This Rhine Valley medieval town has centuries-old structures like Burg Klopp castle and St. Martin's Church. Its port and Rheinhessen Autobahn connect it to major European routes.
Bingen am Rhein lies at the confluence of the Rhine and Nahe rivers in western Germany. You'll find the 13th-century Mouse Tower perched on a tiny Rhine island, while Klopp Castle overlooks the town from its hilltop position. The town's Gothic St. Martin's Church dates from 1403, and the former abbey of Hildegard von Bingen, a medieval mystic and scholar, draws visitors interested in her work on medicine, music, and theology. The town is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Upper Middle Rhine Valley.
Getting Around Bingen
You can reach Bingen through its main train station (Hauptbahnhof) via InterCity and ICE lines from major German cities. Passenger ferries connect Bingen to Rüdesheim across the Rhine, and river cruise companies run regular services along the river. The compact town center makes it easy to walk between main points of interest.
Ancient Landmarks and Architecture
The Mouse Tower rises from a small Rhine island, with local legends telling of a medieval bishop's demise within its walls. While the tower's interior remains closed to visitors, you can photograph it with the ruins of Burg Ehrenfels in the background. The Drusus Bridge crosses the Nahe River on Roman-era foundations and includes a Romanesque chapel at its eastern end. Inside St. Martin's Church, you'll find medieval frescoes and sculptures decorating its Gothic interior.
Wine Culture
Bingen sits where three wine regions meet: Rheinhessen, Mittelrhein, and Nahe. Local wineries open their cellars for tastings year-round. The Bingen Wine Festival in autumn runs for 11 days - the longest wine celebration on the Rhine. The festival combines wine tasting with traditional music performances and regional food.
Historical Museums
The Historical Museum documents the life and work of Hildegard von Bingen, a 12th-century Benedictine abbess. You can examine medieval manuscripts, medical instruments, and learn about her scientific work through interactive exhibits. The Stefan-George-Museum, located in the historic Haferkasten building, chronicles the German poet's life and his connections to the region.
River Activities
Rhine cruises give you views of Bingen's waterfront landmarks. The harbor crane from 1487, the first of its kind on the Rhine, remains intact near the waterfront. In summer, the Rhine promenade becomes a venue for concerts and events, including the "Bingen swingt" jazz festival and the "Rhine in Flames" fireworks display.
