"Remagen in The Beautiful Rhine Valley" Remagen by RhineRoll

Remagen Travel Guide: 24 reviews and 69 photos

Remagen is derived from Celtic Rigo Magos

In The Scenic Rhine Valley

Remagen is a town of some 20,000 people, beautifully situated in the upper Middle Rhine valley. The northernmost parts of town border the city of Bonn. There has been a settlement at this place for more than 2,000 years. The name Remagen is thought to derive from Celtic Rigomagos, magos meaning field, plain and Ri meaning King -- field of the king. Linguistically, Remagen is hence related to Celtic places far afield such as Magherafelt (Machaire Fuilt -- machair meaning plain, field) or Portree (Port Rìgh). Celts were living here till perhaps the first century BC, when Germanic tribes began taking over the area. The Romans built a military fort within the downtown area near the main church, some relics are on display at the small Roman museum. The Romans were also the first ones who put in place an administrative border between two provinces in the Vinxtbach valley just south of Remagen. This later became a tribal border between different septs of the Franks -- the Ripuarians in the north and the Moselle Franks further south. Ever since those times, Remagen has been tied to downstream Cologne and Bonn, rather than Koblenz which is about 35 km upstream.

Not A Tourist Trap

Remagen seen from above

Given its wonderful setting, Remagen is surprisingly unpretentious. Tourism is not completely absent, there is a large camping ground popular with the Dutch and the Scandinavians and especially British tourists use Remagen as a base to start their Rhine river cruises. The Rhine promenade is currenty being re-developed which should improve the appeal to some extent. Some of the ugly houses behind the promenade, however, won't go away, unless someone makes the courageous move to buy them and tear them down. Nevertheless, there are some very beautiful corners, and if you take the time to investigate Remagen's old town, you are certain to be rewarded and you have the benefit of not being disturbed by too many other visitors.

Remagen's top tourist attraction is of course the spectacular Arp museum in Remagen-Rolandseck, the most northerly part of town.

Remagen's Recent History -- The WWII Bridge

If you have heard of Remagen at all, it is most likely due to the famous railway bridge here that was captured by the Americans after the Germans had failed to blow it up. The 1968 movie starring George Segal was not shot on location in Remagen but in Czechoslovakia, until the crew had to flee from there due to the beginning of the violent Soviet clampdowns on the reformist Czech strand of socialism. The scripts are said to contain the legendary phrase "no shooting today because of shooting".

Pros and Cons

Pros:beautiful location, good railroad connection, modest prices
Cons:smallish, no nightlife, Rhine promenade still lacking infrastructure despite recent improvements
In a nutshell:not necessarily a place to emphasize during a trip, but certainly repaying visiting

Intro Updated Jun 13, 2009
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Reviews (11)

Decent Food, Good Beer, Great Location - Remagen

Decent Food, Good Beer, Great Location Restaurants (4)

The Brauhaus Remagen is the latest business that dared to open on Remagen's flood-stricken but recently remodeled Rhine... more travel advice

the spectacular lift and staircase tower - Remagen

The Arp Museum Things to Do (4)

The 2006-opened Arp museum is Remagen's only tourist attraction that can be rated first-class, that is to say, it is... more travel advice

Remagen Railway Station Transportation (2)

Being a town of merely 20,000 people, Remagen has a surprisingly large railway station. This is mainly because the "Ahr... more travel advice

Oberwinter marina and the 7 hills range - Remagen

Oberwinter Things to Do (4)

Oberwinter is arguably the most beautiful village that is incorporated into the city of Remagen. About 5 km downstream... more travel advice

Local Customs (1)
Rhein in Flammen -- Rhine in Flames

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Comments (15)

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wandeljp Aug 21, 2012 at 11:54 AM

Nice place I see here. Pehaps an idea for a cycling trip. Thanks for sharing . :-)
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amsor May 14, 2010 at 3:07 PM

Gab es da nicht eine wichtige Brücke während des 2. Weltkrieges, da ist wohl nichts mehr übrig davon, oder war das etwa nur eine erfundene Hollywood-geschichte ?
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poons Mar 3, 2010 at 7:08 AM

Ello darlin' - been ages innit Win? Can't wait to see you in Krakow. How's Remagen?.... looks really nice :)
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LadyRVG May 19, 2009 at 8:25 AM

The promenade looks delightful. I love nice strols by the water.
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angiebabe Feb 10, 2009 at 12:56 PM

Id love to get to see a bit more of the lovely areas around here one day. Do you get much or any snow here in the winter?
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joiwatani Feb 10, 2009 at 6:54 AM

I kind of like untouristy towns. I don't know why. Great pages! Thanks for sharing them!
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Jerelis Dec 21, 2008 at 9:46 AM

It's always great fun to read about someones hometown. Great job. Thanx for sharing!
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BillNJ Sep 28, 2008 at 2:07 PM

Hi Win, your new hometown looks like a lovely, peaceful river town. The promenade looks like a great place to take a stroll. Also, if I ever visit, I will be sure to stop at Steffens Brauereischänke. Cheers, Bill
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garridogal Jul 17, 2008 at 4:14 AM

Hey Win! I'm finally taking a look at the tips for your new hometown. It looks like a really nice place. Hope you're enjoying your summer! - Joann
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jo104 Apr 4, 2008 at 1:07 AM

Hiya Win is this your new home? stunning views, and the pub looks very inviting!