Discover the beautiful state of Rheinland-Pfalz!
A stunning abundance of nature, cultural highlights & enjoyment of life
Rheinland-Pfalz is not only a great place to live, but also offers countless breathtaking travel destinations nearby you should consider exploring with the family. The region is well-known for its forests, its wine-growing regions, its historic cities, its magnificent castles, and all around beautiful countryside.
No matter if you are interested in cultural or nature travel, sightseeing in one of the many fascinating cities, marveling at UNESCO sites, enjoying the calming picturesque landscape, or visiting the infamous Wurstmarkt, lovely Christmas markets, or extraordinary parades during the crazy carnival season, Germany has something for everyone. Rheinland-Pfalz is a highly attractive and popular travel destination in the heart of Europe at any time of the year!
Are you rather active when it comes to planning your leisure time?
No problem! Here, you will find plenty of insider tips on where you can pursue your favorite leisure time activities like cycling, hiking, swimming or ice-skating.
Have fun checking out your options!
Interactive Map
Nature Trail "On the wall"
The nature trail “On the wall” (“Auf der Mauer”) is located in the west of Heltersberg in the community Waldfisch-Burgalben. Here, visitors can discover different habitats along with their specific native plants and animals. Especially cool is the wood tower, lovingly named “’s Türmche.” From the top platform, visitors have a beautiful view of Heltersberg and can see all the way until Sickingerhöhe, Donnersberg, and Eschkopf.
Heltersberger Turm
GOOGLE MAPS
10 meters high, 24 steps
Open all yearAmerican Sequoia Trees
Between Landstuhl and Martinshöhe stands a true marvel: Seven American sequoia trees (Mammutbäume), growing as natural landmarks along road. These trees were planted in 1868 by the passionate Oberforster Schütz. They measure today about 43 meters in height and between 3 and 7 meters in circumference.
Tourist-Information
Hauptstraße 3a
66849 Landstuhl
GOOGLE MAPS
Phone (06371) 1 30 00 12
WEBBernkastel-Kues
Bernkastel-Kues is considered to be one of the favorite excursions on the Mosel Valley. Every year, visitors from all over the world come to the ‘International Town of Wine’ to relax and rewind. Situated on both sides of the Mosel, Bernkastel is surrounded by its famous slate covered vineyards, known worldwide to produce some of the best wines. Overlooking Bernkastel are the ruins of Landshut Castle. The narrow alleyways invite one to stroll through its rich history, closely associated with pleasure and viticulture for more than 2000 years. Stroll through the beautiful square with its proud half-timbered buildings which cannot be found elsewhere on the Mosel.
Bernkastel-Kues
GOOGLE MAPS
Group tours may be booked through the Tourist Info. Cost 55-65 €, depending on length and the size of group.
Phone 06531 4023
WEB
Distance from Spangdahlem 40 kmBettenfeld: Mosenbergkomplex
Windsborn Crater Lake is the only real crater lake north of the Alps. A quiet, circular lake surrounded by forest and overshadowed by the bizarre slag rings of Mosenberg, it has been dominate for 24000 years. Take time to linger around one of the footbridges and take in the beauty of the area. Situated next to Windsborn is the swampy inaccessible Hinkelsmaar. A massive lava explosion formed Mosenberg massif into the Kyll Valley. Horngraben (trenches) is particularly wild and rugged, covered with countless craggy basalt boulders.
Information
Maarmuseum Manderscheid
Wittlicher Str. 11
54531 Manderscheid
GOOGLE MAPS
Phone: 06572 920110
WEBBinsfeld
The town of Binsfeld borders at south and south-east directly on Spangdahlem Air Base. Binsfeld was first mentioned in the year of 844, thus, looks back on 1167 years of history. Binsfeld was at that time owned by the prince elector of Trier and, until the end of the 17th century, an important postal station between Brussels and Vienna. Between 1900 and 1965 the town was connected to the German railway system and connected Binsfeld with the town of Philippsheim. Proving this is the restored narrow gage engine, now serving as a monument of that time. It is displayed close to the Binsfeld traffic circle.
Biosphere House
The biosphere in the Rhineland-Palatine Fischbach is a nature experience center that appeals to all five senses. An interactive multimedia-exhibition presents important knowledge on the importance of the biosphere reservoir and its ecological cycles. The environmental values and playful approach thereof are visible in all areas of the exhibition. An exceptional highlight proves to be Germany’s first treetop path 114 feet above ground level. You can spend the night at the house or grab a bite in the café.
Biosphärenhaus Pfälzerwald/Nordvogesen
Am Königsbruch 1
66996 Fischbach bei Dahn
GOOGLE MAPS
Phone (0 63 93) 9 21 00
WEBBismarck Tower
The Bismarck Tower stands on the 370 meter high Kirchberg, just west of the town center of Landstuhl. The lookout tower was built by Saarland industrialist Karl Ferdinand Baron von Stumm-Halberg; the inauguration was in 1900. The architectural design "Götterdämmerung" by architect Wilhelm Kreis acted as a blueprint for 47 other Bismarck towers in Germany. The tower houses a beautiful view of Landstuhl, the Ramstein airfield, and Donnersberg.
Bimarckturm
GOOGLE MAPS
19 meters tall, 84 steps to the top
Open all year
WEBBitburg: The beer town in the Eifel
Bitburg’s beginnings were very humble. Nearly two thousand years ago, a Heerstrasse (a Roman Military Road that went from Lyon, France, then to Metz, Trier on to Köln) came into being. On their way from Trier to Köln the Roman Army was able to march approximately thirty kilometres in a day. As a result, Bitburg served as their first resting station and thus, became a small Roman fortress. As the Roman Empire expanded, the fortress flourished into a centre of handcrafts and trade.
Throughout its history, Bitburg has often been a casualty of war and suffered horrendously with the most horrible event occurring on Christmas Eve in 1944. Artillery shelling and bombing raids from the Allies destroyed nearly 90% of the town. It was concluded in German military reports that Bitburg was a "tote Stadt", a dead city. Despite all of this, the citizens of Bitburg have ceaselessly proven their fortitude and gallantry and have continually managed to re-establish and restore their city. These reasons account for the development of the modern Bitburg.
"Haus Beda" is located at the "Beda" parking lot between the County Community Bank and the "Volksbank". It was founded in 1976 by Dr. Hanns Simon, who was a senior partner of the Bitburg Brewery. Haus Beda is Bitburg`s beautiful Cultural Center with a picture gallery of Fritz von Wille, a very famous German painter. Worthwhile visiting is the banqueting hall, where concerts and other exclusive events take place. Also part of the "Beda Foundation" is a well assorted library with over 50.000 pieces of literature.
Bitburg has always had a military presence all through its history. After WW II, the French and the Luxembourg had military control of the area. In 1955, Luxembourg withdrew. After the arrival of the 53rd Fighter-Bomber Squadron and the 36th Fighter-Bomber Wing from Fürstenfeldbruck AB near Munich, Bitburg became an official American military installation in September 1952. There was a time where the sum of NATO forces and their family members outnumbered the local populace. In 1985, the French closed down their garrison and handed their detachment to the Americans providing them with very much needed space. With the fall of the Berlin Wall and Base Realignment and Closure Act, Bitburg was one of the many military bases to be closed.
In September 1994, after 42 years, Bitburg Air Base closed its gates … and thus, the ending of an era. The sight of the former air base is still referred to by the locals as "Flugplatz". Bitburg is also the district seat of the Bitburg-Prüm County. It is often regarded as an ‘Eifel town with international flair’. Ever since its 1250 year anniversary in 1965, Bitburg hosts the European Folklore Festival. This festivity, which takes place every second weekend in July, has become one of the most famous Folklore festivals within Germany.
Bitburger Brewery
Who is not familiar with the logo ‘Bitte, ein Bit’. Founded in 1817, Bitburger Pils is one of the leading Premium Breweries in Germany. Recognized all over, it is one of the largest privately owned breweries both domestically and internationally. In their seventh generation, tradition with modern management accounts for their global success. ‘Only the best’, this is Bitburger Pils’ philosophy. Hence, only the finest aromatic hops, purest Eifel spring waters, premium barley malts and yeast from their own pure culture sources are used for production according to the German Purity Laws.
Often acting out as a pioneer, Bitburger is innovative in their brewing process. In the past few years, Bitburger has expended €40.000 to make certain that its process production is environmentally responsible. Bitburger has an output of more than 4.1 million hectolitres yearly. No other beer in Germany is drafted and served as much as Bitburger. The Bitburg Premium brand ranks second on the German market. In 2003, the number of establishments that sold Bitburger alone was 48,000 world-wide. Any sports’ fan will recognize the Bitburger logo as they often sponsor minor as well as major sports events. Since 1992, Bitburger has had an official partnership with the German Football association (DFB) and the German National Football Team,
The brewery also sponsors major cultural events such as ‘Rock am Ring’ and musicals such as ‘Saturday Night Fever’ and ‘The Lion King’. On the regional level, the Bitburg Brewery is also very active and supports many local events. Guided tours begin at the historical site of the brewery from Mondays through Thursdays by appointment only. Nearly 40,000 guests are welcomed here annually. The tour begins at the Visitors’ Centre and ends at the brewery manufacturing plant where each of the processing steps are explained. The tour ends with ‘Bitte ein Bit!’ and a sample of a fresh tapped Bitburger. The fee for the tour is €5 per person (16 and under are free) and runs about two hours. Please phone 06561-142497 for further information.
Bollendorf: Schloss Weilerbach
Close to the German-Luxembourg border, Schloss Weilerbach has proven itself to be an artistic gem. After heavy war damage, the small, baroque castle was restored from 1986-1996. The impressive grounds include a large-scale baroque garden with a garden house in which one may get married. Products of Weilerbachs disused ironworks are presented in the museum café, ‘The Remise’. Beautiful hiking trails invite you to explore the area. Within a short distance one can view remains of a Roman villa.
Schloss Weilerbach
54669 Bollendorf
GOOGLE MAPS
Phone 06561 943401
Distance from Spangdahlem 45 kmBremerhof
If hot summer days make you want to seek out cool refreshment, then the Bremerhof and its wonderful beer garden is just the place to be. Located in the middle of the Palatinate Forest, a five-minute drive from Kaiserslautern, this guesthouse offers relaxation and recreation. Families and ssports enthusiasts all get their money’s worth at this getaway. There’s even something for music lovers—there’s live music every Thursday night during the "Bremziger Musiksommer."
Bremerhof
Bremerhof 1
67663 Kaiserslautern
GOOGLE MAPS
Phone (0631) 31 63 20
WEBBrewery Zils
Middle of the Meulen Forest is an unassuming microbrewery where a huge copper kettle stands not merely for decorative purposes as beer is still brewed here. A tour of the brewery is possible by appointment only.
Brauhaus Zils
Waldstraße 1
54340 Naurath (Eifel)
GOOGLE MAPS
Phone 06508-91710
WEB
Distance from Spangdahlem 20 kmCampingpark Ohmbachsee
Active athletes and leisurely walkers alike love the recreational area atOhmbachsee near Schönenberg-Kübelberg. Nestled in the scenic Ohmbach valley, the reservoir invites guests to promenade along the idyllic boardwalk, take a boat trip onthe lake, or relax on the lawns. A water-playground for kids and grills are all offered free of any charge or entry fee. From the Ohmbach lake, hiking and biking trails lead into the Kusel county.
Hotel-Restaurant Landgut und Campingpark Ohmbachsee
Campingpark Ohmbachsee 1
66901 Schönenberg-Kübelberg
GOOGLE MAPS
Phone (0 63 73) 40 01
WEBCASCADE adventure pool with sauna world
Neither rain nor shine, neither summer nor winter plays a major roll at Cascade Adventure Pool through. The entire year, let your body and soul to be pampered. Allow Cascade to indulge you with the four elements: air, earth, fire and water. Lots of excitement and fun awaits you at the Adventure area with various slides, cascades, whirlpools, a wave and current pool. Come and find out what the Black Hole really is. Be certain you will not disappointed.
Swim to your heart’s content in the 50m pool and improve your diving skills as you jump off the divingboards.
During the summer season, the outdoors await you with various pools and a wading pool for the little ones. We also have a sand box to keep the toddlers happy and beach volleyball for those wanting more than just sun and water. Escape from the ‘daily grind’ and leave the world behind!
Cascade can help you out as health and wellness are at the top of their list! Cascade’s body care and wellness line-up includes six different types of saunas, a Turkish steam-room, foot care, hydro jets, sun-beds and a large palette of massages from qualified therapists to relax and/or regenerate you. Since 2003, Cascade also offers two outdoor saunas. The restaurant Aquarell has a great selection of salads and entrees for those whose appetite have left them wanting more than a mere snack. So come on, feel the elements …
CASCADE Erlebnisbad mit Saunawelt
Talweg 4
54634 Bitburg
GOOGLE MAPS
Phone: 06561-96830
WEBCastle Altwolfstein
The beautiful landscape of the Lauter valley with its gentle Palatine hills is constantly drawing in hikers and visitors from around the state. The so-called royal land belonged during the Middle Ages to the German kingdom. The ruins of Altwolfstein are a reminder today of the time of the royals.
Off the beaten tourist track, walk from the picturesque Wolfstein to the "Old Palace" and enjoy the magnificent view over the Lautertal and the castle tower/keep.
Burg Altwolfstein
67752 Wolfstein
GOOGLE MAPS
Phone (0 63 04) 214
WEBCastle Berwartstein
Castle Berwartstein, which was mentioned officially for the first time in 1152, has an ever-changing history. Once in the hands of the church or under the reign of the aristocracy, then occupied by an infamous marshal, sacked in 1591 and restored in 1893. Today the restored castle Berwartstein can be visited peacefully and year round. Guided tours give you the opportunity to see armor, torture chambers and the armory, slingshots and battering rams. Romantic candlelight gives the secret underground pathways a mysterious atmosphere; on the outside, the view is astonishing.
Burg Berwartstein
76891 Erlenbach
GOOGLE MAPS
Phone (0 63 98) 210
WEBCastle Falkenstein
Almost directly vertically above the village Falkenstein, the remains of the once proud Burg Falkenstein (Castle Falkenstein) loom over the town, situated on a former volcanic vent. The main tower sits enthroned on this natural foundation along with a residential building and the knight's house. In addition to having a magnificent view, the open-air stage at the castle offers the perfect setting for castle tours in the moonlight, literary themed hikes, concerts and medieval markets.
Tourismusbüro Verbandsgemeinde Winnweiler
Jakobstraße 29
67722 Winnweiler
GOOGLE MAPS
Phone (06302) 6 02 61
WEBCastle Hohenecken
As a visible sign of their dominance, the ruling Staufer family of the 11th-13th centuries left behind Burg Hohenecken (Castle Hohenecken) in the Barbarossa city Kaiserslautern. A steep path leads from the village center of Hohenecken to the two-level castle ruins 376 meters high up on the Schlossberg Mountain. The extensive castle plateau of Schlossberg invites you stop and enjoy the beautiful distant view over the Landstuhl rift.
Burg Hohenecken
Schlossstraße 35A
67661 Kaiserslautern
GOOGLE MAPS
Phone (0631) 3 65 23 17
WEBCastle Lichtenberg
Stretching more than 425 meters, Burg Lichtenberg is one of the longest castles in Germany. It is located in Thallichtenberg near Kusel and its walls date back to the year 1200 A.D. Today, visitors enjoy a variety of modern programs in a quaint setting. The museum of the primeval world Geoskop is built into the castle in a post-modern style. The local hostel is ideal for exciting family holidays and the Pfälzer Musikantenland-Museum elaborates on the lives and traditions of musicians. The museum, as well as a nature show, are located in the tithe barn.
Burg Lichtenberg
Burgstraße
66871 Thallichtenberg
GOOGLE MAPS
WEBCastle Nanstein
Formerly a defensive protection for land and people, Burg Nanstein stands today as the landmark of the city Landstuhl. The Burg is not only a recommended excursion destination in the summer, but it’s also the backdrop for the Landstuhl Castle Games. For exact dates and ticket sales, visit the website.
Burg Nanstein
Burgweg
66849 Landstuhl
GOOGLE MAPS
Tourist Information der Verbandsgemeinde Landstuhl
Phone (0 6371) 130 00 12
WEB