Unesco Niederwald Monument

The Niederwald monument symbolises the pride of the German Empire. Monumental and overloaded with meaning, it commemorates the founding of the first German nation state after the victory in the Franco-Prussian War. Today it is one of the most visited monuments in Germany.

At a glance

65385 Rüdesheim am Rhein

The monument and the forest are freely accessible

A map of Hessen HESSEN

History

In Rüdesheim am Rhein, at a magnificent vantage point, stands a “Prussian Madonna”. The nickname originated in the Rheingau for the “Germania”, the colossal statue on the Niederwald Monument. Indeed, a trip to see her takes you back to a time that was largely under Prussian control. Picturesquely situated at the entrance to the UNESCO World Heritage Upper Middle Rhine Valley, the monument commemorates the founding of the German Empire after the Franco-Prussian War of 1870/71, when 25 individual states were united into one nation and Germania embodies it: Her crown raised and her sword peacefully lowered, she looks towards the new state, keeping “watch on the Rhine”.

Niederwald Monument, frontal view

Frontal view of the Niederwald Monument from the air

Foto: Michael Leukel, 2019

Niederwald Monument, plinth area

Exodus of the allied Germans to war as the theme of the commander’s relief

Foto: Michael Leukel, 2019

Niederwald Monument, peace figure

The peace figure

Foto: Michael Leukel, 2019

Niederwald besucherzentrum

Gastronomy

Niederwald Gastronomie
at the visitor centre
Restaurant manager: Peter Häfner
Am Niederwald 4
65385 Rüdesheim am Rhein

Tel.: +49 (0)6722 71033-70