes a collection of more than 130 rediscovered historic cherry varieties, as well as other stone fruit. Information boards, seating and viewpoints overlooking the Rhine enhance the route. Public, bookable guided tours of the Cherry Trail cover local stories about fruit growing and varietal diversity, scientific pomology and the German Fruit Gene Bank. Guided fruit tours include tastings of fresh or processed fruit. The Cherry Trail is the first site of the German Fruit Gene Bank in Rhineland-Palatinate.

Half-Timbered Houses and Local History

Wachport Town Hall is one of the few surviving half-timbered houses built over an arch; the date 1611 can be seen on its timber frame. The old town hall and its surroundings form a historic monument and are considered a landmark of Filsen. A communal bakehouse is attached to the old stonework of the arch. The Gothic parish church of St. Margaretha houses an altarpiece by H. Brey.

The church is also a cycling-friendly church. It provides cyclists with water, a pump and a bicycle repair kit, and gives directions to the nearest toilet, bicycle workshop and place to shop. The bee experience field is within walking distance and is open free of charge all year round.

Getting Here and Planning Your Stay

Filsen is accessible by car, bus and train. Even the drive along the B9 or B42 offers views of the Upper Middle Rhine Valley World Heritage landscape, with its cliffs, castles and palaces. When planning your stay, you can choose a focus: the Cherry Trail and other paths offer a starting point for a hiking-oriented stay, while Wachport Town Hall and St. Margaretha provide points of interest for exploring architecture and local history. These interests can also help guide you when searching for accommodation.

Discover more destinations: Dörscheid, Prath, Kestert, Osterspai, Kamp-Bornhofen, Sauerthal, Sankt Goarshausen, Braubach.

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