Rhine in Flames Bingen–Rüdesheim

Rhine in Flames is a series of five fireworks events between Bonn and Mainz, of which the spectacle between Bingen am Rhein and Rüdesheim is one of the most spectacular. The setting is the most spectacular bend of the Rhine, the Upper Middle Rhine Valley UNESCO World Heritage site. Date for 2026: Saturday, July 4.

Ship Convoy Through the World Heritage Site

The ship convoy starts in the late afternoon in Trechtingshausen, travels through the UNESCO World Heritage section, and ends in the evening in front of Bingen and Rüdesheim. The ships are where the party is: with live music, onboard festivities, and views of the illuminated castles on the banks. Several castles on the Middle Rhine – including Reichenstein Castle, Rheinstein Castle, Klopp Castle, and the Niederwald panorama above Rüdesheim – are bathed in colourful light.

Five Grand Fireworks Displays

A total of five grand fireworks displays will be set off along the route. The highlight is the grand finale fireworks in front of the Bingen and Rüdesheim riverbanks, with pyrotechnics synchronised from both shores. The entire event unfolds against the backdrop of two UNESCO World Heritage cities and is one of Europe's most impressive fireworks spectacles.

Bingen Riverside Cultural Area

Those who don't go on a ship can experience the fireworks from the Bingen Riverside Cultural Area. The expansive Rhine promenade in Bingen transforms into an open-air festival mile for “Rhine in Flames”: Bingen winegrowers serve their wines, live bands and DJs play on several stages, and food stalls cater to guests. The land-based programme is free and attracts tens of thousands of visitors.

Rüdesheim

On the Hessian side of the Rhine, the parallel programme takes place in Rüdesheim am Rhein, with catering along the riverbank and a festive atmosphere around the famous Drosselgasse.