Mainz, Rhineland-Palatinate's capital, lies at the confluence of the Rhine and Main at an average elevation of 122 meters above sea level. The Rhine flows at 84–90 m; Mainz Cathedral stands on a limestone base at 103 m. Mainz is the birthplace of Johannes Gutenberg (around 1400), who invented movable-type printing and revolutionized human communication.
That works out to roughly 400 feet above sea level. The nearby cities compared on this page average 113 m, putting Mainz roughly on par with them.
Quick Facts
| Elevation (above sea level) | 122 m |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 49.9929° N, 8.2473° E |
| Country | Germany |
| Continent | Europe |
Compare elevations – nearby cities
| City | Elevation (m) | Country |
|---|---|---|
| Frankfurt | 103 | Germany |
| Wiesbaden | 122 | Germany |
| Heidelberg | 121 | Germany |
| Mannheim | 104 | Germany |
Cities with a similar elevation
The following cities sit at an elevation similar to Mainz (122 m above sea level):
| City | Elevation (m) | Country |
|---|---|---|
| Karlsruhe | 122 | Germany |
| Bielefeld | 124 | Germany |
| Leipzig | 113 | Germany |
| Dresden | 113 | Germany |
| Halle | 104 | Germany |
Frequently Asked Questions
How high is Mainz above sea level?
Mainz averages 122 m above sea level. The Rhine flows at 84–90 m; Mainz Cathedral at 103 m; Rheinhessian hillside districts at 150–250 m.
Why is Mainz famous for wine?
Mainz sits in the heart of Rheinhessen – Germany's largest wine region (26,000 ha). The city was a major wine trading hub in the Middle Ages; Rheinhessen produces mainly Riesling and Müller-Thurgau.
What is the Gutenberg Museum in Mainz?
The Gutenberg Museum next to Mainz Cathedral holds two original Gutenberg Bibles (around 1455) – the most significant examples of early printing in existence – plus a working historical print workshop.