Wine-growing Rheingau with the rose town of Eltville, its Burg Crass tower and the Cistercian abbey Kloster Eberbach, set of 'The Name of the Rose'.
Eltville am Rhein and Kloster Eberbach lie in the Rheingau wine region of Hesse, about 55 km west of Frankfurt. A regional train from Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof via Wiesbaden Hbf reaches Eltville station in about 50 to 60 minutes and is covered by the Deutschlandticket. Driving via the A66 and B42 takes about 45 minutes, and the abbey has its own car park. Kloster Eberbach lies roughly 7 km from Eltville in a wooded side valley and can be reached by taxi, local bus or bicycle.
Eltville, known as the rose town, has a compact old town on the Rhine, with the Burg Crass tower, the former residence of the Archbishops of Mainz, a Rhine promenade, rose gardens and numerous wine estates and taverns. Its Sekt and Riesling production make it a natural base for tasting. Kloster Eberbach, at 65346 Eltville am Rhein, was founded by Cistercian monks in the 12th century and is among the best preserved Romanesque and Gothic monastic complexes in Europe. The abbey served as the set for the 1986 film The Name of the Rose, and visitors can see the Romanesque basilica, the monks' dormitory, the cloister and the wine presses. The abbey's wine estate still produces Rheingau Riesling.
A one-day arc begins with arrival in Eltville around 9:30, a stroll through the old town and Burg Crass, and a ride or cycle along the vineyards to Kloster Eberbach by late morning. The abbey tour takes about two hours, and lunch fits at the abbey's restaurant or a tavern in the vineyards. The afternoon is best spent on a wine tasting at an Eltville estate and a walk along the Rhine promenade before an evening train.
The best period is April to October, when the vineyards are green and the roses bloom in June. September and October bring the wine harvest and a lively atmosphere. Weekdays are calm, and many estates need advance booking for tastings.
| Distance | About 55 km west of Frankfurt |
|---|---|
| Travel time | About 50-60 minutes by train |
| Difficulty | moderate |
| Address | Kloster Eberbach, 65346 Eltville am Rhein, Germany |
How to get there
- Mode
- Regional train
- Duration
- About 50-60 minutes
- Notes
- Via Wiesbaden Hbf; covered by the Deutschlandticket.
- Mode
- Car
- Duration
- About 45 minutes
- Notes
- Via the A66 and B42; the abbey has its own car park.
Location
Kloster Eberbach, 65346 Eltville am Rhein, Germany
50.0408, 8.0826 View on map
Highlights
- Kloster Eberbach Cistercian abbey and its basilica
- Burg Crass and the Rhine promenade in Eltville
- Rheingau Riesling and Sekt tasting at local estates
- Rose gardens of the rose town in June
- Vineyard walk or cycle between town and abbey
Tips for visiting
- Take the regional train via Wiesbaden Hbf; it is covered by the Deutschlandticket.
- Hire a bike or book a taxi for the 7 km to Kloster Eberbach; bus services are limited.
- Book wine tastings in advance, especially at weekends and in harvest season.
- Allow about two hours at the abbey, including the cloister and wine presses.
- Plan a return train in advance, as evening services thin out.
When to visit
April to October, with roses in June and the harvest in September and October. Weekdays are the quietest.
Accessibility
Eltville's old town and promenade are largely flat. Kloster Eberbach has uneven historic floors and some steps, and the approach roads are mostly paved but hilly.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
How long does the train from Frankfurt to Eltville take?
A regional train via Wiesbaden takes about 50 to 60 minutes and is covered by the Deutschlandticket.
How far is Kloster Eberbach from Eltville?
The abbey lies roughly 7 km from Eltville. Visitors usually take a taxi or bus, or cycle through the vineyards.
Why is Kloster Eberbach famous?
It is a well preserved 12th-century Cistercian abbey and was a filming location for The Name of the Rose in 1986. It still runs a wine estate.