Filsen: Hiking, Cherry Culture and Rhine Views

Filsen lies in the largest bend of the Rhine, between the river, orchards and forest. Its sheltered, sunny setting favors fruit growing, especially cherries and strawberries. The landscape and the history of fruit growing come together here, complemented by walking trails and historic buildings. If you’re looking for a hotel in Filsen, you can plan your trip around these varied interests.

Hiking Trails and the Cherry Trail

Filsen provides access to a section of the premium long-distance Rheinsteig trail, the nature trail toward Kamp-Bornhofen, and other footpaths, field paths and forest trails. A Rhine ferry connects Filsen with Boppard and provides access to the RheinBurgenWeg on the opposite bank. These different trails and the river crossing offer a range of starting points for planning your trip.

The Filsen Cherry Trail is a two-kilometer loop. It passes a collection of more than 130 rediscovered historic cherry varieties and other stone fruit. Information boards, seating and viewpoints over the Rhine are also part of the trail. Publicly bookable guided tours of the Cherry Trail add to the walk. Guided fruit tours include tastings of fresh or processed fruit, with themes including local stories about fruit growing and varieties, scientific pomology, and the German Fruit Genebank. The Cherry Trail is the genebank’s first location in Rhineland-Palatinate.

Fruit-Growing Landscape and Nature

Filsen’s sunny, sheltered location contributes to its extensive fruit growing. Cherries and strawberries are prominent among the local fruits. The mild climate and natural sheltered areas are also part of the landscape: they provide nesting habitat for native birds. Fruit-growing culture and wildlife are two distinct aspects of the town that visitors can discover as they explore the surrounding area.

The forest chapel stands above Filsen. From there, you can look out over the valley of the largest bend in the Rhine. Local thermals also make it possible to hang-glide over the wide valley year-round. The bee experience field is within walking distance and free to access year-round.

Buildings and Finding Your Way Around

Wachport Town Hall is one of the few surviving half-timbered houses built over an arch; the half-timbering bears the year 1611. The old town hall and its surroundings are 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 has an altarpiece by H. Brey.

St. Margaretha is also a cycling-friendly church: cyclists can use water, a pump and a bicycle repair kit there. The church also provides information about the nearest toilet, bicycle workshop and shopping options. For travelers on two wheels, this stop combines a historic building with practical local information.

Getting Here and More to Discover

Filsen can be reached by car, bus and train. Those arriving via the B9 or B42 can enjoy views of the Upper Middle Rhine Valley World Heritage landscape, with its cliffs, castles and palaces. The trails, river landscape and local history each add a different dimension to a stay. The Cherry Trail combines fruit varieties and Rhine views on a two-kilometer loop; the Rheinsteig, nature trail, other paths and ferry offer different ways to explore the area.

Discover More Destinations

Kamp-Bornhofen, Braubach, Kestert, Osterspai, Sauerthal, Prath, Sankt Goarshausen, Kaub

For the main travel overview: Loreley.