Magic Bike Rüdesheim
One of Europe’s biggest Harley Davidson rallies attracts thousands of bikers from around the world to the Upper Middle Rhine Valley world heritage region. It includes a programme of entertainment and other events, plus spectacular firework. www.magic-bike-ruedesheim.com
Harley enthusiasts on this cruise may choose to return for this rally.
OTHER INFORMATION ABOUT RUDESHEIM:
Population: 9,788 (in 2009)
Average Temperature third week in April: High 57
Low 40's
Rudesheim, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is located at the southern entrance to the Lorelei Valley. This wine-making town on the right bank of the Rhine has some of the finest wines of this district. The town is the home of Asbach Uralt Brandy and one of the signature beverages to sample in Rudesheim is: Rudesheimer Kaffee, a flaming coffee drink. Asbach Uralt brandy, in the coffee, is set on fire.
After you sample Rudesheimer Kaffee, you can purchase a souvenir boxed set that includes special ceramic cups and saucers and extra long spoons that allow you to stir your flaming coffee without getting burned.
WHAT TO DO AND SEE IN RUDESHEIMER:
1. Niederwalddenkmal: A monument constructed to commemorate the foundation of the German Empire at the end of the Franco-Prussian War represents the union of all Germans. The first stone was laid in 1871 by Wilhelm I. The monument was inaugurated on September 28, 1882.
This monument is located on the right bank of the Rhine on a hill. Vineyards lead up to it. You can reach the monument by gondola or by walking paths.
This monument depicts Germania wielding an imperial sword and holding a shield that sometimes has the image of a black eagle on a gold field. Each part of this monument is symbolic.
Broken chains symbolize being free
Her breastplate with an eagle is a symbol of the strength of the German empire
The oak leaf crown represents heroism
The sword stands for power and the hemp branch around the sword shows a willingness to make peace
A black, red, and gold tricolor flag is the flag of the 1848 liberal nationalist party, a party that had been banned by the dukes of the German state
Rays of a rising sun demonstrate the beginning of a new era
2. Drosselgasse (means 'choke alley') Approximately 3/4 miles long, this pedestrian lane in Old Town features beautifully decorated restaurants that feature live bands and DJs day and night in the summer. Winestubes and open-air taverns serve beer and wine as well as locally distilled brandies along the Drosselgasse. This part of old town is Rudesheim's most famous tourist attraction and is usually busy. It has been rebuilt after bombing in WWII destroyed most of this area. You can buy Christmas ornaments year round.
3. Bromserburg This castle, built in the 10th century is a wine museum. A collection of wine presses and other wine-making paraphenalia are displayed. The castle has walls that are two meters thick and displays 1,000 year history of wine-making. This castle is the oldest castle in the Rhine River Gorge. Reisling grapes grow around it.
4. Asbach Distillery Premium German brandy has been distilled here since 1892
5. Eagles Niederwald Founded in 1968 by Kai Gilles, Eagles Niederwald treats injured birds of prey and owls. These kings of the sky are released once their health has been restored
6. Rudesheim Toy Museum One hundred years worth of children's toys commemorated. A 20th century model railroad fills an entire room. The model train travels from Rudesheim to Koblenz
7. Siegfriede Mechanistics Musikkabinett Four centuries of self-playing music and instruments includes self-playing stringed instruments and the Hupfeld Violina Orchestra and more
8. Mittelalterliches Follermuseum Torture museum - instruments of torture
9. Remains of the Heindenburg Bruche The bridge was destroyed during the Second World War- Allied bombing, November 1, 1944
10. Ebingen Abbey Founded by Hildegard von Bingen, Benedicton nuns dedicated to a life of work and prayer live here. It is a place for quiet contemplation. You may hear the nuns singing (you won't see them, though) and you can visit the abbey gift shop which features finely made crafts.
Known as the 'Sybil of the Rhine,' Hildegard von Bingen (1098 -1179) had a vision of what she called living light as a child. She kept this vision secret for many years. At the age of 42 and seven months, Hildegard wrote SCRIVAS (know the word of the Lord). Hildegard von Bingen wrote: "How wonderful is the knowledge of God's heart, the image every creature has beheld. For God, as he looked into the face of man, saw all his work as a whole in human form. How wonderful is the wind that stirred people to life."
In addition to her contemplative writing, Hildegard wrote treatises about natural history and medicinal uses of plants, animals, trees, and stones. She was also a composer and she may be the first woman to write positively about sexual relations especially for women.
Today, the general agreement is that she has migraines and that the visions she described were the result of what she experienced.
The Nazis expelled nuns from Ebingen Abbey in 1941. They returned in 1945.
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