Car-free testing expands in Wiesbaden's Riverside district - Wiesbaden is experimenting with a vehicle-free Rhine
Wiesbaden's Biebrich District to Implement Car-Free Zone Trial
The city of Wiesbaden has announced a car-free zone trial for the Rhine promenade in its Biebrich district. This trial will be in effect from the first four weekends of August 2025, aiming to improve the quality of life, reduce noise and air pollution, and increase space for pedestrians and cyclists.
The trial will close Rheingaustraße to car traffic from Friday evenings to Sunday nights. The car-free zone will stretch for about 500 meters, starting from the parallel foot and cycle path along the Rhine and extending towards Biebrich Castle.
During the trial, access will be allowed for residents and authorized services, while some bus lines will be rerouted. The area directly in front of Biebrich Palace will be completely closed to motorized traffic. A speed limit of 30 km/h already applies on the street section of the Rhine promenade.
Local councilor Horst Klee stated that the goal of the trial is to test the feasibility of a weekend closure of the route. If the route is closed, traffic would shift to other routes through the district.
The trial is a temporary measure intended to test new traffic routing and regulation effects before making any permanent decisions. The city aims to assess safety, order, traffic efficiency, and local acceptance of the car-free concept during this period.
The car-free zone is part of an effort to promote a car-free environment. On summer evenings, people often meet at the Rhine for a glass of wine or an ice cream, enjoying the ambiance provided by the plane trees lining the promenade.
The route in question is a major traffic artery, and the long-term plans for the car-free Rhine promenade trial will focus on evaluating the trial's impact. No information is yet available about a definitive permanent plan or timeline beyond this trial period. The trial’s outcomes and public reception will likely guide future decisions on whether the car-free zone will be made permanent or adjusted further.
[1] Source: Local Council of Wiesbaden press release, dated 1st July 2025.
- This car-free zone trial in Wiesbaden's Biebrich District, aimed at improving the quality of life and promoting outdoor living, may encourage a shift towards a lifestyle that values pedestrian- and cyclist-friendly spaces over car-centric transport.
- As part of a broader strategy to promote home-and-garden activities and outdoor living, the car-free Rhine promenade trial could potentially transform the area into a vibrant venue for community gatherings and family activities, thus enhancing the local lifestyle and fostering a sense of community policy.
