Why go to Rudesheim?
This storybook German village offers traditional touring options, while being easy-to-navigate for independent explorers
While the town is walkable, the streets are cobbled, so if you don't walk carefully you might risk injury
Rudesheim offers a taste of classic German culture, scenic views and plenty of opportunities to indulge
Rudesheim Cruise Port Facilities?
The docking area is adjacent to a small public green space, just a few hundred yards from the main road fronting the river. Train tracks and the busy road separate you from the town, but there are a couple of well-marked subway footpaths to get you to the other side. The tourist information center, restaurants, ATM's and shops are all easily accessible.
Good to Know?
The cobbled streets can pose a trip hazard, and the size of the town necessitates a healthy amount of walking, so wear comfortable shoes and mind your step. One additional caveat is that many cafes, bars and taverns are smoker-friendly, which can be a shock to the system if you're coming from a region where smoking is not allowed indoors.
Getting Around?
On Foot: Given that Rudesheim is a hamlet of fewer than 10,000 residents, you really don't need any other form of transportation besides your own two feet. Although vehicles are allowed to drive through the town, there are various pedestrianized zones, and the narrow, cobbled alleyway of the Drosselgasse is best enjoyed on foot.
By Bike: If your cruise ship doesn't have bicycles available for use, your best bet for renting one in Rudesheim is the Hotel Zum Grunen Kranz (42-44 Oberstrasse), which houses Radkranz bike rental.
By Cable Car: A tram runs up the hillside from Rudesheim (Rudesheimer Seilbahn, Oberstrasse 37) to the Germania monument above. There are numerous ticket options, including combining the ride up with a chairlift ride down into the next village over.
Currency & Best Way to Get Money?
Germany's currency is the euro. For currency conversion figures, visit www.oanda.com or www.xe.com. There are only a handful of ATM's in Rudesheim. The closest, within a few hundred yards of the river cruise mooring points, is the Nassauische Sparkasse (Nassau Savings Bank) at 34 Rheinstrasse. Credit cards are widely accepted in restaurants, bars and shops.
Language?
German is the local language, but English is widely understood and spoken there and in much of Germany. A few handy phrases in German will always enamor you to the locals, though, so try these:
Hello / good afternoon: Guten Tag (GOO-ten tahg)
Please / Thank you: Bitte / Danke (BIT-tuh / DAHN-kuh)
Yes / No: Ja / Nein (yah / nine)
Excuse me: Entschuldigen Sie (ent-SHOOL-de-gen zee)
Beer: Bier (beer)
