Lady Germania stands sentinel over the Rhein River valley to commemorate the victory of a new nation in the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-71
Lady Germania stands sentinel over the Rhein River valley to commemorate the victory of a new nation in the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-71
This 125-foot-high statue, built between 1871 and 1883, commemorates the unification of the German states into one nation. The lady “Germania” stands atop a plinth adorned with a large relief showing Kaiser Wilhelm I surrounded by soldiers. It is located on top of a hill on the east bank of the river and overlooks Rüdesheim am Rhein and Bingen, which is across the river. The hills form the Rhein River Gorge, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a haven for tourists, bikers, and river-goers. Bingen offers river cruises lasting up to 5 hours using boats with rooftop seating. In the town of Rüdesheim am Rhein, one can find restaurants and bars tucked into quaint alleyways built in the Middle Ages.
Parking is somewhat limited in Rüdesheim am Rhein, however, there is plenty of parking in Bingen am Rhein along the shore west of the ferry harbor. It is advisable to take the ferry to Rüdesheim after parking and walk up the hill after crossing the river. You can then take the Seilbahn (gondolas) up the hill for a few Euros or brave the hill on foot. Either way, the views are spectacular, especially when the grapevines are full with leaves.
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