Spring is in the starting blocks and the people of Rüdesheim are looking forward to the 2022 season. For the ropeway team, this begins with the completion of phase two of the reconstruction of the bottom station.

Phase two involves the most extensive work and is expected to be completed in the second half of May. Then the gondolas will once again float above the vines – to everyone’s delight. After all, a ride on the Rüdesheim cable car is still one of the highlights of the town.

Elaborate integration into the townscape

As part of the overall project, people with limited mobility will also be able to access the gondolas barrier-free in the future by installing an elevator.

Under the premise that the spacious forecourt is to be preserved and care is to be taken to ensure architecture that blends harmoniously with the old town, the only option instead of a front-mounted building for the elevator is the very complex integration of the system into the building.

With the exception of the facade, which is worthy of protection, and the station for the gondolas, the building will be completely dismantled and rebuilt. A major task – in the truest sense of the word, and one that entails restrictions in addition to all the anticipation.

As the work on the existing structure proved more difficult than expected, it was not possible to meet the original target of reopening the ride at Easter despite the greatest efforts.

Four million euros to be invested

After consultation with all those involved in the project, architects, specialist planners and contractors, the plan is to be able to go back into operation in the second half of May.

In the coming winter, the third and final construction phase is to be realized with the design of the forecourt. As part of the overall project, the operating and social rooms, the foyer with access stairs and elevator, and the guest toilets will be redesigned.

The cash desk area will be expanded to provide two cash desks. Phase three will focus on the forecourt with information terminal and ticket vending machine. An investment sum of around four million euros has been earmarked for the “Valley Station Conversion” project.

The building is to be heated by an air-to-water heat pump. Electricity is to be generated by a photovoltaic system installed on the platform roof. The Rüdesheim ropeway is thus equipped for the future and environmentally friendly in the best sense of the word.

The new bottom station is scheduled for completion in spring 2023.