Most people have heard the name of Rüsselsheim as the head quarters of the automobile company Opel. But the history of Rüsselsheim reaches back into the 6th century, when it was founded as a settlement of the Franks.

Even though Rüsselsheim attained regional importance as an administrative centre of the Counts of Katzenellenbogen in the 15th century, the town stayed in the shadow of the Rüsselsheim Citadel which had emerged from a castle at the banks of Main River. Rüsselsheim later became part of the possessions of the Landgrave of Hessen-Darmstadt, but continued a mediocre existence under its new lord as well.

This did only change as late as 1862, when Adam Opel founded his sewing machine manufacture in a small barn. This should evolve into a bicycle factory and later on into the global brand of Opel cars.

Opel reached its zenith in terms of job creation in 1978, when 42,000 people were employed by Opel in Rüsselsheim. Since then, both Opel and Rüsselsheim experience a steady decline which is still going on. Even in 2008, Opel only offered 18,500 jobs in Rüsselsheim. The effects are easily to observe, with cheap discounter stores closing in the heart of the city because money is very tight these days.

Visitors of Rüsselsheim should not miss the impressive and well-preserved citadel, the very interesting Town and Industry Museum and also the Verna-Park as an example of late romanticism in garden styling. A stroll along the banks of Main River and through the centre of the city with its alleys closed to traffic and the nice market place is fun as well.

Fans of Riesling Wines should note that Rüsselsheim is the place mentioned in the oldest document speaking of Riesling grapes.

More information: http://www.ruesselsheim.de/Sehenswuerdigkeiten.html?&L=1

Photo: Detail of an Opel car, plastique/Shutterstock