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Translated from German. In case of discrepancies, the German version applies.
Cable car and paths to the Niederwald
Since 1954 the cabin cable car has run from Rüdesheim’s old town over the vineyards to the Niederwalddenkmal (Niederwald Monument).1 It is the most comfortable way up – and can be combined with the footpath through the vineyards. Seasonal times and restrictions are shown in the box; they apply as of the date given.
Current status (checked on 18 October 2026)
- Cable car 2026: daily from 9:30 until 1 November; closed 2–18 November; 19 November – 23 December daily 11:00–18:00.2
- Assmannshausen chairlift closed because of a technical defect; according to the operator it will not reopen in 2026, the aim is the start of the 2027 season (as of 18 October 2026). While it is closed, there are no Ring, Romantik or Assmannshausen tours.2,
3, 4
Seasonal times change. For up-to-date times, the operator’s website applies.
Current times and prices: seilbahn-ruedesheim.de (operator).
Which route suits you?
| Route | Duration (operator’s figure) | Suitable for (our assessment) |
|---|---|---|
| Cable car up and down (“Berg und Tal”) | from 40 minutes | little time, limited mobility, with a pushchair |
| Cable car up, on foot back through the vineyards (“Bergfahrt”) | from 1 hour | good walkers, the best way to experience the vineyards |
| On foot up, cable car down (“Talfahrt”) | from 1 hour | sporty; going downhill by cable car is easy on the knees |
| All the way on foot | – | hikers; paths through the vineyards |
Source of the durations:5
With a wheelchair, rollator, pushchair or dog
Every cabin is suitable for wheelchairs and rollators of normal width; electric wheelchairs and wider models cannot be carried.6
- Accessibility: the valley and mountain stations can be reached with few barriers, and there is a lift at the valley station. The valley station was converted in 2022 to be accessible (barrier-free).6,
1 - Pushchairs: up to 85 cm wide; wider models such as twin pushchairs cannot be taken. Children under 5 and pushchairs travel free.6
- Dogs: travel along at no extra charge.6
- Bicycles: are not allowed.6
Arriving at the valley station
The valley station is in the old town, within walking distance of the railway station and the boat landings; a large car park is about 500 metres away.6 More on arrival: Getting there.
A short history
Before the cable car, a rack railway ran up to the monument. After the war it was no longer usable; in 1953 a cable car company was set up, and in spring 1954 the first cable car went into service.1,
In 2005 the system was renewed – with 85 retro-style gondolas. According to the operator, the 30-millionth passenger travelled in 2004 and the 35-millionth in 2014.1
On to Assmannshausen
On the other side of the Niederwald, a chairlift runs down to Assmannshausen.8 As long as it is closed and the Ring-Tour is cancelled (see the box above), the operator suggests walking from the Niederwald to Assmannshausen and taking the boat back from there.5 What makes Assmannshausen special: Around Rüdesheim.
Frequently asked questions
Does the cable car run in winter? In 2026 it runs until 1 November, is closed from 2 to 18 November and runs daily from 11:00 to 18:00 during the Christmas market from 19 November to 23 December.2
Can my dog come along? Yes, at no extra charge.6
Will my pushchair fit in the cabin? Yes, if it is up to 85 cm wide.6