Bingen am Rhein
The town of Bingen am Rhein serves as the southern gateway to the Upper Middle Rhine Valley—a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The riverside town boasts heritage architecture and a history that dates back to Roman times. Bingen is also celebrated as a wine hub, and its surrounding slopes are populated by vineyards.
The Basics
With origins dating to the 11th century BC, ancient Bingen am Rhein is still an important hub along the Rhine. While you can visit as part of a river cruises, it’s worth disembarking for a closer look. Don't miss the hilltop Klopp Castle and the Mouse Tower (where, according to local legend, a cruel archbishop was eaten by mice), the Basilica of St. Martin, or the 15th-century Old Rhine Crane.
As part of the Upper Middle Rhine Valley UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bingen is frequently included on riverboat sightseeing itineraries. You can also plan an independent trip from nearby hubs like Frankfurt, Wiesbaden, and Mainz.
Things to Know Before You Go
Bingen’s most renowned former resident is Hildegard von Bingen, a medieval abbess, mystic, and composer whose works are still performed today.
Bingen sits at the confluence of four major wine regions (Rheinhessen, Rheingau, Nahe, and Mittelrhein), which are primarily known for riesling production.
The Drusus Bridge (Drususbrücke) dates back to ancient Roman times, though it has been reconstructed several times—most recently following World War II.
How to Get There
Bingen am Rhein is less than a 30-minute drive from Wiesbaden and Mainz by car, and just over an hour from the major city of Frankfurt, which is 44 miles (71 kilometers) away. Take the train from any of the three cities to Bingen, or if traveling by car, use the A60. The city is also a frequent stop on Rhine cruises.
Trip ideas
When to Get There
Many Rhine cruises suspend operations in winter. If you want to take a boat trip along the Upper Middle Rhine Valley or visit the region’s vineyards and attend its wine festivals, it’s best to visit in spring and summer.
Festivals in Bingen am Rhein
Bingen am Rhein hosts several big festivals throughout the year. A sparkling wine festival is held in May; a jazz festival, Bingen is Swinging, is hosted in June; Rhine in Flames event, which sees fireworks over the river, is held in July; and the 11-day Winegrower Festival—the largest wine festival along the Rhine—is held in August and September.
- Drosselgasse
- Lorelei Rock (Loreley Rock)
- St. Goar (Sankt Goar)
- Rheinfels Castle
- Wiesbaden
- Marksburg Castle
- Stolzenfels Castle (Schloss Stolzenfels)
- Eltz Castle (Burg Eltz)
- Koblenz Cable Car (Seilbahn Koblenz)
- Ehrenbreitstein Fortress (Festung Ehrenbreitstein)
- Deutsches Eck (German Corner)
- Worms
- Cochem Castle
- SEA LIFE® Konigswinter
- Phantasialand