Ruedesheim am Rhein

For exploring the Rhine, that sounds about right.

Some people on this website find Rüdesheim overly touristy. I agree, but I think it's worth a visit for one absolutely unique feature that I have not found anywhere else. Many of the restaurants feature live Schlager music nightly, particularly during the warmer months. People's response to Schlager is generally similar to that of US country music (although the two styles hardly resemble each other)- some love it proudly, some appreciate it ironically, some appreciate it out of nostalgia, some find it a national embarrassment but secretly love it, some just can't stand it. Either way, it's a unique German (well, more like northern European) living cultural institution that deserves a sampling. As the night goes on, you often seen stag, bachelorette and post-wedding parties from Frankfurt, Mainz and Wiesbaden filter in, which adds to the fun atmosphere.

You don't need to stay in Rüdesheim to enjoy this... but if you start to have a good time and find yourself drinking a few more glasses of wine than you intended, having a room within stumbling distance may come in handy.

Thanks Tom. I appreciate your input. I know it is a bit touristy but I am trying to show my sons (19-25) a "german" experience. I look forward to the live music and lively atmosphere. I did research a few months ago and this town seemed like it might be the most fun. Now as our trip approaches I have started researching again and got a bit nervous with some of the comments. I was hoping you would pipe in as you seem to be the expert on Germany on this site. We are starting to get very excited with our trip just under 1 month away. I think it will be a lovely time to visit the Rhine.

I think we will take a cruise one day. I have seen it suggested that you cruise one way and take the train back. Can you recommend where we would cruise to?

During our Rhine visit we took the K-D Cruise from Bingen to Braubach (Marksburg Castle) and then took a train back to Ruedesheim - stopping along the way at several of the towns for visiting and snacking (ok Ice Cream :-). It's also easy (and cheap) to take one of the ferries across to the other side of the river at several locations along the way. It was a fantastic day trip.

We didn't stay in Ruedesheim overnight so I can't comment on the hotel situation, but as Tom says the town is full of music. We were there on a Saturday night and not only were the Schlager bands going, but the Bachelorette parties were out it force!

Our meal was fine (comfort food, not haute cuisine), the music was good and the entertainment first rate - and don't be afraid to ask for your favorite song - these guys know them all. I have a video of the band playing Sweet Home Alabama while members of our party danced that is priceless.

We spent 2 full and 1/2 day along the Rhine (hotel in Bacharach), and you could easily spend more.

Tom's description of Rüdesheim and the "Schlager" music is spot on!

Personally, I find the town too touristy. But I very much enjoyed the ride on the chairlift up to the monument (Niederwalddenkmal) overlooking the town and the walks in the forest adjacent to it. As you have a bit more time in the area you should definitely explore these forests a bit more! A bit hidden and not that well know in that forest area is a typical "romantic ruin", the Rossel. Looks like it used to be a castle but it was actually built as a ruin during the "Rhine romanticism" in the 18th/19th century. Similar effective is the "Zauberhöhle" (magic cave). You can get maps of the forest park area at the chair lift to help you find those hidden gems.

This advice is just what I need! Thank you so much for all of the input. I will take everything into account.