Overlooking the Main River between Frankfurt and Mainz, Rüsselsheim is a bustling city with links to Germany’s automotive industry. It was established as a Frankish colony in the 5th century and became an important wine-growing area. In the early 20th century, it became home to several Opel factories, which attracted an influx of migrants to the city.
Things to do in Rüsselsheim
Overlooking the Main River is Verna-Park, which is named after Baroness Wilhelmine vin Verna, who established the green space in the mid-19th century. You can stretch your legs on one of the leafy walking trails before admiring the impressive art collection of the Art and Culture Foundation Opel Villas.
Adjacent to Verna-Park is the Urban and Industrial Museum Rüsselsheim, which explores the cultural, social and industrial history of the region from prehistoric times to the modern day. Established in 1976, it occupies a centuries-old fortification and features several exhibits about the impact Adam Opel had on the city. After producing sewing machines and bicycles, he went on to found one of Germany’s most recognised automotive manufacturing companies.
On the southern outskirts of Rüsselsheim are the remains of the Opel-Rennbahn, an oval race track built by Adam Opel in 1919. It was considered one of the fastest race tracks in Europe throughout the 1920s, with drivers reaching speeds of up to 140 kilometres an hour. Although the track has been abandoned since 1946, its high, steep curves, now enveloped by forest, are still visible.
Getting around Rüsselsheim
Rüsselsheim is around 20 minutes’ drive from Mainz and 25 minutes from Frankfurt. Frankfurt Airport is 15 minutes away and has flights to destinations across the globe. Regular trains connect to the Rüsselsheim railway station and buses travel throughout the city. Rüsselsheim’s centre is compact enough to explore on foot.