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 km

The Japanischer Garten (Japanese Garden) in Kaiserslautern is far more than a pretty garden with pink Cherry blossoms. This garden—the largest closed Japanese garden in Europe—magnetically attracts lovers of nature with its natural landscape designed according to strict aesthetic and philosophical considerations. The garden also has a waterfall, ponds and a historic tea house. For information on events and opening times, visit the website.

Japanischer Garten—Kaiserslautern e.V.
Am Abendsberg 1
67657 Kaiserslautern
GOOGLE MAPS
Phone (0631) 3 70 66 00
WEB

Known not only for its famous biker club, the Johanniskreuz (Johannis Cross) is a popular stop for all those traveling through the Westpfalz. The Johanniskreuz is a meeting place and excursion destination in the Palatinate Forest. Here, the district of Trippstadt offers a lodge, chapel, small pubs, a thriving garden, and a forest shop with regional products in the Haus der Nachhaltigkeit (house of sustainability).

Haus der Nachhaltigkeit
Johanniskreuz 1a
67705 Trippstadt
GOOGLE MAPS
Phone (06306) 9 21 01 30

The Karlstal, a green and wild ravine runs through the biosphere reserve Palatinate Forest - Northern Vosges. With a length of 12 kilometers, the gorge cuts through the varied landscape formations of the valley—ideal for an exciting hiking tour. The route profile of 340 meters is also suitable for moderate hikers. Exciting pit stop along the way: Unterhammer, a former ironworks.

Tourist-Information Trippstadt
Hauptstraße 26
67705 Trippstadt
GOOGLE MAPS
Phone (06306) 341
WEB

Kell am See is located in Hunsrück Hochwald. The diverse countryside with numerous natural monuments and a beautiful lake make this region so appealing. Throughout the year various leisure activities such as gliding, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, and more are offered. For music fans, Kell’s ‘Highway to Kell’ featuring nonmainstream bands should not be missed!

Kell am See
GOOGLE MAPS
Touristinformation Hochwald Ferienland
Alte Mühle
54427 Kell am See
Phone 06589-1044
Distance from Spangdahlem 70 km

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
WEB

A walk through the great Butzerbachtal begins at the most impressive castle ruins of Ramstein Castle. The archaeological circular route starts below the castle, and from there into the Butzerbach valley and waterfalls. Above the valley is a former Roman copper mine dating back to the middle of the second century AD. Another highlight of the trail Klaus Caverns created through erosion. Not far away is the stronghold on a rocky plateau above the Kyll Valley that once served as a mountain fortress for the Celts. Another attraction is Genovevahöhle (St. Genoveva Cavity).

Butzerbachtal
GOOGLE MAPS
Tourist-Informationen Trierer Land
Moselstr. 1
54308 Langsur-Wasserbilligerbrück
Phone 06501-602666
WEB
Distance from Spangdahlem 25 km

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 km

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 km

The idyllic Eiswoog lake, home to freshwater trout, char, and frolicking crayfish, is fed from seven different sources. This natural paradise offers a great place to swim and hike. From here, you can see an impressive historic railway bridge that spans the valley. In the Seehaus Forelle, a light, natural cuisine with regional products is served. The hotel attached to the restaurant is a wonderful place for relaxation.

Seehaus Forelle
Eiswoog 1
67305 Ramsen
GOOGLE MAPS
Phone (06356) 6 08 80
WEB

…and head to the beach! At the Strandbad Gelterswoog (natural beach Gelterswoog) in KL-Hohenecken, there is everything that the carefree summer heart desires: sea water, shallow shore, red sandy beach, and lush lawns. In addition to swimming, the facility offers canoe rides. Children can play around on the adventure playground and adults can relax in the beer garden. A campsite on the south shore of the lake offers family-friendly overnight experiences.

Strandbad Gelterswoog
Gelterswoog 2
67661 Kaiserslautern
GOOGLE MAPS
Phone (0152) 53 19 19 11
WEB

At this lake, the Palatinate Forest (“Pfälzerwald”) shows off its prettiest side: the idyllic

Hääschdner Paddelweiher offers everything for kids and adults alike. It provides popular summer fun in one fell swoop: paddle boating, hiking, biking and an adventure playground for active people - resting, watching, and feasting for leisurely visitors. Completing the fairytale atmosphere found here at the lake is the Paddelweiher hut, an attractive restaurant with regional cuisine. Enjoy a delicious fish dish with a tangy Palatine wine under large umbrellas.

Paddelweiher Hütte
Dahnerstr. 100
76846 Hauenstein
GOOGLE MAPS
Phone (0 63 92) 99 45 18
WEB
Open March-November, daily 10.30 am - 7.30 pm
Closed Mondays

It is amazing how the flora and fauna unfold without human interference. Originally designed as a fish pond, the lake Pfälzerwoog has developed uninhibited for many years. The result is a unique wetland biotope in the eponymous nature reserve Pfälzerwoog. Today, rare plants such as sundew or cranberry thrive there, and frogs, amphibians, and dragonflies frolic on the moor. The trail begins at the amusement park Birkenfeld in Ludwigswinkel.

Biosphärenhaus Pfälzerwald/Nordvorgesen
Am Königsbruch 1
66996 Fischbach bei Dahn
GOOGLE MAPS
Phone 0 63 93 9 21 00
WEB

Enjoy the peace and quiet and recharge. Located away from the city in Hammerbachtal, the water-rich nature and landscape reserve, "Vogelwoog-Schmalzwoog" lets you do just that. One of the highlights of the oasis: birdwatching. In the reserve, time seems to stand still as the butterflies dance in the light or gray herons sail in elegant loops over the park. The lakes and forests are enjoyed best through meditative nature observation or sporty hikes.

Vogelwoog
Vogelwoogstraße 100
67659 Kaiserslautern
GOOGLE MAPS

The landscape park Strecktal is very close to Pirmasens’ city center and was built between 1998 and 2001. Stretching across 17 acres, the “green lungs” are used as a multifunctional recreation area by visitors. There’s a Disc-Golf installation where you can get twelve holes in as well as a skate park. Adventure, water playground, and a barefoot path are ideal for energetic and adventurous young people. You can also spend your time treading in the Kneipp-basin or biking on the 24,8 kilometers long Dynamikum trail that leads you over the border to France. At the center of this park, you can find a pond with a stage, a small waterfall with its creeks, and a Poissy-Garden to stay in.

Strecktalpark Pirmasens
Fröhnstraße 8
66954 Pirmasens
GOOGLE MAPS
WEB

The Ludwigsturm (Ludwig’s Tower) is located about 1.4 kilometers west of the local church

Dannenfels on the 687 meter high Donnersberg. The original plans for the octagonal building failed in 1842 due to financing, but on the second attempt In 1864/65, the tower completed thanks to the tower construction committee. The tower’s namesake, King Ludwig II from Bavaria, never visited the tower. But, on the occasion of the 130 year anniversary in 1995, Prince Leopold of Bavaria visited and enjoyed the magnificent view over large parts of the Palatine Bergland over to Rheinhessen and into the Odenwald towards Taunus.

Ludwigsturm (Ludwig’s Tower)
67814 Dannenfels
GOOGLE MAPS
27 meters tall, 142 steps to the top
Open on weekends and holidays. Tuesday-Friday from 2 pm - 5.30 pm, a key to the tower can be picked up (with deposit) in the tourist office in Dannenfels, Oberstraße 14
WEB

Photo: Norbert Schlich

The Luitpold tower was built in 1909 in the district Merzalben in the Palatine Forest and offers a breathtaking panoramic view over the largest connected forest area in Germany. When the sky is clear, you can see the Vosges. The lookout tower has been a listed building since 1993 and the Luitpold tower association takes care of its maintenance. An extension of the tower can be used as a hideout for bad weather or as a picnic area.

Luitpoldturmverein e.V.
Am Etschberg 3
66999 Hinterweidenthal
GOOGLE MAPS
Phone (06396) 519
WEB

Surrounded by vineyards on the Middle Mosel, the former Cistercian monastery is in an idyllic location on your way from Wittlich to Bernkastel on B50. The monastery complex was restored as recreational facilities. The complex consist of restaurants, wine cabinet, antiques, distillery, brewery, toy museum etc. The word ‘I do’ may also be exchanged here. A tour of the monastery brewery is followed by three samples of beer. A simple must for the beer connoisseur.

Brauhaus Kloster Machern
An der Zeltinger Brücke
54470 Bernkastel-Kues
GOOGLE MAPS
By appointment only, contact:
Phone 06532-95150
Distance from Spangdahlem 35 km

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 km

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 km