Discover Rheinland-Pfalz - being updated

Rheinland-Pfalz is an amazing state located in Western Germany, and it is certainly worth exploring. It shares its borders with other German states such as North Rhine-Westphalia, Saarland, Baden-Württemberg and Hesse. Even more amazing is that it borders France, Luxemburg and Belgium, opening vast opportunities for cultural exchange and adventure. As the state with the most forests, nature enthusiasts will have a field day exploring its numerous beautiful places. The Rhine River also meanders through the East of the state, doubling as the border between Hesse. The Eifel region is home to sleepy volcanos that form part of an unforgettable Volcanoes route.
You certainly don’t want to miss out on Rheinland-Pfalz’s natural beauty and diverse culture!

Why Is Rheinland-Pfalz the Perfect destination?

01.

Wine

70% of all German wines originate from the picturesque and idyllic Rheinland area. The region has a long history of winemaking dating back to the Roman Empire and is known for producing some of the world's finest wines, from crisp whites to rich reds. The Schloss Wachenheim Group is the world leaders in sparkling wine production

02.

Castles

There are over 80 castles in the region. Some of the most famous ones include the iconic Eltz Castle and the breathtaking Cochem Castle

03.

Location

The Moselle river, with its picturesque surroundings, flows through the region, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. But that's not all - the region is also home to some of the most spectacular dormant volcanoes in Europe, attracting visitors from across the globe.

04.

Rivers

Almost 300km of the Rhine flows through Rhineland-Palatinate. The Moselle, Nahe, Lahn and Wied rivers also flow through the region

Explore

Towns

Koblenz on the banks of the Rhine and the Moselle rivers
Trier – the oldest city in Germany
Bad Durkheim
Speyer
Worms
Mainz

National parks

Hunsrück-Hochwald National Park

Freizeitparks (Amusement parks)

nature

Food and drinks to try

The following specialities are typical for the region

Saumagen – a mixture of pork, sausage meat, potatoes and herbs served in a casing traditionally made from pig stomach
Gedadschde – Mashed potato patties fried in oil
Schwarzer Magister – A hearty dessert made from zwieback, prunes, eggs, lemon, cinnamon and cream
Appeltaat – Apple tart with almonds, dry white wine, lemon and vanilla
Meenzer Spundekäs – a cream cheese dip with onions, garlic and sweet paprika
Rhine-Style Mussels (Muscheln rheinische art) are cooked in stock and white wine and served with read
Kirschenmichel – a buttery bread pudding made with sweet cherries, kirsch liquer, cinnamon and cloves
Course Bratwurst
Leberwurst
Blood sausage/ Bluttwurst – A sausage filled with blood and fillers such as meat, fat, and potatoes. In the Rhineland, it is also traditionally made from horse meat,
Leberknödel
Flääschknepp – meatballs served with a radish sauce
Grumbeersupp – potato soup
Quetschekuche – Plumb cake
Kerscheplotzer – Cherry cake also known as a Kirschenplotzer
Zwiebelkuchen – Onion cake traditionally served with a Federweisser
Salmon and eel
Federweisser – a drink you will find in Autumn. It has 9 – 13.5% Alcohol by volume and is also known as Traubenmost, Junger Wein, Neuer Süßer or Most. It is made from fermented freshly pressed grape juice known as must
Weck, Worscht un Woi – a combination of a bread bun, meat and wine. Very popular in the Carnival season which starts on 11.11 at 11:11.
Dampfnudeln – steamed dumplings, served sweet with vanilla sauce, fruit like plums or pears or with a wine sauce. Can also be served as a side dish with soup or stews

Geheimtips

Burg Eltz, a beautiful medieval castle above the Moselle river
Cycling and camping along the Mosel between Koblenz and Trier

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amazing things about Rhineland-Palatinate

42% of the landmass is covered by trees
The German Wine Route (Deutsche Weinstrasse) is an 85km long route between Bockenheim an der Weinstraße and Schweigen-Rechtenbach.
The Rhenish Massif is in the northern half and includes the Eifel, Moselle Valley, Hunsrück and Westerwald regions
6 of the 13 German wine regions is in Rhineland-Palatinate. They are Rheinhesse, Pfalz, Nahe, Mittelrhein and Ahr
The Schloss Wachenheim Group in Trier, produce around 230 million bottles of sparkling wine every year
The federal state was established in 1946. It is the 9th largest and 6th most populous state in Germany

Festivals

Some of the well-known festivals are:

Rock am Ring – Every year in June at Nürburgring
Wine Festivals
Rhein in Flammen – Five different firework displays along the Rhine river

Online resources and apps

The official tourism Website
Search for lakes in Rheinland-Palatinate
National Parks Germany
Outdoor active – Hiking, Cycling routes

South African Businesses in the Area

Anèl Ham – Rusk and Beskuit

Home made rusks / Tuisgebakte beskuit Mueslibeskuit = EUR 8 vir 500g Karringmelk = EUR 6 vir 500g Delivery cost is additional and will depend on the delivery address

Reise Explorer

From the Hocheifel to the world! With a destination knowledge of over 140 visited countries on all 6 continents, we help you to make the most beautiful days of the year a dream experience. On our web page, you can book trips online or get travel inspiration. Bookings on our website naturally include the same service and assistance as if you were booking with us in our local travel agency. Of course, we are also available for personal travel advice, from our South African owner, in our modern travel agency at Markt 6 in the historic center of Adenau. For further information please do not hesitate in contacting us. Thanking you Kindest regards Michael

Tourist accommodation types

Types of Tourist accommodation in Germany Germany, known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cities, offers a diverse range of accommodation options to suit every traveler’s needs. Here’s a guide to some of the most popular hotel types you can find in Germany, each offering a unique experience. It is important to note that these descriptions are not protected by law, and you can call your hotel a park hotel even if the park is really small. Some do have a minimum requirement, you will for instance not find a Berghotel in the valley. Finding a romantic hotel might also be a challenge. Most German hotels have two single beds, each with their own duvet. The interior is very basic and for cheaper hotels, there are no “little things” like chocolate on your pillow or flowers in the room that make your stay special. Coffee-making facilities in your room are also not very popular. Berghotel These hotels are typically located in or near mountainous regions. These hotels are designed to cater to tourists seeking outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, and mountaineering. The offer a rustic and cosy atmosphere Location This type of hotel is located in the mountains and is mostly traditional or rustic. You typically find such a hotel in the Black Forest, in the Alps, in the Swabian Jura or in the Harz Mountains. Seasons These hotels attract a diverse range of visitors year-round. In winter, they are favoured by skiers and winter sports enthusiasts. During the summer, these hotels become a hub for hikers, bikers, and other active sports enthusiasts. Reasons to go Cosy Rustic Breathtaking views Things to consider Crowded in peak season Remote Familienhotel Designed with families in mind, these hotels provide family-friendly amenities such as play areas, children’s menus, and family suites. Many are located near popular attractions like amusement parks and zoos, making them an ideal choice for a family vacation. Reasons to go While not all facilities are available at every family hotel, you can often find options such as children’s entertainment, family-friendly rooms, child-friendly catering options, playrooms, playgrounds, childcare services, and leisure activities tailored for families. These hotels aim to create a welcoming environment for families, with some even offering spa or wellness facilities. Things to consider Family hotels are specifically designed to cater to guests travelling with children, and they typically do not accept bookings from those travelling without children. This ensures a family-oriented atmosphere and allows the hotel to focus on providing the best possible experience for families. Gasthaus/hof (Inn) A traditional, family-run inn that combines cosy accommodations with a welcoming, often rustic, on-site restaurant or beer garden. These charming establishments are found in villages and smaller city neighbourhoods. When in the countryside it is called a Landgasthaus. Reasons to go Known for their homely feel, Gasthäuser and Gasthöfe often feature wooden furnishings, local decor, and a warm, friendly atmosphere. Guests can enjoy authentic German dishes made with regional ingredients, like schnitzel, bratwurst, and seasonal specialties, often served with local beers or wines. Ideal for travelers looking to immerse themselves in local culture, these inns provide a uniquely personal, laid-back experience with a focus on German hospitality.. Things to consider Generally simpler than larger hotels, with basic amenities and often no room service, fitness centres, or other facilities associated with modern hotels. Confirm that essentials like Wi-Fi, en-suite bathrooms, and parking are available if needed. Payment options may be limited to cash or certain cards, so it’s wise to confirm these details in advance. Hotel Garni A Hotel Garni in Germany is a type of accommodation that focuses on providing comfortable lodging with a limited range of services. Unlike full-service hotels, a Hotel Garni typically offers just breakfast, without an on-site restaurant for lunch or dinner. These hotels are usually smaller, often family-run, and provide a cosy, personalized atmosphere. Rooms are well-equipped with modern amenities, and breakfast is typically a highlight, featuring a buffet of fresh, local options like bread, cheeses, cold cuts, fruits, and coffee. Reasons to go Found in cities, towns, and holiday regions, Hotel Garni is ideal for travelers who plan to explore local restaurants and attractions throughout the day, and simply need a clean, comfortable place to rest and start their day with a hearty breakfast. The focus on simplicity and convenience makes it a budget-friendly and hassle-free option. Things to consider Hotels Garni usually only serve breakfast and do not have in-house restaurants for lunch or dinner. If you prefer dining on-site, consider whether nearby dining options suit your needs and schedule, especially if you’re in a remote area. Smaller Hotels Garni may have limited staffing hours and stricter check-in and check-out times, so be sure to confirm these details if you’re arriving late or leaving early. Hütte A Hütte in Germany refers to a rustic mountain hut or cabin, often located in scenic alpine areas, forests, or national parks. Traditionally used by hikers, climbers, and nature enthusiasts, these huts provide simple, communal-style accommodations for those seeking an immersive outdoor experience. A Hütte is typically managed by organizations like the German Alpine Club (Deutscher Alpenverein) and is designed to offer shelter, a warm meal, and basic amenities to travellers on their journey. Location Mountains, forest or national parks Seasons All, but check in Winter Reasons to go Most Hütten are accessible only by hiking trails, offering stunning views and a close connection to nature. Perfect for adventurous travelers, a stay at a Hütte offers a unique experience in the German wilderness, though it comes with rustic accommodations that prioritize simplicity and sustainability. Hüttenvermietung Müller Tips for sleeping in a Hütte (German) Packing list for sleeping over (German) Rules for staying in a Hütte Things to consider Hütten are rustic by nature and usually provide only the basics—bunk beds, shared bathrooms, and a communal dining area. Facilities like electricity, hot showers, and Wi-Fi may be limited or unavailable, so expect a simple, back-to-basics experience. Booking in advance is recommended Guests should

Federweißer (New wine)

Federweißer Depending on the grape harvest, fresh Federweißer – also known as “new wine” – becomes available from late summer through to the end of October. Around this time, you might also come across Most or so-called First Wine, which marks the very beginning of the winemaking process. It’s sweeter than regular wine and unfiltered, unlike grape juice. Federweißer sits somewhere between Most and finished wine. It’s still fermenting, which means the yeast hasn’t yet consumed all the natural sugars. That’s why it tastes sweet, with a gentle fizz and a well-balanced blend of acidity and alcohol. Over time, especially if left at room temperature, the sweetness fades, the flavour sharpens, and the alcohol content rises. Its cloudy appearance comes from active yeast in suspension, and when poured, it forms a delicate foam at the top. Where to find Federweißer Federweisserfest Fest des Federweißen in Landau in der Pfalz You can buy Federweißer in general grocery stores Some restaurants will offer it. Look out for a Besenwirtschaft in your area Interesting facts 01. Limited availability Federweißer is one of Germany’s most fleeting seasonal pleasures. You’ll find it only for a few short weeks, starting as early as late August and usually disappearing by mid-October. This lightly fermented grape must is essentially wine-in-progress—still cloudy, still bubbling, and very much alive. 02. Fermentation Federweißer is alive—quite literally. The fermentation continues even after bottling, which is why it’s always sold with a loose cap to let gases escape. If you want to slow things down (and avoid a fizzy explosion), keep the bottle upright in the fridge. The cold helps pause the fermentation and keeps the sweetness balanced a little longer. But drink it soon—this young wine waits for no one! 03. Alcohol Content Don’t let the sweet, fruity taste fool you—Federweißer packs a punch. With an alcohol content of around 5% by volume (and climbing as it continues to ferment), it’s on par with a beer, but goes down a whole lot easier. That’s why it’s best enjoyed slowly, preferably with a savory snack to soak up the sparkle. One glass too many and you might just feel like it’s harvest time in your head the next morning! 04. It’s a German-Austrian-Swiss thing While it’s most common in German wine regions like the Pfalz, Rheinhessen, and Baden, you’ll also find similar versions across the border – in Austria it’s called Sturm, and in Switzerland, Sauser. Great accompaniments Zwiebelkuchen Zwiebelkuchen – that hearty, savoury onion tart – is a classic pairing with Federweißer. Its rich, caramelised onion and smoky bacon filling perfectly complements the young wine’s fruity sparkle. Learn More Pumpkin Soup The golden hug in a bowl. Creamy, gently spiced, and soul-soothing, this autumn favourite brings cosy vibes with every spoonful. Whether topped with a swirl of cream or a sprinkle of roasted seeds, it’s pure comfort, no matter how grey the day. Learn More Flammkuchen Think of it as the Alsatian cousin of pizza: a paper-thin crust topped with crème fraîche, onions, and bacon, then baked to crispy perfection. Light, savoury, and endlessly snackable – it’s the kind of dish that wins hearts one crunchy bite at a time. Learn More Mettbrötchen A true German delicacy of finely seasoned raw minced pork on a fresh, crusty roll, often topped with a few slices of onion. It might sound bold, but give it a try – it’s surprisingly mild, melt-in-the-mouth delicious, and a local favourite for a reason! Learn More More about Most 🍇 What it is: A broader term that simply means “must” – freshly pressed fruit juice (often apples or grapes), before or during fermentation. It is common in Austria, parts of southern Germany, and Switzerland.💬 Confusion alert: In Austria or Switzerland, Most often means the fully fermented, slightly sour drink made from apples or pears — much stronger and drier than Federweißer. 🍎 Types: Apple Most (Apfelmost): Fermented apple juice – like a rustic cider. Traubenmost: Grape must can be sweet (unfermented) or alcoholic (fermented). Related content

Travel ideas within Germany

Germany is a beautiful country with diverse landscapes and many regional specialties.To add your suggestions please submit it via this form Below are some travel inspiration for each German state, and some regions and town Businesses listed on our site Travel Agents Accommodation National parks in Germany There are 16 national parks in Germany. See this list for more details. Article from lonely planet about 10 National parks in Germany. Travel inspiration Deutschlands schönste Reiseziele Discovery Germany Entdecke Deutchland (also in English) Related content

Weather in Germany

Weather in Germany Germany has four distinct seasons — and each one comes with its own rhythm,rules, and vocabulary. From steady rain and freezing fog to summer stormsand winter frost, the weather plays a quiet but constant role in everyday lifelife. Understanding the weather also means understanding the language the Germans use to describe it. German Climate Germany’s climate is temperate and marine, with cold, cloudy winters and warm summers and in the south occasional warm föhn wind. The greater part of Germany lies in the cool/temperate climatic zone in which humid westerly winds predominate. In the northwest and the north, the climate is oceanic and rain falls all year round. Winters here are relatively mild and summers comparatively cool.In the east, the climate shows clear continental features; winters can be very cold for long periods, and summers can become very warm. Dry periods are often recorded. In the centre and the south, there is a transitional climate that may be predominantly oceanic or continental, according to the general weather situation. Winters are cool and summers warm, though maximum temperatures can exceed 30 °C for several days in a row during heat waves. The warmest regions of Germany can be found in the southwest.Here summers can be hot with many days exceeding 30 °C. Weather atlas gives a good overview of the climate per month Another good source of information by Region/Town is the Climatemps website. Here is an example of the weather data they have for Stuttgart Current weather conditions BERLIN WEATHER STUTTGART WEATHER FELDBERG WEATHER Towns with the most sunshine Freiburg and Chemnitz are known as the towns with the most sunshine hours in Germany.Looking for other sunny cities in Germany? You can see a comparison here. When you don’t feel yourself during the darker months, you might suffer from Seasonal affective disorder. Warmest cities in Germany While many cities in Germany can get quite warm in summer, Offenbach am Main consistently ranks among the warmest places in Germany when looking at average annual temperatures, and is often warmer than larger neighbours like Frankfurt and Köln.On the other end of the scale, Rostock on the northern coast is generally cooler on average, especially in summer months.Frankfurt itself has pleasantly warm summers but isn’t officially the single warmest city compared with detailed climate averages. Most Rainfall per city Halle / Saale has the least rainfall. It also seldom rains in Erfurt, Berlin and Magdeburg – they still have little sunshine (3.8 to 4.4 hours/day).According to Bild, A lot of rain falls in Oldenburg (1072 milliliters), Remscheid (942), Essen (931), Solingen (896) and Wuppertal (866).This means that North Rhine-Westphalia is not only one of the regions with the poorest sunshine but also one of the rainiest regions. Where to find the most Snow The snowiest location in Germany is the Zugspitze, standing at an elevation of 3,000 meters. While snow is most common in mountainous regions, lower-lying areas also experience snowfall, though less frequently. The heaviest snowfall typically occurs in January and February. Bergfex iSKI Snow-forecast.com DWD Weather Warnings Types of weather conditions Precipitation refers to any form of atmospheric moisture that falls to the Earth’s surface. There are various types of precipitation that can occur depending on the temperature and atmospheric conditions in a particular region. The most common types of precipitation include rain, snow, sleet, and hail. Germany doesn’t just have “rain” or “snow” — it has very specific words depending on how it falls, how long it lasts, and what temperature it arrives at.This table explains the most common German weather terms you’ll hear in forecasts, apps, and daily conversations — in plain English. German English Explanation der Regen Rain Rain occurs when liquid water droplets in the air combine and become heavy enough to fall to the ground. der Hagel Hail Hail is formed when strong updrafts carry water droplets high into the atmosphere where they freeze and are repeatedly cycled, forming layers of ice. der Dauerregen Persistent rain Continuous rainfall with more than 0.5 mm per hour for at least six hours. US National Weather Service explanation der Sprühregen / der Nieselregen Drizzle Very fine droplets that appear to float but still fall to the ground. Often occurs together with fog. der Graupel Graupel Also known as snow pellets. Snowflakes coated with ice, typically white and opaque. der Eisregen Freezing rain Supercooled raindrops that freeze on contact, forming a layer of ice on surfaces. der Schneeregen Sleet Frozen raindrops that freeze before reaching the ground. Often occurs just before snowfall. der Schnee Snow Snow forms when water vapour freezes into ice crystals. der Nebel Fog Suspension of water droplets reducing visibility to under 1 km. Often described as a cloud at ground level. der Dunst Mist Less dense than fog, visibility over 1000 m. der Eisnebel Freezing fog Freezing fog is just like regular fog, but because the air and ground are well below freezing, the tiny water droplets in the fog freeze as soon as they touch things like trees, roofs and wires. That’s what makes them look white and frosty. This kind of ice build-up is called rime ice or hoar frost — nature’s own winter sculpture. Hoarfrost – feathery, delicate ice crystals that form when moisture freezes directly onto surfaces. Very fairytale.Rime ice – denser, chalky-looking ice caused by freezing fog droplets hitting objects. Looks like someone dusted the trees with flour. der Frost Frost Occurs when surfaces cool below the dew point. In Germany, severe frost is mostly limited to mountain regions. die Gewitter Thunderstorm Storm with lightning and thunder caused by rising air currents. der Blitz Lightning Electrical discharge between clouds or between cloud and ground, releasing enormous energy. ❄️ Winter Hazards in Germany – What to Watch Out For Winter risk What it is Why it’s dangerous What to watch out for Black ice (Blitzeis / Glatteis) Nearly invisible layer of ice on roads and pavements Extremely slippery and hard to detect Common near 0 °C, on bridges, shaded areas, early mornings. Walk

South Africans in Germany