Geisenheim is well-known as a wine, school, cathedral, and linden tree city. The splendid “Villa Monrepos” was built between 1861 and 1863/73 on the outskirts of the city in the direction of Rüdesheim. The villa’s orchards were to later become the foundation of the now world-famous research institute for viticulture, fruit, and horticulture.  

The 700-year-old linde tree in the Geisenheim market square is the focal point of the Linde Festival, which takes place every year on the second weekend in July. One really has to experience the atmosphere personally to understand the famous rhyme: “There’s nothing more wonderful than the Linde Festival.” Visible in the distance is the castle-topped silhouette of the Johannisberg mountain looking down upon the Rheingau. The rows of grapevines run up the mountain like tiny garlands to the majestic Johannisberg castle. It was here that Benedictine monks from Mainz founded Rheingau’s first monastery in 1100 and created one of the first instances of Rheingau viticulture.

The 18th century castle has had many famous inhabitants, like Prince William of Orange, Napoleon, Emperor Franz I of Austria, and Prince Clemens von Metternich.  The poet and friend of wine, Heinrich Heine, said it best: “If I but had enough faith in me that I could move mountains, the Johannisberg would be the one I would always have with me. “  Winding through the forested valley is a road leading to the Marienthal Abbey, a famous place of pilgrimage. In the Rheingau, one can also find events revolving around wine at any time of year.

Recreational Activities   

Surrounding Sights and Attractions

Nearby Cities

Rüdesheim (5 km)
Mainz (20 km)
Wiesbaden (30 km)