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Street · Rüdesheim am Rhein, Hesse
Drosselgasse
Cobblestone alley about 2 metres wide and roughly 144 metres long, filled with wine taverns, live music and small shops, between the Rhine promenade and the Oberstraße.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Drosselgasse
The Drosselgasse is the best-known alley in Rüdesheim and one of the most visited streets in Germany, with millions of visitors a year. It is about 2 metres wide and 144 metres long and rises from the Rhine promenade up to the Oberstraße, the upper street of the old town.
It appears in records from the 15th century as a quarter of Rhine boatmen, who stored sails, oars and ropes in their houses. In the 18th and 19th centuries winemakers’ taverns arrived, and by the late 19th century the street was already a leisure destination, with music to attract customers.
Today the houses, some of them half-timbered, house wine taverns with live music, restaurants and souvenir shops. The house wine is Rheingau Riesling, from the wine region that runs from Wiesbaden to Lorch. Another local tradition is the Rüdesheimer Kaffee, coffee with flambéed brandy and whipped cream.
The Drosselgasse is one of six alleys that link the Oberstraße to the riverfront. Just above, on the Oberstraße, are the Brömserhof, with the mechanical instrument museum, and the lower station of the cable car to the Niederwald.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
From 20 minutes to cross it to a whole night in a tavern.
Best time
Early in the morning the street is empty and you can see the facades. From late afternoon into the evening, especially from May to October, the taverns fill up and the music starts. On days with many cruise boats, midday is the busiest time.
How to get there
From Rüdesheim (Rhein) station, walk about 5 minutes along Rheinstraße to the alley entrance beside the riverside promenade. From the boat quay the entrance is a few steps away.
Tip
Walk up the Drosselgasse and descend via one of the parallel, quieter alleys. Watch your belongings during busy periods. If you plan to drink wine, opt for small glasses so you can sample more than one Riesling.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Drosselgasse
How long is the Drosselgasse?
About 144 metres long and 2 metres wide, between the Rhine promenade and Oberstraße.
What wine is drunk in the Drosselgasse?
Mostly Rheingau Riesling, the wine of the region around Rüdesheim. Many taverns also serve the red wine from Assmannshausen, the neighbouring town.
What is Rüdesheimer Kaffee?
A coffee served with local brandy flambéed in the cup, sugar and cream on top. It is a tradition of the town’s taverns.
When is the street liveliest?
From late afternoon into the evening, from May to October, when taverns have live music.