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
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 kmCastle 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
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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
WEBCastle Reipoltskirchen
Worth a visit at all times, the castle Reipoltskirchen is situated idyllically on an artificial hill above the Odenbach. She likely stems from the twelfth century, but you cannot tell its age anymore. The Landkreis has polished the masonry and has opened a restaurant, a register office, and a painting school which offers regular classes. Through events such as “Kunst im Grünen” and “Skulpturenwege”, the castle surrounded by moats gains attention as a tourist attraction of artistic value in the county of Kusel.
Wasserburg Reipoltskirchen
Schlossstraße 1
67753 Reipoltskirchen
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WEBCastle Tschifflik
The formidable castle Tschifflik near Zweibrücken was built around 1715. Today, it accommodates the romantic hotel Landschloss Fasanerie. The fine hotel and food temple isn’t just famous for its atmosphere and delicious cuisine; the beautiful garden consists of a historic pheasant garden and an old well surrounded by saturated green. The sight is soothing and calms your mind. Those who travel along the southern Barockstraße should stop by the spacious terrace.
Fasanerie
Fasaneriestraße 1
66482 Zweibrücken
GOOGLE MAPS
Phone (0 63 32) 97 30
WEBCountry Art at Eschbachhof
Scenically located, the Eschbachhof in Baustert near Bitburg offers a fine selection of country art, carefully restored antique furniture, handmade flower arrangements and wreathes, Bauernmalerei (tole painting) and much more. Decorated according to the season, the house has an exhibit area of more than 250 square metres. A Christmas exhibit can be seen throughout the year in the former stables. Eschbachhof opening hours are Tuesday-Friday from 14.00-18.00 and Saturdays from 10.00-14.00. Naturally, the owner, Frau Mathes, will gladly see guests outside the normal opening hours.
Eschbachhof
Eschbach 11
54636 Baustert
GOOGLE MAPS
Phone for an appointment: 06527/1003 or 06527/933888
WEBHimmerod Abbey
As he wandered through the Eifel more than 900 years ago, the French abbot St. Bernard of Clairvaux was captivated by the tranquillity of the Salm Valley. As a result, Himmerod Abbey was the first Cistercian monastery founded on German soil by Clairvaux. The Cistercian monks brought the surrounding area to its prosperity by operating fish farming and viticulture. Numerous calligraphic treasures were created here and a major library had been established. During Napoleon’s occupation, the entire monastery complex was destroyed and what was once an elegant church served as a quarry. The abbey, with its graceful architecture, was rebuilt from 1937-1959 according to original plans. Today, Himmerod Abbey is part of the European Cultural Heritage, and serves once again as spiritual centre. Upon entering the monastery, visitors will feel the piety and concentration on the essentials.
Abtei Himmerod
Abteistraße 3
54534 Großlittgen
GOOGLE MAPS
Phone 06575-95130Igel Pillar and “Grutenhäuschen”
Located amidst the picturesque vineyards west of the Igel Columne is locally known as the ‘Grutenhäuschen’. Grutenhäuschen is a Roman temple dating back from the 3rd-4th century. It is a burial chamber built over two storeys. It has been fully reconstructed, and the burial chamber is now open to the public. The 23 metre Igel Pillar was probably built around 250 A.D. by the two brothers Secundinius Aventinus and Secundinius Secunus who were members of a family that had become wealthy through manufacturing and trading textiles. In 1833, the monument was visited by the later Prussian King Frederick William IV who had a fondness towards Roman architecture. Another famous visitor was the French author Victor Hugo who visited when his coach broke down. It is on UNESCO’s WHL.
Grutenhäuschen
B49
54298 Igel
GOOGLE MAPS
Tourist-Information Trierer-Land
Phone 06501-602666
Distance from Spangdahlem 60 kmKnights’ Feasts at Rittersdorf’s Castle
Dating back to 1263, this moated-castle, known by the locals as Burg Rittersdorf, has been practically preserved in its original state. It conveys an impressive image of late Medieval and early Renaissance architecture, hence making it a prime exemplar of the Eifel’s cultural heritage. Particularly remarkable is the elaborate archway. Located three kilometres north of Bitburg, the medieval castle now accommodates a privately run restaurant and a small museum of local history. The restaurant is well-known for its country cuisine and particularly for its historical Knight’s Feasts.
The Knights’ Feasts are held at regular intervals. After being greeted by the Castle Lord and his squires, servants dressed in medieval attire serve dinner and drinks at the authentically set Knights’ table. Allow jugglers, minstrels, troupers and strolling players entertain you whilst feasting. The feasts can be booked for business and private venues. Naturally you can enjoy the superb country cuisine and first-rate wines in the elegant ambience of the restaurant. The Gothic Knights’ Hall holds a satellite register office, for those wishing to say ‘I do’. What could be more unforgettable than the back drop of a castle? Mr. and Mrs. Hermann can help you with all the details.
Opening hours are Wednesdays-Fridays from 12.00- 14.00 and 18.00-23.00. Weekends and holidays continuous until 23:00.
Burg Rittersdorf
Bitburger Str. 30
54636 Rittersdorf
GOOGLE MAPS
Phone 06561-96570
WEBKronenburg
The historical city Kronenburg is without doubt one of the most beautiful and picturesque towns in the Eifel. Located on a hilltop high above the Kyll Valley, Kronenburg offers little romantic alleyways, halftimbered houses, castle ruins with walls and historic ensembles. Worth seeing is the late-Gothic Church of St. John the Baptist. The Kronenburger Lake is heaven for fishers, boaters, windsurfers and swimmers. Surfing is permitted on the entire lake. Paddle boats and rowing boats may be hired. Not to be missed is the romantic Christmas market on the first Advent weekend.
Kronenburg
GOOGLE MAPS
Tourist-Information Oberes Kylltal
Phone 06597-2878
WEB
Distance from Spangdahlem 65 kmKyllburg: Collegiate Church
Kyllburg Collegiate Church is the largest single hall Gothic-styled church north of the Alps. Its central nave has a wingspan of 13.5 meters, a square cloister and numerous gravestones dating from the Middle Ages. Also worth noting is Madonna High on the high altar.
Stiftskirche Kyllburg
Auf dem Stift 2
54655 Kyllburg
GOOGLE MAPS
Opening hours daily 8 – 18.00. Guided tours by appointment only.
Phone 06563-930243
Distance from Spangdahlem 15 kmMalberg Castle
Majestic, powerful so crowns the castle the town, from which it acquired its name. In 1990, the palace came into possession of the Kyllburg township. Since then, extensive restoration has been taking place. In 2002, the palace chapel reopened. Completed in 1714, it was the original hall for the Holy Trinity. The most valuable art possession of the castle, ten valuable baroque statues have found their new home in the castle chapel. The former chapel now serves as an event centre or as place for civil ceremonies.
Schloss Malberg
Schlossstraße 45
54655 Malberg
GOOGLE MAPS
Phone 06563-930244
WEB
Distance from Spangdahlem 20 kmManderscheid Castle
Two castles face each other eye to eye in the Lieser Valley. For many years, the owners of the respective castles were fierce enemies. The distrust amongst the two eventually led to war only a stone’s distance apart. Surrounded by dense hardwood forests and lined with the volcanic cliffs, Manderscheid Castle has its annual Medieval Festival on the last weekend in August with fireworks, jugglers, medieval arts and crafts, knights and jousts.
Niederburg
Niedermanderscheider Str. 2
54531 Manderscheid
GOOGLE MAPS
Phone: 06572 921549
Distance from Spangdahlem 20 kmMonastery Hornbach
The former Benedictine monastery Hornbach impresses with its traditional architectural beauty and is intertwined with modern elements, and the spiritual presence of the past still resides within these walls. Here, the hotel Kloster Hornbach resides with its unobtrusive elegance. It promises relaxation and hospitability. Guests are pampered in four restaurants and therefore visit from all over the world.
Kloster Hornbach
Im Klosterbezirk
66500 Hornbach
GOOGLE MAPS
Phone (0 63 38) 91 01 00
WEBMürlenbach: Bertrada Castle
During the eighth century, the mother of Emperor Charles the Great, Bertrada was said to have lived here. Whether Charles the Great was actually born in Mürlenbach will most likely remain uncertain. Bertrada Castle was restored in the 13th Century, and was equipped with numerous fire places – an unheard of luxury at this time. After extensive restoration work in recent years, the castle now holds apartments and a wine cellar. Regular tours are also available.
Bertradaburg
Neustadt 21
54570 Mürlenbach
GOOGLE MAPS
Phone 06591-949910
Distance from Spangdahlem 35 kmNeuerburg
Located in the picturesque valley of the Enz, is the architecturally notable town of Neuerburg. It was granted its town charter in 1332. This charming town is particularly characterized through its monuments, such as the Gothic parish church. Many old houses contribute to the romantic idyll of the city. East of Neuerburg is the Kreuzkappelle (Cross Chapel), a charming chapel with beautiful Rococo architecture. Enthroning the town is Neuerburg Castle which is one of the best-preserved castles in the Eifel. It now houses a Youth Hostel. In summer many guests go to cool off at Aqua Fun.
Neuerburg
GOOGLE MAPS
WEB
Distance from Spangdahlem: 48 km