Niederwalddenkmal, National monument in Rüdesheim am Rhein, Germany
Description
The Niederwalddenkmal is a bronze and stone structure standing 38 meters tall above the Rhine near Rüdesheim am Rhein. The central figure Germania stands on a multi-tiered base, surrounded by additional sculptures and inscriptions distributed across the entire site.
History
Kaiser Wilhelm I laid the foundation stone in 1877, and the monument was inaugurated in 1883 to commemorate the founding of the German Empire in 1871. Johannes Schilling designed the bronze figure of Germania, which was cast in Dresden and transported by ship to Rüdesheim.
Culture
The figure of Germania wears an imperial crown and holds the reclaimed imperial sword in her right hand, while her left displays the imperial crown. Many visitors climb the steps to the base and study the relief panels depicting scenes from the war of 1870 and 1871.
Practical
The monument is accessible daily and can be reached from the valley by cable car or through several hiking paths across the Niederwald forest. The viewing platform at the base of the statue offers wide views over the Rhine valley, and the route passes through wooded slopes with rest areas.
Did you know?
During the inauguration ceremony in September 1883, an anarchist named August Reinsdorf attempted to blow up the monument with dynamite, but the fuse failed. The figure of Germania alone weighs approximately 32 tons, and its production required several years of work in the Dresden foundry.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Rüdesheim am Rhein).
Seilbahn Rüdesheim
894 m
Besucherzentrum auf dem Niederwald
226 m
Mutter mit Kindern im Berg Frauenwingert, von Adam Winter
184 m
Muttergottes mit Jesuskind und Traube, von Adam Winter
511 m
Sankt Hubertus im Hubertuswingert, von Adam Winter
685 mBinger Blick
193 m
Sonnenuhr im Weinberg, von Adam Winter
402 mScenic viewpoint
38 mHunsrückblick
578 mFoucaultsches Pendel
156 mWeinkelter
465 mSonnenuhr
402 mTemple
200 mRüdesheimer Berg
182 mStauderhanser Heiligenhäuschen
893 mScenic viewpoint
709 mIngelheimer - Blick
670 mDead end street, scenic viewpoint
9 mLandschaftspark Niederwald
779 mScenic viewpoint
199 mWayside cross
525 mWayside cross
292 mWayside shrine, Christianity
892 mFlurbereinigung 1961-95
714 mWayside cross, Christianity
730 mCatholic church building, wayside shrine, Christianity
512 mEremitage
754 mMonument
687 mDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes