Niederwald Denkmal

The Niederwald Denkmal (Lower Forest Monument) was built after the victory of Prussia over the French in Franco-Prussian War of 1870.  It is heavily adorned with bas-relief of Kaiser Wilhelm I, his chancellor Otto von Bismarck, and the host of ministers and advisors who helped win the war.  It is impressive, large and very detailed in its design. Of course it should be... it cost 1.2 million gold marks!

The bas-relief of Kaiser Wilhelm I (center on horseback) with his advisors and the princes of the new German nation.  Chancellor von Bismarck is to the right of the Kaiser, by his left leg.

View from the denkmal to the south, with the Rhein below, and Rudesheim in the distance (left).  Rudesheim is a MAJOR tourist trap, and parking is expensive.  To visit the denkmal, go directly to it and park there (2005 = 1.50 Euro).  If you do want to park in Rudesheim, you could spend around 6-10 Euros, depending on how long you are there.

While walking a back road above the town, I ran into a cyclist and we had an interesting conversation.  When I asked him about the parking he said, "Your problem is that you are parking and driving like a tourist.  Park and drive like a German."  Good advice... but still be careful that you don't park in a tow zone!

Atop the monument is "Germania," bearing the German emperor's crown.  It required 32 tons of bronze to construct.