Mainz

Mainz, the capital of Rhineland-Palatinate, stands on the Rhine opposite the mouth of the Main, facing Wiesbaden. It is the city of Johannes Gutenberg, and the vineyards of Rheinhessen begin at its edge. Its wine festival, the Mainzer Weinmarkt, fills the Stadtpark over two long weekends: from 26 to 29 August and from 2 to 5 September in 2027.

Practical notes

• Frankfurt Airport is a train ride from Mainz Hauptbahnhof.
• The Stadtpark lies above the Rhine, a walk from the old town.

Later in September

Further south, in the Palatinate, Bad Dürkheim opens its Dürkheimer Wurstmarkt on 10 September 2027, five days after the Weinmarkt’s second block ends.

What to eat and drink in Mainz

Rheinhessen, the wine region around the city, grows Riesling, Silvaner and Müller-Thurgau among many other grapes. The local saying Weck, Worscht un Woi, a bread roll, a sausage and a glass of wine, sums up the Mainz snack, and Spundekäs, a cream cheese spread served with pretzels, is the other classic. Across the Rhine, the Rheingau is Riesling country.

Where to stay

The old town, around St. Martin’s Cathedral, and the area near the main station are practical bases. Wiesbaden and Frankfurt are a train ride away.