7 Things to do in the Charming Town of Rüdesheim am Rhein, Germany

Vineyards in Rüdesheim

Last October, Rüdesheim am Rhein was one of six stops we made during our Rhine River cruise. Rüdesheim is located in Germany, along the banks of the Rhine. It is a German wine-making town in the Rhine Gorge. It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site in this region. We had about 6 hours to explore this charming German town. Here are seven things to do in Rüdesheim.

Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet

Our first stop of the day was to Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet. Honestly, we were not sure what to expect, and I was afraid I would be bored. Not so! It is a beautiful and unique place. Here you enjoy one of the most extensive collections of self-playing instruments in the world. What is a mechanical or self-playing instrument? I am glad you asked! The instruments work like computers. On their website is an excellent description of how these instruments work.

Musical Instrument

“You have a data store and an attachment that can implement stored information in a targeted manner. It is of secondary importance whether only a single sound, a signal, or a sequence of sounds is made to sound. Although the term “data storage” in the heyday of self-playing musical instruments – from the 17th century to the 30s of the 20th century – was unknown, even the oldest data storage system, the bribed roller, works according to the same yes/no principle as the modern PC. Pen in the reel means clay, no pen in the reel means no sound.”

The detail on these instruments are amazing.
Musical cabinet closed.
The inside of the musical cabinet.
Our adorable guide. She was knowledgeable and full of energy.
She is so proud of all the instruments.
These look like the instruments one would see at a fair.
The music is on this roll.
Music Box

Our guide was fantastic and quirky. She loved her job, and it showed. For 45 mins, she took us from room to room and demonstrated various instruments.

Fun Fact- In the last photo, our guide was holding up a music box. These are called singing bird vending machines. It is rumored that Walt was inspired by these little boxes, and the Enchanted Tiki Room was born.

Drosselgasse

Drosselgasse is the main street that runs through the old town. It is lined with historical buildings, shops, restaurants, bars, bakeries, and more. At approximately a mile long, some of the city’s best entertainment can be found here. One can experience and immerse themselves into the German Rhine culture by enjoying regional dishes and wine.

Many hotels located in town.
Shops
Many wine stores and wine tasting establishments.
I love the cobblestone streets.
Charming restaurants

Cable Car

Rüdesheim’s Cable Car transports guests all the way to the Germania monument. Though the weather was not great, we could not pass up a ride on the cable car. I had heard the views of the Rhine, and the vineyards are beautiful. We were not disappointed.

Entrance to the cable cars.
Cable car.
So many vineyards.
Such a beautiful town.
Working in the vineyards.

The views were worth the ride.

Niederwald Monument

Neiderwald Monument -photo: Karl-Heinz Walter

We exited the cable car at the top of the hill and went to see the Neiderwald Monument. However, it was so foggy, and we could not see it unless we were right in front of it. None of my photos came out, so the one above will have to do. On a clear day, you can see miles around and take in the Rhine Gorge’s beauty.

The monument was built in 1977-1983 to mark the re-establishment of the German Empire after the Franco-Prussian War. The central figure is the Germania holding the imperial crown in her raised right hand and the imperial sword in her left hand.

Walking Wine Tour

Take a walk through these vineyards. Learn how the grapes are picked and about the winemaking process. Of course, enjoy samples of delicious wine!

Eat Baumstriezel

Otherwise known as chimney cakes, these yummy treats are made from enriched yeast dough cut into long strips and wrapped around a thick spit. The cake is sprinkled with sugar and baked over an open fire or in small electric ovens.

Drink a Rüdesheimer Kaffee 

Enjoying my coffee.

Brandy and sugar cubes are added to a cup. The brandy is flambeed and stirred for a minute until the sugar dissolves. Coffee is added, followed by a topping of whipped cream sweetened with vanilla sugar.

Courtesy of Get Away Travel

We could easily spend a few days in this charming town. I look forward to going back someday.

About The Author

Heather

84 COMMENTS

  1. Taquia | 16th Jul 20

    What a fun visit! I lived in Germany for a few years as a child and I hope to return for a visit soon.

  2. Jennifer | 16th Jul 20

    Looks like an interesting town to visit with sightseeing and the cable car ride.

    • Heather | 16th Aug 20

      It was so charming. I would love to go back.

  3. Stacey Billingsley | 16th Jul 20

    I’d love to go to Germany, and this area is so charming! The Music Cabinet place looks so interesting, and I would love to do the cable cars. The chimney cake looks yummy, too! I’d have to try some. What a fun trip!

    • Heather | 16th Aug 20

      Thank you. We had a lot of fun and met some really nice people.

  4. Missy | 16th Jul 20

    I could spend hours learning about all the instruments. What a neat place to visit.

    • Heather | 16th Aug 20

      The museum was quite interesting. Our guide was fantastic and you could tell she loved her job.

  5. Leeanne | 16th Jul 20

    Gorgeous charming town. I love the hillside terraces and that coffee. I’d be wired for days, but it looks so yummy.

    • Heather | 16th Aug 20

      The brandy made me sleepy. LOL

  6. kmf | 16th Jul 20

    I could easily spend a few days in that charming town also! Those instruments were super cool and wouldn’t mind trying one of those chimney cakes right now.

    • Heather | 16th Aug 20

      I would love to make the chimney cakes, but you need a special oven. It is probably for the best. LOL.

  7. Leigh | 16th Jul 20

    As a musician I’d be fascinated to see how those instruments work and hear then play! That’s also very interesting about Walt Disney and the singing bird boxes. Very cool!

    • Heather | 16th Aug 20

      I love learning all these little facts.

  8. Tricia Snow | 17th Jul 20

    This is so cool! My mother in law had a beautiful music box from Europe. The craftsmanship is amazing!

    • Heather | 16th Aug 20

      The attention to detail on them is stunning.

  9. Carey | 17th Jul 20

    Germany is such a beautiful country. I love the pictures of the towns and cities. Both have so much character and history. The coffee shop looks like a great place for a pick me up.

    • Heather | 16th Aug 20

      There were lots of little places like that for an afternoon pick me up. It was very cute.

  10. Sara | 17th Jul 20

    We love Germany! We haven’t been to this town, but it looks amazing. So far our favorite town in Germany is Rothenberg.

    • Heather | 16th Aug 20

      Rothenberg is on my list.

  11. melissa | 17th Jul 20

    I definitely need a chimney cake and some of that coffee – yum! It looks like a beautiful place to visit and I would love to explore those vineyards.

    • Heather | 16th Aug 20

      I want to go back and do a vineyard tour.

  12. Lisa Manderino | 17th Jul 20

    Your tour guide looks amazing! So much personality! What a fun trip!

  13. Eva Keller | 18th Jul 20

    Germany is #1 on my bucket list and there are so many things to see and do that I feel like I’d have to travel for a year to see it all. I can’t wait to go one day.

    • Heather | 16th Aug 20

      I know. The country has so much history. I can’t wait to go back and explore more.

  14. Cindy | 18th Jul 20

    What a beautiful town! It’s definitely full of charm . I’d love to explore here.

  15. Barbara | 20th Jul 20

    This looks really fun! I love German Wines too! I bet they taste better in Germany!

    • Heather | 16th Aug 20

      The wines were delicious. I just ordered more.

  16. Cindy Mailhot | 20th Jul 20

    This looks fantastic. I was supposed to visit Germany in May but it was cancelled. I hope to get there one day.

  17. Michele | 20th Jul 20

    John has been to Germany twice. I want to go so bad and take Payton. Thanks for sharing! Maybe soon.

    • Heather | 16th Aug 20

      I hope you do get to go soon.

  18. Beth Shields | 22nd Jul 20

    How very fun. And the countryside looks amazing. Not to mention the food toward the end of the article. I think you have been so accurate about how important your guide was to enjoying the tour. Can make or break it at times. Thanks for sharing.

    • Heather | 16th Aug 20

      Thanks for stopping by.

  19. Holly | 3rd Aug 20

    What an amazing adventure! I would love to see the architecture and beautiful landscape of Germany.. As time goes by I really hope that it doesn’t stay just a wish..

    • Heather | 16th Aug 20

      Agreed. I can’t wait to go out there and explore again.

  20. Kristin | 3rd Aug 20

    Very fun fact about Disney’s tiki room. And fun fact about me–at times I find myself randomly singing that song! I would love, love, love to do a trip to Germany with my kids, as a family heritage tour among other things.

    • Heather | 16th Aug 20

      Yes, the song was in my head all day as well. It would be a great trip for you to take.

  21. Sabrina DeWalt | 3rd Aug 20

    What a fun way to spend a day. The coffee sounds scrumptious!

  22. Maggie | leavemetodream.com | 3rd Aug 20

    How “Spass” your trip appears! I could admire your photos all day! Tschuss!

  23. Tricia Snow | 3rd Aug 20

    What an awesome trip! I have never seen this part of Germany. You have me intrigued!

    • Heather | 16th Aug 20

      Thanks. I would never have known if we had not gone. Such a fairytale.

  24. Melissa| It's a Joyous Journey | 3rd Aug 20

    Such a neat place to visit! Thanks for sharing!

    • Heather | 16th Aug 20

      Thanks for stopping by!

  25. Amy | 4th Aug 20

    I honestly think the coffee part would be my favorite. I’m a coffee nut so trying it is something I love to do no matter where I travel. Especially when they prepare it like you described! Sounds like the entire trip was great though!

    • Heather | 16th Aug 20

      Yes, we are always looking for a great hot cup of coffee as well.

  26. Chelsea | 4th Aug 20

    I love the cobblestone streets but the views from the vineyards are stunning. Those roof lines are so charming! I’d love to see it in person.

    • Heather | 16th Aug 20

      This region had so many vineyards. They are breathtaking and so well taken care of.

  27. Alexis Farmer | 4th Aug 20

    This looks like a great time!

    • Heather | 16th Aug 20

      We had a great time and can’t wait to do it again.

  28. Cas | 4th Aug 20

    What a beautiful town. I would love to do all the things you did!

  29. Christina Furnival | 4th Aug 20

    Looks amazing! My sister in law is from Bruchsal and I hope to visit Germany one day!

    • Heather | 16th Aug 20

      Germany is beautiful. I look forward to going back and exploring more.

  30. Douglas Jasper | 4th Aug 20

    Thank you for all the photos. It looks like a wonderful place to see!

    • Heather | 16th Aug 20

      It was and I can’t wait to go back!

  31. Debbie | 4th Aug 20

    I enjoyed taking this little trip with you!! Learned a lot and what a great coffee video!!

  32. Vanessa | 4th Aug 20

    Your trip looked like so much fun. Out of all the experiences you mentioned, my eyes (and taste buds) perked up when you described that coffee drink. OMG! I would love love love to try one of those. I’d fly there just for that!! Thanks for the sharing your trip!

    • Heather | 16th Aug 20

      LOL! That would be one expensive coffee.

  33. Guy | 4th Aug 20

    Would love to be grabbing coffee in some of those spots!

    • Heather | 16th Aug 20

      Yes, a great place do so.

  34. Sandi | 5th Aug 20

    We loved Rudensheim, it’s such a sweet little village. Glad you enjoyed it too.

  35. Suzan | It's My Sustainable Life | 5th Aug 20

    Any town with that many vineyards is my kind of town 🙂

    • Heather | 16th Aug 20

      LOL! The whole region is full of them.

  36. Mariah French | 5th Aug 20

    How fun! My parents live next to the Rhine river and it is always so pretty! That cable car looked awesome!

    • Heather | 16th Aug 20

      Lucky!!!! It is a beautiful part of Europe.

  37. Kendra | 5th Aug 20

    Wow! So beautiful! I’d love to see this in person!

    • Heather | 16th Aug 20

      Yes, it is definitely a place to see in person.

  38. Maya | 5th Aug 20

    Wow! What a charming town.Loved your pictures, the cobblestone pathway & the vineyards. With coffee in hand I’d forget how time flies in a beautiful town like this.

    • Heather | 16th Aug 20

      It is the perfect little place. I can’t wait to go back!

  39. Leeandra | 5th Aug 20

    I’ve never heard of this part of Germany! looks like an amazing trip! That coffee looks very interesting, I would love to try it!

    • Heather | 16th Aug 20

      It was a cool damp day, so the coffee hit the spot.

  40. Danielle Ardizzone | 6th Aug 20

    The guide looked like she was having as much fun as the tourists!

    • Heather | 16th Aug 20

      She clearly loves her job.

  41. Jill DeMasi | 6th Aug 20

    I love visiting old historical towns. Looks like a cool place to go!

  42. Santana | 11th Aug 20

    What beautiful countryside! I’d be in those shops for hours, too.

    • Heather | 16th Aug 20

      I could have easily spent a whole week here.

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