11 BEST THINGS TO DO IN RUDESHEIM AM RHEIN.
This summer, we walked the fabulous Rheinsteig – a long-distance hike along the Rhine river in Germany. We were keen to visit as many lovely German towns as possible. When I saw pictures of Rüdesheim am Rhein, I knew that we had to visit – even if it meant a slight detour.
A beautiful old town, surrounded by vineyards to ne side and river to the other. What’s not to love.
In this blog post you can find out everything you need to know about Rüdesheim am Rhein, including the best things to do and where to stay.
Where is Rüdesheim am Rhein?
Rüdesheim am Rhein is located in the state of Hesse, about 65 kilometers west of Frankfurt. It sits along the Rhine River, at the southern end of the Upper Middle Rhine Valley.
The town’s location makes it a popular starting point for exploring the Rhine Gorge, a stretch of the river famous for its dramatic cliffs, vineyards, and medieval fortresses.
What is Rüdesheim am Rhein Known For?
Rüdesheim is best known for its wine, particularly Riesling, which thrives in the region’s incredibly steep, sun-drenched vineyards. It’s a total delight for wine lovers, with numerous wineries and tasting rooms offering the chance to sample some of the best vintages the Rheingau has to offer. There are also incredible wine huts – more on that below!
The town is also famous for its quaint Drosselgasse, a narrow, lively street lined with wine taverns, shops, and restaurants. Beyond wine and revelry, Rüdesheim has an interesting history, with landmarks like the Niederwald Monument and medieval castles dotting the landscape.
11 Best Things to Do in Rüdesheim
If you only have one or a coupe of days in Rüdesheim, here’s how to make the most of it:
1/ Stroll Through Drosselgasse
Start your day with a leisurely walk along the Drosselgasse, the town’s most famous street. This charming alleyway is just 144 meters long but packed with character.
Here, you’ll find traditional wine taverns, cozy cafes, and shops selling everything from handmade crafts to local delicacies. In the evenings, the street comes alive with music and dancing, but during the day, it’s a lovely place to soak up the atmosphere.
2/Take a Cable Car Ride to the Niederwald Monument
For panoramic views of the Rhine Valley, hop on the cable car that takes you up to the Niederwald Monument. The ride itself is a treat, offering sweeping vistas of the river, vineyards, and surrounding countryside.
At the top, you’ll find the monumental statue of Germania, built to commemorate the unification of Germany in the 19th century. The area around the monument is perfect for a short hike, with trails leading through peaceful woodlands and scenic viewpoints.
The views from here are really quite spectacular. Find the cable car in the centre of town (google map coords here). It costs 10 Euros for a return trip.
3/ Visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet
This quirky museum is a must-visit for anyone intrigued by unusual and intricate antiques. Housed in a 15th-century nobleman’s residence, Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet features an impressive collection of self-playing instruments, from tiny music boxes to elaborate orchestrions.
I believe that entry is free and you can choose to join a tour, in German or English for an extra fee. Most visitors recommend taking the tour.
4/ Explore the Rheingau Vineyards
No visit to Rüdesheim would be complete without experiencing the region’s famous vineyards. Many wineries offer guided tours and tastings, giving you the chance to learn about the winemaking process and sample local Rieslings and Spätburgunders (Pinot Noirs).
There are actually a few tasting rooms in the town, so wine tasting couldn’t be easier. For example, you can visit Weignut Heinz Storzel.
If you’d prefer a more remote vineyard, consider visiting Weingut Adolf Störzel. A little way out of town into the hills – I’d recommend always booking as wineries aren’t always open in Germany, especially on Sundays.
If you’d rather something a little more active – check out this incredible Walk Like a Local, self-guided wine tour. Essentially you get given a backpack with samples of wines from the region, together with a map to explore the wine trails. Up in the hills, you will also see wine huts – where you can do a self-service tasting, just pay for your bottle on PayPal.
If you want something more organised, you can book a wine hike with a tour guide. Sounds like an ideal way to spend a day to me.
5/ Relax with a Rhine River Cruise
One of the best ways to appreciate the beauty of the Rhine Valley is from the water. Several companies offer boat tours departing from Rüdesheim, ranging from short excursions to full-day trips.
A cruise will take you past iconic sights like the Lorelei Rock and numerous castles perched high above the riverbanks. It’s a peaceful way to soak in the scenery and snap some incredible photos.
River cruises are also really quite good value – often around 15 to 20 € per person if you book in advance. Find out more here.
6/ Taste Rüdesheim Coffee
Rüdesheim has its own signature drink: Rüdesheim coffee. This indulgent treat is made with locally produced Asbach Uralt brandy, coffee, whipped cream, and a dusting of chocolate flakes.
Many cafes in town serve this specialty, but Art Cafe is a great spot to try it. Sip slowly and savour the flavours, this isn’t your average coffee break.
7/Discover the Medieval Brömserburg Castle
Dating back to the 10th century, Brömserburg Castle is one of the oldest castles along the Rhine. Today, it houses a wine museum that showcases the history of winemaking in the region.
In summer, there’s a fab wine garden – so once you’ve taken in a little bit of educational sustenance you can enjoy a glass of wine with a river view.
8/ Wander Through the Old Town
Rüdesheim’s Altstadt (Old Town) is a maze of narrow lanes and picturesque squares, perfect for aimless wandering. Look out for half-timbered houses, charming courtyards, and flower-filled balconies.
There are tonnes of traditional restaurants or cosy pizzerias to chose from too.
9/Try Paddle Boarding on the Rhine
For those who love a bit of adventure, paddle boarding on the Rhine River offers a unique way to experience Rüdesheim and its stunning surroundings.
Stand Up Paddle Board Rheingau is perhaps the most prominent company offering Paddle Boarding in this area. Find them here just outside of town, on the river (naturally!)
10/ Relax at a Rhine River Beach
While Rüdesheim itself doesn’t have a traditional beach, there are several sandy or pebbly spots along the Rhine’s edge where you can kick back and enjoy the riverside vibe. The nearby village of Geisenheim, just a short bike ride or walk away, has a small, informal riverside area perfect for sunbathing or picnicking.
We found a lovely little stretch of beach outside of our campsite, which is close to town – found here.
For families, these river beaches also make a great spot for kids to play, dip their toes in the water, or hunt for interesting stones along the shore. It’s a low-key but delightful way to embrace the slower pace of life in the Rheingau.
11/ Take the Wine Express Train
A final great thing to do in Rüdesheim is to take the Wine Express Train. This is a particularly useful addition if you don’t have much time to see the town. The cute little train will take you around town, up to the Niederwald Monument, and around the vineyards – giving you a chance to get monumental views and see all the main sights in just one hour.
The train costs around 15€. Find out more here.
Where to Stay in Rüdesheim
If you’re planning to stay overnight, Rüdesheim has a range of accommodations to suit different budgets and preferences.
BUDGET: Zur Lindenau A cozy, family-run hotel with clean, comfortable rooms and a convenient location in the town center.
There are also two super campsites in town – this one (Rheingau Camping) and Camping Platz am Rhein. I’d recommend booking ahead as they are both quite popular.
MID-RANGE: Weingut Magdalenenhof, a winery and hotel which offers fabulous vineyard and river views.
LUXURY: Breuer’s Rüdesheimer Schloss a smart hotel within an 18th century building, offering a central location.
How to Get to Rüdesheim
Rüdesheim is well-connected and easy to reach by car, train, or boat.
By Train
Rüdesheim has a train station with regular services to Frankfurt, Wiesbaden, and Mainz. From Frankfurt, the journey takes about an hour, m aaking it an ideal day trip destination.
By Car
If you’re driving, Rüdesheim is accessible via the A66 and B42 highways. Parking is available in several areas around the town centre.
By Boat
For a more scenic approach, consider arriving by boat. KD Rhine Line operates regular services along the Rhine, stopping at Rüdesheim and other towns in the region.
By Plane
The nearest major airport is Frankfurt Airport (FRA), about 60 kilometers away. From there, you can take a train or rent a car to reach Rüdesheim.
Where to next?
Looking for more information on travelling in Germany? You can find our guides below.
- Hiking the Rheinsteig – from Bonn to Weisbaden
- Is Mainz worth visiting? A city guide
- Best towns to visit on the Rhine River
- Koblenz Summer Festival & The Rhine in Flames
Written by Emma
Wine Lover. Yogi. Hiker. Writer.
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