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.
“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.”
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.
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.
The views were worth the ride.
Niederwald Monument
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
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.
We could easily spend a few days in this charming town. I look forward to going back someday.
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Riquewihr is a beautiful town located in the Alsace region of France. A medieval village with colorful half-timber houses dating back to the 15th and 18th centuries. Riquewihr is a member of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France (the most beautiful villages of France association). Surrounded by a fortress and overlooked by a castle, it was one of the few towns not destroyed in World War II.
Located 25 mins from the town of Colmar and the 45 mins from the city of Strasbourg, it makes for a wonderful day trip. We were on a river cruise down the Rhine, and Riquewihr was our first stop. I fell in love with this quaint village.
It is known for its Riesling and other wines, which is evident by the miles of rolling vineyards surrounding the town. Also, if you are a Disney fan, this village may remind you of somewhere. Riquewihr was one of two French villages that were the inspiration for Belle’s “Little Town,” in the movie Beauty and the Beast.
So what is there to do and see in this storybook town?
1) Explore Old Town.
Stroll along the cobblestone streets and take photos of the colorfully painted houses. There are two main streets and lots of little alleys. One can find wineries, restaurants, bakeries, and plenty of little shops.
2) Grab some lunch or dinner.
We had a delicious lunch of meats and cheeses and, of course, wine at Relais de Moines. The restaurant has three dining rooms, plus an outdoor terrace. The décor was charming.
3) Musee du Dolder.
The museum houses 13th-century artifacts, such as weapons, guns, and fortification parts. It tells the story of Riquewihr. Housed in a tower, it is also a watch and a bell tower. We did not have time to go in, but I have heard it is quite impressive.
4) Visit a Winery.
During our visit to Riquewihr, we visited Dopff au Moulin.
Taken directly from their website:
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We met with a team member and heard the story behind the winery. We learned the history of the family and the town. We learned how the grapes grow, the harvesting process and production. We tasted quite a few wines and had time to browse in the store. It was a lovely experience. One thing to keep in mine, tastings in Europe are not small. Each wine tasting was about half a glass. I was feeling good when we left and a bit tired on the bus ride back to the ship.
5) Have a sweet treat.
One simply can not go to France without experiencing these delectable macarons.
Our day in Riquewihr was terrific. I would love to go back and experience more in this region. Oh, and perhaps have a macaron or two.
