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Monument · Rüdesheim am Rhein, Hesse
Niederwalddenkmal
38-metre monument featuring the statue of Germania, erected between 1877 and 1883 on the hill above the vineyards, with views over the Rhine and Bingen. Reachable by cable car in season.
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 Niederwalddenkmal
The Niederwalddenkmal was erected between 1877 and 1883 on the top of the Niederwald, the forest covering the hill above Rüdesheim. It commemorates the founding of the German Empire in 1871, after the war with France, and is one of Germany’s national monuments. The complex is 38 metres high.
At the top, the statue of Germania holds the crown raised in her right hand and the sword lowered in her left. The base features reliefs with Emperor Guilherme I, princes and soldiers, and figures representing the Reno and the Mosela. The monument is part of the Middle Rhine Valley World Heritage site.
From the terrace you can see Rüdesheim down below, the hillside vineyards, the Reno with its island and, on the other side, Bingen and the mouth of the Nahe river. On a clear day the view reaches Rheinhessen.
The most common way to go up is the Seilbahn, an open-cabin cable car that leaves from Oberstraße and passes over the vineyards. The season usually runs from late March to early November, with a reopening during the Christmas market period. You can also climb on foot via trails through the vineyards or by car, with parking next to the monument.
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
About 1 to 2 hours, including the cable car and the walk through the Niederwald park.
Best time
In the morning or late afternoon, when there is side light across the valley. The cable car season usually runs from late March to early November. In foggy days the view disappears.
How to get there
The lower cable car station is on Oberstraße, about a 10-minute walk from Rüdesheim (Rhein) train station. On foot, the climb through the vineyards takes about 45 minutes. By car there is parking by the monument.
Tip
Take the cable car up and walk down along the vineyard trail, with signs about the grape varieties. Outside the cable car season you can climb on foot or by car. At the top, the Niederwald park has paths that lead to the lookout temple.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Niederwalddenkmal
Does the cable car operate year-round?
No. The season usually runs from late March to early November, and the cable car reopens during the Christmas market period, from late November until near Christmas. Check before you go.
Can you climb up on foot?
Yes. There are trails through the vineyards from Rüdesheim town centre, about a 45-minute climb.
What does the monument represent?
The founding of the German Empire in 1871. Germania holds the imperial crown raised and the sword lowered.
How tall is the monument?
The ensemble, with base and statue, is 38 meters tall.