City: Rhineland-Palatinate
Top Things to do in Rhineland-Palatinate
Top 10 Things to do Good for Big Groups in Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany
Rhineland-Palatinate (German: Rheinland-Pfalz, pronounced [ˈʁaɪ̯nlant ˈp͡falt͡s]; French: Rhénanie-Palatinat; Dutch: Rijnland-Palts) is one of the 16 states (German: Bundesländer) of the Federal Republic of Germany. It has an area of 19,846 square kilometres (7,663 sq mi) and about four million inhabitants. Its state capital and largest city is Mainz.
Restaurants in Rhineland-Palatinate
1. Mosel Valley
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 619 reviews
The beautiful rolling hills situated along the Mosel River make for one of Europe's great wine valleys.
Reviewed By H7786NTmarkd - West Bloomfield, United States
Mosel valley is a beautiful area that everyone must visit if in this part of Germany. Amazing small towns. Many great hotels, restaurants, shops.
2. Gutenberg Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 937 reviews
Located in the hometown of Johannes Gutenberg, the founder of the printing press, this museum displays a recreation of his original printing press and a collection of other exhibits.
Reviewed By DAS1951 - London, United Kingdom
Very interesting museum with everything you need to know about the development of printing in Germany and Europe. Well-presented artefacts. Two original Gutenberg bibles and copies of his press (no originals exist).
3. Porta Nigra
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,692 reviews
This huge stone gate has stood as a symbol of the city since the second century.
Reviewed By 819colinr - Dublin, Ireland
Took a short ride from Luxembourg to visit Trier, a very fascinating and interesting place steeped in history. The Roman gate is like being in Rome . Take the small tourist "train " ride around the town
4. Hauptmarkt
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,054 reviews
This public square has served as Trier's main marketplace since medieval times.
Reviewed By KeithAfrica - Bonn, Germany
The Main Market center of Trier is a busy and comfortable centre. It is the access to the • the Steipe, the city council's banqueting house, • the city church St. Gangolf (through the little baroque gate on the south side) • access to the Trier Dom, • access to the Jewish Quarter After the Viking destruction of 882, the archbishop moved the market from the river to the present site, the Market Cross still commemorates this event from 958. The Market Fountain from 1595 shows St. Peter, the patron saint of the Cathedral as well as the city, standing on top, surrounded by the four cardinal virtues of good city government, Justice, Strength, Temperance, and Wisdom (originals in the Municipal Museum), but also by monsters and frolicking monkeys. The fountain, just like the Cathedral and the parish and guild church St. Gangolf as well the Steipe, are all rooted in the 300-year struggle for supremacy in the city.
5. St. Stephan's Church (Stephanskirche)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 944 reviews
Although often overshadowed by the tremendous Martinsdom, this cathedral is notable for its dazzling Chagall stained-glass windows.
Reviewed By Aussie135 - London, United Kingdom
St Stephans was founded in 990 but it is most famous for its stained glass windows which were created by Marc Chagall and then Charles Marq. The church itself is beautifully simple, lofty and illuminated by the majesty of its stained glass windows. Chagall intended the windows to be a token of friendship between Germany and France, providing a message of understanding and peace. He chose blue, 18 shades of blue, for his biblical cycle of nine windows because they appeal to our very life spirit just as a clear blue sky on a summers day lifts the heart. He thought gazing on such lovely shades of blue placed the visitor in a more meditative state and made it easier to commune with god.. The windows tell the story of creation and they endow the church with great beauty. It is remarkable that he finished his windows in his 98th year. Charles Marq was a life long friend of Chagall and carried on his work in the church by completing the window in the north and south aisles. Marq created magnificent windows using only 8-10 shades of blue and they fit perfectly in harmony with the Chagall windows and are a joy to see. Buy a guide book and spend time in this joyful and peaceful place admiring the work of two great artists. There is much to see and admire including the church organ. Don't forget to visit the cloisters which are also lovely. At the back of the church there is a WC. My cruise ship guide never mentioned this church which was amazing but I rate it as an absolutely unmissable place to visit in Mainz. Its a bit of walk uphill but well worth it Highly recommended- do not miss.
6. Eltz Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,808 reviews
Reviewed By 877margarets - Napier, New Zealand
Only on Sat and Sunday the bus goes from Treis Karten. You’ll need a full day. Train from Cochem before 10. 15 to Treis Karten Station. Turn left from the Railway Station, there is the bus stop. The Burg Eltz bus leaves at 11.15. The bus winds its way through villages for 1/2 hour ( at least) and finally you get to the parking area for Burg Eltz. Turn right and follow the track through the forest for 20 minutes. The walk isn’t that difficult and is very attractive. Take photos when you see the castle! We didn’t have time to fit in the tour that you have to take to see the castle. ..But, you could if you wanted to fill in the time until the return bus at 13.10. ... unfortunately, we were on a tight schedule and chose to walk down to Moselkern. It was a pleasant 4.9 km down hill walk. It took us one hour, ten minutes. . We waited for the hourly, 3pm train back to Cochem. As I’m older, I’m glad I took a walking pole. At some parts the track was uneven and the pole gave me support. I wouldn’t walk the track if it was damp. It could be dangerous. A taxi from Moselkern cost E45 one way.
7. St. Peter's Cathedral (Dom)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,738 reviews
This 11th-century cathedral holds the tombs of several archbishops and displays an impressive collection of religious relics.
Reviewed By CJFitCrazy - Brandon, United Kingdom
Stunning!!!! A peaceful place to privately take a moment or just walk around a see beautiful architecture and love that went into building this Cathedral! It is a must visit!!
8. Mainz Cathedral
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,279 reviews
The city's huge main cathedral is over 1,000 years old and contains the tombs of several of the city's archbishops.
Reviewed By tragio - Artemida, Greece
You can see the cathedral from all around the city. Its in the middle of a very big square. Worth your time and photo shooting.
9. Rhine Valley
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 309 reviews
Reviewed By Mairwen1
I can’t recommend doing a Rhine Valley cruise enough. This was a fabulous way to see the Rhine Valley. Doing the KD cruise was absolutely the best thing we did while staying in this part of Germany. The KD boat leaves from a number of locations. We got on at Mainz because that's where our hotel was. It was very simple. We bought our tickets that morning and the boat left from in front of the ticket booth (see photo). I would recommend sitting outside at the back of the boat but it really doesn't matter which side you choose because both sides of the river are dotted with castles, vineyards and pretty, colourful houses. It really is as lovely as it sounds. HIGHLIGHTS: • The most scenic part and the part with the all of the castles is between Rudesheim and St Goarshausen. The boat commentary is in English and German and will point these out to you (although it can be hard to hear outside) • Stopping at Rudesheim was a real highlight. There was a 2 hour gap between boats – long enough for us to look around the town, get the cable car up to the Neiderwald Monument, walk back down through the vineyards and have a traditional German lunch. • We loved being able to sit out the back of the boat in the sun and order a bottle of champagne – it doesn't get a lot better than that. PLANNING TIPS: • KD boats are not frequent so make sure you check out the timetable in advance. In the mornings from Mainz, they only leave at 8:30am and 9:30am (less frequent in winter). • You can get off at various towns along the way but (and this is a big but) you need to carefully to coordinate your timing. Given the timing issues, it is best to attempt only one town. If you get off, make sure you know know when the next boat is coming and keep an eye on the time. If you miss it, you won’t be stranded because can still get a train (but you will miss your cruise). • The timetable is just plain difficult to read. I relied on double-checking our timing with staff before we got on and off. • Ticket prices vary depending on how many zones you are doing. Mainz to St Goars was €52 (€59 return). • A return ticket is good value but we opted to get the boat one way and the train back. Return boats don't leave until quite late in the day and the trip back is against the current so it takes a lot longer. Beautiful as the cruise is, once you have done it, you don't really want to do it all over again. • It is worth noting that the boat was very steady. I am tend to get sea-sick but I was fine and didn't feel at all unwell. • Take a hat and sunglasses but also take something warm. It was a beautiful sunny day but it still got cold on the water in the afternoon.
10. Speyer Cathedral
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,148 reviews
The cathedral St. Mary and St. Stephen in Speyer is church that is unique in its spiritual, architectural, and historical dimensions. Day for day this house of God, founded in the 11th century, casts its spell on people, serves as a site of contemplation and prayer, and testifies to the legacy of romanesque architecture. Furthermore, the cathedral of Speyer is the gravesite of Salian, Staufer, and Habsburg rulers, thus functioning as a symbol of the medieval emperorship. In 1981, the cathedral was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list. As an episcopal church, the cathedral of Speyer is the spiritual centre of the diocese Speyer. Built in the Middle Ages as a house (Latin: domus) of God, to this very day its entire architecture serves to lead mankind to the Lord: the floor plan, the decoration, and all measurements serve this purpose. As an episcopal cathedral church, as the cathedral's parish church, as a place of pilgrimage: mass is celebrated here every day of the week.
Reviewed By 476jael - Long Island, United States
Since the era of Holy Roman Empire, Speyer Cathedral (Dom zu Unserer lieben Frau in Speyer) has been a most important Romanesque cathedral with proud history. Many German emperors and kings along with their spouses had been buried in the cathedral. In Spyer, where this cathedral played dominant religious role, the controversial Edicts of Worms and Spyer were protested by six princes and representatives of 14 Imperial Free Cities, aiding expanson of Protestantism. This cathedral is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. During our Viking River Cruise’ “Rhine Getaway” journey, we visited this cathedral which was within a walking distance from the ship’s pier. On the side of the cathedral, we saw the Mount of Olives sculpture and the cathedral’s gift shop building. From outside, the cathedral with red sandstorm walls, copper topped nave, domes and towers looked more like a solid fortress than a basilica. Upon entering the heavy metal center door, we faced awe inspiring nave with double-bay vault system. The nave with solid stone columns did not have ornate decors seen in basilicas in Italy. There were no stained glass windows either. Altar area and pipe organs were also rather simple and stoic. And yet, the cathedral was awe inspiring especially when we thought about its status during pre-Reformation era. Upon exiting the cathedral through the center door, we faced a huge plaza with Speyer City Hall and the main road leading to the ciy center with other churches and shops. The visit was memorable.
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