Through Rheinhessen and the Rheingau

Rheinhessen and the Rheingau are among the most beautiful regions in Germany for a convertible tour. Gentle hills, endless vineyards, picturesque towns, and the Rhine as a constant companion make this round trip an unforgettable experience. This tour takes you from Mainz through Nierstein, Oppenheim, Worms, the Zellertal, Alzey, Bad Kreuznach, Bingen, Rüdesheim, and Eltville back to Mainz.

Whether for an extended weekend or as an extensive convertible journey, this route combines spectacular panoramas, cultural highlights, and culinary delights. The varied route ensures pure driving pleasure, while numerous stops along the convertible route invite you to fully enjoy the region.

Pleasure and Driving Fun Along the Rhine

Stage 1: From Mainz to Worms – Rhine Romance and Wine Enjoyment

The tour starts in Mainz, the vibrant capital of Rhineland-Palatinate. With its charming old town, the impressive cathedral, and many wine taverns, Mainz is the perfect starting point. A breakfast with a view of the Rhine is particularly recommended before hitting the road.

Now, it's time to drive along the B9 beside the Rhine towards Nierstein in your convertible or roadster. This route offers dreamy views of the river and the steep vineyards. The most famous of these appears on the right just before Nierstein, known as the Rote Hang; it’s worth taking a short walk up to enjoy the panorama with the Rhine and the Odenwald capturing the view across the river. Nierstein itself with its charming old town is also worth a stop.

Just a few kilometers further lies Oppenheim, a town with medieval charm. Particularly noteworthy are the Katharinenkirche and the mysterious Oppenheim cellar labyrinth, an underground system of corridors and storage spaces dating back to the Middle Ages.

The tour continues to Worms, one of the oldest cities in Germany. Here, a visit to the Worms Cathedral and the Nibelungen Museum is worthwhile. Wine enthusiasts can take a short break at one of the many wineries and sample local specialties.

Stage 2: From Worms to the Zellertal and Alzey – Expansive Landscapes and Winding Country Roads

After driving over the gentle hills of Rheinhessen, you reach the Zellertal, an idyllic wine region on the border between southern Rheinhessen and northern Palatinate. Here, the roads wind through endless vineyards, which are particularly enjoyable for convertible drivers in sunny weather.

In Alzey, the unofficial capital of Rheinhessen, history meets modern wine culture. The cozy old town invites leisurely strolls, while numerous wine shops provide opportunities to sample local wines.

Stage 3: From Alzey via Bad Kreuznach to Bingen – Historical Bridges and Spectacular Views

The next stage leads through gentle hilly landscapes to Bad Kreuznach, famous for its bridge houses over the Nahe River. The town has a beautiful old town with half-timbered houses and offers numerous cafés for a relaxed break.

From Bad Kreuznach, the convertible route continues towards Bingen, where the Rhine and Nahe rivers meet. The famous Klopp Castle offers a fantastic view over the Rhine Valley and the Mäuseturm island.

Stage 4: From Bingen via Rüdesheim, Eltville, and Wiesbaden back to Mainz – Romantic Rhine Landscapes and Elegant Spa Atmosphere

With the convertible or roadster, you first take the Rhine ferry over to Rüdesheim, probably the most famous wine town in the Rheingau. The famous Drosselgasse, arguably the best-known wine street in Germany, invites you to linger with its cozy wine taverns and charming wine estates.

For those seeking spectacular views, a cable car ride to the Niederwalddenkmal provides breathtaking sights over the Rhine Valley. Alternatively, a small Rhine boat trip offers a different perspective on the castles and vineyards.

From Rüdesheim, the route continues to Eltville, the "City of Wine and Roses." The well-maintained Rhine promenade, lined with colorful flowerbeds, invites you to take a relaxing stroll. Of particular note is the Electoral Castle, from whose tower you can enjoy a wonderful view of the Rhine. If there's still time, you can enjoy a glass of Rheingau Riesling in one of the many wine taverns.

After Eltville, the route continues to Wiesbaden, the elegant capital of Hesse. Once a world spa for the nobility, the city impresses with magnificent historical buildings, spacious parks, and exclusive boutiques. The Kurhaus, a splendid building with one of the most beautiful casinos in Europe, is particularly worth seeing.

If you want a short break, you can take a walk in the adjacent spa park or enjoy the atmosphere of the city in one of the stylish cafés. Another highlight is the Neroberg Plateau, accessible via a historic funicular. From here, you can enjoy a magnificent view over the rooftops of Wiesbaden up to the Taunus.

To conclude the journey, the route returns to Mainz, where the convertible trip comes to a perfect end. The city, known for its over 2000-year history, offers numerous sights.

Particularly impressive is the Mainz Cathedral, whose imposing architecture shapes the skyline of the city. Nearby is the Gutenberg Museum, which provides an exciting insight into the history of printing. The market square, surrounded by historic buildings and where weekly markets regularly take place, is beautifully picturesque. If you want to wind down your evening comfortably, you can enjoy a glass of Rheinhessen wine in one of the traditional wine taverns or watch the sunset along the Rhine promenade.

Tour Highlights

• Mainz: The historic old town and the impressive Mainz Cathedral form the ideal starting point.

• Nierstein: The Rote Hang offers spectacular views over the Rhine and the vineyards.

• Oppenheim: The impressive Katharinenkirche and the cellar labyrinth take you into the city's history.

• Worms: The Romanesque St. Peter's Cathedral and the Nibelungen Museum are cultural highlights.

• Zellertal: Gentle hills, idyllic vineyards, and traditional villages ensure true relaxation.

• Alzey: A charming capital of the region with historic flair and excellent wines.

• Bad Kreuznach: Famous for its inhalation works and spas, ideal for a stopover.

• Bingen: The Binger Mäuseturm and Klopp Castle offer impressive views of the Rhine.

• Rüdesheim: The Drosselgasse and the cable car to the Niederwalddenkmal are absolute must-sees.

• Eltville: The city of roses and wine rounds off the experience.

Tips for Your Convertible Tour

The best time for this tour is between spring and autumn – when the vines bloom or the landscape shines in warm colors.

Pack sunglasses, light clothing, and a windbreaker for cooler mornings. A camera is essential to capture the spectacular views.

Plan breaks to enjoy regional specialties at charming wineries. Be flexible and seize the opportunity for spontaneous detours.

With a current road map or GPS, you can find the most beautiful routes away from the main roads – perfect for a relaxed convertible experience.

Driving the Rheinhessen-Rheingau Tour in a Convertible – An Unforgettable Convertible Road Trip

This round trip through Rheinhessen and the Rheingau combines the charm of historical wine towns with the beauty of the Rhine and the gentle hilly landscape. In your convertible or roadster, you will experience a varied route that offers both cultural highlights and pure natural delights.

The four stages of the tour – from Mainz through Nierstein, Oppenheim, and Worms, through the Zellertal and Alzey to Bad Kreuznach, Bingen, Rüdesheim, and Eltville – provide a harmonious and logical travel experience.

Whether you are enchanted by the romantic Rhine landscape, linger in historic wine towns, or simply feel the wind in your hair – this tour is a true highlight for every convertible fan. So, put the top down, start the engine, and discover the diversity and charm of Rheinhessen and the Rheingau on your next convertible adventure!