Rümmelsheim

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Rümmelsheim is a small village in the Bad Kreuznach district of Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany. It is part of the collective municipality Langenlonsheim-Stromberg and is known for its winegrowing. The village lies in the Trollbach valley near the Nahe River, just upstream from where the Nahe flows into the Rhine. The Trollbach runs through the village.

Rümmelsheim has two parts: the main village of Rümmelsheim and the outlying area Burg Layen. The two have been closely linked for centuries. The village is located southwest of Bingen am Rhein and north-northwest of Bad Kreuznach, surrounded by a few neighboring towns.

History notes: Rümmelsheim was first mentioned in 1125 as Rimilisheim. The area included Castle Layen, built on a rock to guard the valley road. The castle dates from the 12th century and was rebuilt around 1680; remnants still exist. In the 18th century, Rümmelsheim was tied to Bingen by mutual protection agreements, and in 1772 it passed to the Lordship of Bretzenheim. During French rule (1796–1814), it was part of Waldalgesheim’s mayoralty. The village was small and mainly agricultural.

Jewish community: There was a Jewish community from the early 19th century. A synagogue was built around 1808 and renovated in 1852, but the community dissolved in 1906. The Jewish graveyard in Rümmelsheim dates back to about 1808. By the 20th century, most Jews had left or emigrated, and the last member moved to Bingen in 1918. Sixteen Jews connected to the area are recorded as victims of Nazi persecution.

People and religion today: As of the 2010s and into 2020s, about 1,400 people live in Rümmelsheim. The population is mainly Catholic and Evangelical, with small numbers of other faiths and people with no religion.

Politics and coat of arms: The municipality has a small council and a mayor. The current mayor (2019–2024) is Hartmut Merkelbach. The coat of arms features symbols tied to the village’s history and winegrowing, including elements that reflect its agricultural heritage.

Wine and economy: Rümmelsheim lies in the Nahetal winegrowing area and has around 18 active winegrowing operations, with vineyards covering about 114 hectares. White wines make up the majority of what’s produced. Burg Layen hosts WIV Wein International, a major wine marketing company.

Infrastructure and transport: The A61 Autobahn runs near the village, with access at the Rümmelsheim/Dorsheim interchange. Local roads and bus services connect to nearby towns, and the Nahe Valley Railway can be reached via nearby stations in Laubenheim, with Bingen (Rhein) Hbf and Bad Kreuznach within about 10 kilometers. Frankfurt Airport and Frankfurt-Hahn Airport are roughly a 45-minute drive away.

Education and services: Rümmelsheim has an all-day daycare facility and an all-day primary school. For higher education and training, residents typically go to nearby towns like Bingen, Bad Kreuznach, Hargesheim or Stromberg.