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South Africans in Germany

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

National parks

nature

Moselle Valley

The Moselle Valley is an incredibly picturesque region that is renowned for being one of the most breathtaking areas in Germany. This area is also known for its culinary delights and world-renowned white wines produced in the vineyards that gracefully stretch throughout the region. The Moselle Valley is home to many charming towns and peaceful countryside areas where you can experience the authentic culture of France, Germany, and Luxembourg

The Rhenish Massif

The Rhenish Massif region is rich with geological history. It is a notable geologic massif that consists of a complex assemblage of metamorphic rocks. These rocks are unique in their composition, texture, and structure, and have been formed through millions of years of intense geologic and tectonic activity. The area boasts of unique ecosystems that is home to a diverse range of plant and animal species.

Eifel Region

The Eifel Region is located in western Germany and eastern Belgium. It is a low mountain range that is an absolute delight for nature lovers and hikers alike. The breathtaking landscapes and towering mountains are the perfect places to immerse oneself in the natural beauty of the region. With picturesque towns and villages dotting the idyllic countryside, the Eifel Region offers an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Westerwald

The Westerwalt is a low mountain range situated on the banks of the scenic and historically significant Rhine River. It is a nature lover's paradise, and it is renowned for its lush green landscapes and breathtaking scenery.

Nahe Valley

The Nahe Valley is a renowned and celebrated wine region, which boasts a rich history and a diverse range of grape varieties. Wine lovers and enthusiasts alike are drawn to this area, not only for the quality of wine, but also for the scenic landscapes and picturesque vineyards. The Nahe Valley offers an array of distinctive wines, including dry Rieslings, full-bodied Pinot Noirs, and spicy Gewürztraminers.

Hunsrück

The Hunsrück mountains are formed primarily of quartzite, sandstone and slate, and is home to a rich diversity of flora and fauna. The area is a favorite destination for hikers and nature lovers who find solace in the serene surroundings and spectacular vistas. The Geierlay suspension bridge is 360 meters long and up to 100 meters above the ground

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

  1. 42% of the landmass is covered by trees
  2. The German Wine Route (Deutsche Weinstrasse)  is an 85km long route between Bockenheim an der Weinstraße and Schweigen-Rechtenbach. 
  3. The Rhenish Massif is in the northern half and includes the Eifel, Moselle Valley, Hunsrück and Westerwald regions
  4. 6 of the 13 German wine regions is in Rhineland-Palatinate. They are Rheinhesse, Pfalz, Nahe, Mittelrhein and Ahr
  5. The Schloss Wachenheim Group in Trier, produce around 230 million bottles of sparkling wine every year
  6. 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:

Online resources and apps

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

Reise Explorer

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