The spa park in Dannenfels is dedicated to the human senses—touch, taste, sight, smell, sound.

Directly at the entrance area, five sculptures made of steel and stone symbolize the experience concept of the park and prepares you for the sensory stimulation. The Climate Pavilion targets specifically the eyes and the nerves, the wind chimes and stumbling blocks attract the attention of the ear, the nose and palate inhale and taste the aromas of herbal beds, and the feet revive themselves on the barefoot path and in the Kneipp basin. Your senses will somersault after a day spent here.

Tourist-Info
Oberstraße 14
67814 Dannenfels
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Phone (0 63 57) 16 14
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Open all year with free entry
Tuesday-Friday 2 pm - 5.30
Saturday 10 am - 2 pm

The chapel on Nicholas Berg in Spangdahlem represents a cultural speciality. The three sculpture groups, known in German as ‘Grablegungsgruppe’ date from the year 1643, the ’Beweinungsgruppe‘ (also called ’Holy Grave‘), and in 1750 the ’Group of resurrection‘ was formed. The way to the chapel is lined with statues made of sandstone. The mills, better known as ’De Schapp‘ was restored to a recreational facility through countless hours of local volunteer work. De Schapp can be hired out for events.

Nicholas Berg, ‘De Schapp’
54529 Spangdahlem
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Phone: 0175 2442954

The road connects about 100 Roman sights throughout the holiday regions of Mosel-Saar, Eifel, Hunsrück, Saarland and Luxembourg Mosel to a great ‘Archaeological Park’. Along the way, one will find ruins of Roman buildings and villas as well as thoroughly reconstructed, such as the Roman Villa in Borg. Additionally, those wishing to spoil their palate, ‘Straße der Römer’ offers ‘Ancient Foods’ in which the Roman kitchen has been revived and reinterpreted.

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There’s no stopping pool-lovers from heading Pirmasenser Luft- und Badepark (PLUB). Here, the little ones can frolic in the baby or children's pool; the older kids romp around in the action pool or on the diving tower. A waterslide, a children's playground, and a beach volleyball court complete the fun. Complex. After all that play, a large sunbathing lawn invites you to relax. What’s great about PLUB: This all-weather facility defies all weather conditions, because there is also a swimming pool indoors with cozy heated benches.

Pirmasenser Luft- und Badepark (PLUB) GmbH
Lemberger Straße 41
66954 Pirmasens
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Phone 0 63 31 72 50-0
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Outdoor pool open Monday-Saturday 8 am - 9 pm, Sunday and holidays 8 am - 8 pm
Indoor pool open Monday 12 pm - 9 pm, Tuesday-Saturday 9 am - 9 pm, Sunday and holidays 9 am - 8 pm

In Tawern is a good impression of the Gallo-Roman temple architecture dedicated to the God of Mercury. Under the leadership of the Rheinisches Landesmuseum Trier, the temple was excavated in 1986-87 and reconstructed. The temple was built approximately 200 metres off the Roman Road Agrippina Colonia in the first half of the first century AD. In the year 392 AD, Emperor Theodosius permanently banned pagan cults and gifts of the holy district destroyed and gradually partially thrown in the fountain. A coin minted in the late 4th century was found in the well in the northwest corner of the temple attest that the well was still intact up until that time.

Römischer Temperlbezirk Tawern
54456 Tawern
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Distance from Spangdahlem 65 km

Nature awaits the numerous visitors in the Vulkaneifel, a journey through the multifaceted landscape is indeed worth a visit. The dominate form of volcanism in the Eifel are the Maars (crater lakes), which were created by huge volcanic steam explosions when the lava came into contact with ground water. The Dauner Maars include Gemündener Maar, the Weinfelder Maar and the Schalkenmehrener Maar. The last two Maars are in a protected area equipped with hiking trails and educational boards. The Gemündener Maar also functions as a natural swimming pool. Spend hot summer days in the lush green forest on the water. Anyone who wants to see the Vulkaneifel from a bird’s perspective may do so at the Daun-Senheld Airfield. Next to Weinfelder Maar is a small airfield for sailing and sports aircraft, where sightseeing flights over the Maars, Mosel or Nürburgring can be booked. The Pulver Maar with Gill’s field is the deepest in the Eifel. In summer, the Maar becomes a swimming pool and the refreshment stands assure that one also be cooled on the inside. A boat rental is also available on the premises.

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Distance from Spangdahlem 45 km

Traben-Trarbach is an attractive mix of half-timbered houses and Art Nouveau buildings. The towns of Traben and Trarbach sit directly across the Mosel River from one another. In recent times they have merged their governments and have taken on the combined name, Traben-Trarbach (Traben to the north and Trarbach to the south). The towns host a variety of attractions from the castle ruins and ancient churches, to the slightly more modern Bruckentor built across the Trarbach end of the Mosel bridge. Despite its architectural and historical wealth, Traben-Trarbach is better known for the wine produced from Riesling grapes. The city, like many others on the Mosel, is built in the valley, with every centimeter of hillside covered by vineyards. The best time to visit and sample the local nectar is during their annual Wine Festival each July.

Traben-Trarbach
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Tourist-Information Traben-Trarbach
Station 5
56841 Traben-Trarbach
Phone: 06541-83980
WEB
Distance from Spangdahlem 50 km

This unassuming city located on the Mosel River Valley is everything but unassuming. How should one describe Trier? Germany’s oldest city, capital of the former Western Roman Empire, seat of Roman emperors as well as Prince Electors, home to Karl Marx, a university city, home to numerous UNESCO WHL monuments, all of this and much more is Trier. During a concert in Trier, the jazz musician, Al Jarreau, said that ‘Trier is the best-kept secret’. How right he was. Rich in history, Trier is more than 2000 years old, this however, dating back only from antiquity. Its origins it said to have begun 1300 years before the founding of Rome by Prince Trebeta. Trebeta fleeing persecution from his stepmother Queen Semiramis eventually came across the Mosel River Valley. Enchanted by the surroundings, here he stayed. Of course, no documented proof exists verifying this legend. However, the citizens of Trier claim this as their origin.

In mid-fifies BC, Julius Ceasar stumbled upon Trier. In 16 BC, Trier officially becomes a Roman city and is named after the Emperor Augusta. Hence, Augustus Treverorum was founded. As the Roman Empire continued to expand, Trier also continued to flourish. When Diocletian divided his empire into four regions in the late third century, Trier became the capital of the north-western territory, the Rome of the north, if you will. In the late third century, the first emperor came to rule. Trier is now an Imperial Residential City. Constantine rules in Trier in the early 4th century. Trier remains in Roman hands until the 5th century when it fell under Frankish rule. Thereupon, Trier is constantly under siege by one country or tribe. In 1212, Trier finally received its charter. Throughout the centuries, numerous Prince Electors rule in Trier until Napoleon dissolved the electoral archbishopric. After Napoleon’s defeat in 1815 at Waterloo, Trier becomes a part of the Kingdom of Prussia. The unification of Germany leads Trier to become a part of the German Empire. World War II bombings destroyed nearly 50% of the city with more than over 1600 buildings and homes being devastated.

After WWII, Trier’s economy begins to prosper. It has become known to become a ’shopping mecca‘, not only for the surrounding vicinity but for the neighbouring countries as well. What better place to shop than with the historical backdrop of Trier’s Old Town and market square where department stores, specialty shops and boutiques are to be found. A location not to be missed is slightly off the pedestrian area is Neustrasse, where many individual and family-run businesses and shops are hidden and should not be overseen. Find more information here.

In 1971, the university is finally able to open its doors after being closed during the Napoleonic wars. Trier is now known as a university city where the students bring on a lot of nightlife for the young and the young at heart. Numerous pubs, discos, outdoor cafés, beer gardens invite one to stay a while. For music fans, Trier offers many venues for live music whether for Punk, Classic, Jazz, Hip-Hop, Alternative or Rock from local to mainstream bands.

Trier is copious with restaurants and ‘Gaststätte’ often set in historical buildings, serving everything from Roman cuisine, over Cuban and sushi to the ubiquitous schnitzel. Many restaurants offer live music or cabarets, and many monuments often have culture and culinary affairs, what better combination could there possibly be? Not to be missed are Zurlauben, the old fisherman’s port with its string of pubs and restaurants overlooking the Mosel and Trier’s beach club, Bit Sun Beach. In 1984, Trier celebrated its 2000th anniversary. In 1986, Roman Trier was proclaimed to be a UNESCO’s World Heritage Site. 2007 was hailed the ‘Year of Constantine’ and in 2012 the Holy Tunic will be on display again commemorating when it was first publicly displayed 500 years ago.

Trier is also home to one of the most romantic Christmas markets in Germany. Starting on the first advent weekend, Trier’s Christmas market seems magical set in the medieval market square and the imposing backdrop of St. Peter’s Cathedral. Several festivals should not be missed such as the ‘Altstadtfest’ (Old Town Festival), where the entire pedestrian area gets set into a party zone! The Roman festival, Bread and Circuses, held on the second weekend of August is a must for fans of antiquity. English guides may be arranged for groups as well as for individual guests.

Trier
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Tourist Information Trier
Porta Nigra
54290 Trier
Phone: 0651 978080
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Distance from Spangdahlem 30 km

Nestled in the dreamlike nature of the biosphere reserve Palatinate forest (Pfälzerwald) - Vosges du Nord forms the destination Unterhammer in the Karlstal, a starting point for many leisure activities. Here, the former iron mill (Eisenhammer) houses two vacation apartments next to the Kultur-Café and sport center.

Right at the doorstep, hikers and pilgrims alike start their journey along St. Jacob’s Path (Jakobsweg) and mountain-bikers ride through the mountain bike park. Special highlight: watching beer being brewed in the brewery then tasting it in the beer garden!

Unterhammer
Unterhammer 1-3
67705 Trippstadt
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Phone (0 63 06) 99 12 66
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Café Unterhammer open Monday-Sunday, 12 am - 6 pm
Unterhammer Brewery tour only available by appointment, call (06306) 70 14 60

Photo: Ralf Keller

Fascination and fear are closely linked. This is particularly true for the geological phenomenon of volcanism. Although we live in a safe environment and hardly feel threatened, the threat posed by volcanic activity slumbers in our midst. This is particularly true in the Vulkaneifel, the central and eastern part of the Eifel. The most famous volcanic forms of the Eifel, known as Maars, are the most powerful evidence for volcanism and are the silent superstars of the natural Eifel landscape. These unique in Europe natural phenomena are oval form depressions in the landscape were formed by volcanic steam explosions. In geological time, they are regarded to as very young. The Ulm Maar is ’mere‘ ten thousand years old. The Maars are no longer in its original form, since Mother Nature and people have since then taken possession of the Maars. More insight to volcanism can be found in a number of geographic information centres at the European Geopark Vulkaneifel and in the ‘German Vulkanstraße’.

Eifel Tourism Ltd.
Phone 06551-96560
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Kids and adults alike can enjoy water in all forms at the water-playground and heated pool at Con Aqua in Contwig. A shell-shaped interactive lagoon landscape is a favorite for kids, because here the little ones can splash to their heart's content while the adults relax in the barrier-free heated outdoor pool. The spacious sunbathing area, barbecue area, and restaurant complete this unique water kingdom in the leisure area Contwig.

Con Aqua
Am Schwimmbad 1
66497 Contwig
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Open April-September, daily 10 am - 8 pm
October 10 am - 6 pm

Situated in the middle of a forest, between the towns of Schonecken and Murlenbach, is the artists’ settlement ‘Weißenseifen’. Monumental statues of the artist Albrecht Klauer-Simonis are integrated in a garden of sculptures. Klauer-Simonis was the founder of the symposium that takes place every year from the middle of July until the middle of August. The settlement is characterized by the unusual architecture of the cottages. Various exhibits take place throughout the year. Surrounding ‘Weißenseifen’ are fantastic waymarked walking trails.

Weissenseifen
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Phone: 06594 883
Distance from Spangdahlem 40 km

The wildlife park andraptor zoo is located high up on the Potzberg which you can explore on well-developed paths. The main attraction is the falconry with the bird of prey displays, during which parents and children can observe flight and hunting behavior of these fascinating birds up close. From the end of March until the end of October majestic eagles, powerful vultures, lightning fast kites, and cunning buzzards glide through the air.

Wildpark und Greifvogelzoo Potzberg
66887 Föckelberg
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Phone (06385) 62 49
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The frog, toad, and lurch all live in harmony out in the “real wild” at the Wildpark Betzenberg near Kaiserslautern. European bison and wild horses live together in the wild park community that spans over 25 hectares, undisturbed under the foliage of the magnificent trees. The freely accessible facility not only offers fascinating moments of animal watching, but it also contributes valuably to the conservation of the species. Don’t forget your binoculars!

Wildpark Betzenberg
Entersweilerstraße
67665 Kaiserslautern
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Phone (06 31) 3 65 23 17
Open Tuesday-Friday 9 am - 5 pm
Saturday 10 am - 2 pm

The Mosel is rich with vineyards. Known world-wide for its quality and flavour, the Mosel has been cultivating and producing wine for more than 2000 years. The steep vineyards with their extensive terraces together with the valleys, the sandstone and slate create this unique cultural landscape. The vineyards cover more than 10,000 hectares and more than three-quarters of the grape variety ‘Riesling’ grow here. Their fruit acidity give the Riesling wine its crisp distinctive flavour, thus making it a favourite amongst culinary specialities. Several vineyards along the Mosel are world famous. These include, for example, ’Kröver Nacktarsch‘, ’Ürziger Schwarzlay‘, ’Piesporter Goldtröpfchen‘, ’Bernkasteler Burgdoktor‘ or ’Zeller Schwarze Katz‘. Harvest in the autumn is indeed a unique experience. Numerous winegrowers are always happy to welcome guests to sample their wines.

Tourist-Information Römische Weinstraße
Brückenstraße 26
54338 Schweich
Phone: 06502-407117

What would the Mosel Valley be without their wine festivals? The annual highlight for many vineyards and towns are their yearly festivals. From summer to autumn, experience first hand ’Moselland‘ culture. See how wine is firmly embedded in their traditions and how good wine, good food and good moods all go hand in hand.

When and where these celebrations take place?

Contact Moselland Touristik GmbH
Phone: 06571-97330
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The landscape around the town of Zellertal is characterized by its wine industry. It is the only valley in Germany that unites two wine-growing regions. Here, both Pfalzwein and Rheinhessen wine are grown. The Zellertal cycle path and various hiking trails invite visitors to get to know the Tuscan-looking region. Nine villages line the small river Pfrimm, where you can enjoy fine wines almost all year.

Donnersberg-Touristik-Verband
Uhlandstraße 2
67292 Kirchheimbolanden
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Phone (06352) 17 12
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