Eltville am Rhein

Eltville am Rhein is a wine producing town on the right bank of the Rhine in Rheingau-Taunus-Kreis, Hesse. The town stretches along the river with timber-frame houses, narrow lanes and a waterfront path connecting the districts.

The Archbishops of Mainz built a waterside fortress here starting in 1329 and used the town as their residence between 1347 and 1480. In the 15th century, Johannes Gutenberg worked on printing techniques in the town before returning to Mainz.

The name derives from the Latin alta villa, referring to the settlement on elevated ground above the river. Winegrowing families run their own vineyards and open seasonal taverns where visitors taste wines in private courtyards.

Many wineries open their cellars for tastings and some offer guided walks through the vineyard slopes. The waterfront path is suitable for walks and bike rides that often continue to Kloster Eberbach monastery in the hills above the town.

A rose garden with more than 350 varieties grows around the Electoral Castle, which led to the town being named a German Rose City. The roses bloom in summer and their names appear on small signs beside the beds.

Location: Rheingau-Taunus-Kreis

Elevation above the sea: 95 m

Website: https://eltville.de

GPS coordinates: 50.02500,8.12007

Latest update: December 13, 2025 17:45