Rüdesheim: Autumn holidays in the world-famous Drosselgasse in Rüdesheim
Wine enjoyment, half-timbered romance and panoramic views of the Rhine
A holiday in autumn visiting the sights in Rüdesheim – what could be better? Rüdesheim has a picturesque old town with numerous beautiful half-timbered houses and stately town houses. Are you looking for romance? Then take a leisurely stroll through the narrow streets. There are numerous quaint restaurants and wine bars. In the evenings, cheerful music drifts outside. Between the narrow alleys of Rüdesheim’s old town, vines climb up the houses, lending the historic ambience an unmistakably romantic charm. Here you can really enjoy your holiday in Germany in October.
You absolutely must visit Rüdesheim’s most famous attraction: Rüdesheimer Drosselgasse. More than 3 million visitors from all over the world stroll here every year. Here you will find numerous cosy wine taverns.
There are numerous sights to see in the area around Rüdesheim. On one side, you have a view of rolling hills and picturesque vineyards. On the other side flows the Rhine. Thanks to its location, Rüdesheim enjoys a particularly mild climate – ideal for an autumn holiday in Germany.
Enjoy vineyards and panoramic views of the Rhine
The vineyards make Rüdesheim one of the top destinations in October. The leaves on the vines turn golden, creating an enchanting scene. You can enjoy this on a walk or by taking the Rüdesheim cable car. If you choose the Rüdesheim cable car, you will have a fantastic view of the wine-growing landscape around Rüdesheim. After 10 minutes, you will arrive at the Niederwald Monument. Here, you should definitely take your time and enjoy the view of Rüdesheim, the vineyards and the Rhine. Wine has been grown here for over 2,000 years. Thanks to the ideal climate, the wines are of the highest quality. See for yourself.
Tip: The ideal place to enjoy delicious Rüdesheim wine is on the banks of the Rhine in the evening. The sunset on the banks of the Rhine bathes everything in warm light and makes a holiday in Germany in October particularly atmospheric. You can enjoy this atmosphere to the full in the wine bars on the banks of the river or while relaxing in one of the deckchairs.
Special tip: Rüdesheim is located at the beginning of the Upper Middle Rhine Valley, whose enchanting landscape is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Around 40 castles and ruins nestle picturesquely on the slopes here. The romantic landscape with rocky slopes and vineyards, and of course the Loreley, has inspired numerous poets, artists and writers. You can choose from numerous boat tours in Rüdesheim. Take two hours and enjoy the beautiful landscape. Then your autumn holiday will be perfect.
Hainich Tree Top Walk – A highlight of your October holiday in Germany
UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site in the Thuringian Forest
Discover Hainich National Park
Germany is known for its forests. What could be more natural than choosing one of the most famous beech forests for a holiday in Germany in October? The original primeval forests in Europe were beech forests. They have therefore been designated a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site. Five old beech forests in Germany are included in this list.
We have chosen the Hainich National Park in the Thuringian Forest for your autumn holiday. Here you will find Germany’s most extensive deciduous forest area. You can explore Germany’s ‘green lung’ on numerous hiking trails. Hiking in the Hainich Forest guarantees you a particularly relaxing autumn holiday. There are 16 routes covering over 100 kilometres, so you have plenty of choice.
Above the trees: Hainich treetop walkway
Tip: For your holiday in Germany in October, we recommend you start with the Hainich treetop walk. Of the more than 20 treetop walks in Germany, it is the highest and one of the longest. At a height of up to 24 metres, you can walk 540 metres through the tops of the giant trees and, in some places, above them. From the 44-metre-high tower, you have a fantastic view over the primeval forest: nothing but green as far as the eye can see.
There are also hiking opportunities from the Hainich treetop path. Choose what you want to hike after the treetop path. The Feensteig through the enchanted forest, for example, is about 8 km long and takes about 2 hours. But there are also shorter options.
Experience the wildcat village: the fascination of native predators
We highly recommend visiting the nearby Hütscheroda Wildcat Village. It takes about fifteen minutes to get there by car. You can observe the wildcats in four large, very natural enclosures. And we guarantee that they are truly wild. You will see this for yourself when you watch one of the guided cat feeding sessions. These take place three to four times a day.
From here, you can also go on a three-hour hike along the Wildcat Trail – perfect for your October holiday in Germany. If you wish, a wildcat expert can accompany you on the trail. You will learn fascinating facts about the life of these shy cats in the Thuringian Forest.
Hexentanzplatz Thale: Autumn holidays where the witches dance
Mystical legends in the Harz Mountains
Have you ever been to a witches’ dancing place? No? Then this is a real highlight for your holiday in Germany in October. Near Thale in the Harz Mountains, you will find the Thale witches’ dancing place on a 450-metre-high rocky plateau. It has always been shrouded in legend. This is certainly due to the mystical atmosphere of this rocky cliff in the densely wooded Harz Mountains. An ideal destination for an autumn excursion.
Legend has it that witches gather here on Walpurgis Night to perform a gruesome ritual. Walpurgis Night is the last night in April, so you needn’t worry about encountering them. The witches meet at the Hexentanzplatz (witches’ dancing place) and then make their way to the Brocken. Here, on the highest mountain in the Harz, they ask for the devil’s hand in marriage.
Hike or cable car ride
From the Hexentanzplatz, you have a breathtaking view of the landscape – especially during a holiday in October in Germany, when the forests turn colourful. You can hike to the Hexentanzplatz on foot. The best place to start is in Thale and walk along the Hexensteig trail. You will have to climb 250 metres and it will take you about 1 to 1.5 hours. A beautiful nature hike awaits you.
Alternatively, you can take the cable car to the summit. This is also a special experience, allowing you to see the impressive natural surroundings. The cable car has a glass floor, offering fantastic views.
Sights at the Hexentanzplatz
When you arrive at the Hexentanzplatz, you will find a great viewing platform and many other sights. Three iron figures of witches and the devil offer a beautiful backdrop for taking photos.
Another attraction at the Hexentanzplatz is the Walpurgis Hall. Here you can see paintings from Goethe’s ‘Faust’ on the wall. You are walking in Goethe’s footsteps here. He was inspired by a trip to the Harz Mountains and made Walpurgis Night famous through his play.
Zoo, theatre and witch village – magical destinations for your October holiday in Germany
You should definitely visit Hexentanzplatz Wildlife Park. Here you can see more than 70 native animal species: wildcats, lynxes, deer, raccoons, birds of prey and even bears.
The Harzer Bergtheater on the Hexentanzplatz is a large open-air amphitheatre with more than 1,000 seats. It offers a fantastic view of the mountain scenery. Please enquire about performances. However, this tip is more relevant if you visit the Hexentanzplatz in summer.
A special attraction at the Hexentanzplatz – ideal for your holiday in October in Germany – is the romantic witch village with its witch houses. The colourful cottages nestle crookedly against each other. Here you will find numerous beautiful photo opportunities. The witch houses are home to regional traders offering specialities, delicious food and souvenirs. Here you can take home a memento of an unforgettable day.
