Top 7 Things to do in Rhineland Palatinate [Don’t Miss them!]

Exploring the Wonders of Rhineland Palatinate: A Hiking & Wine Paradise

As a physical therapist and hiking enthusiast, I’ve explored many corners of Europe, and I must say, Rhineland Palatinate stole my heart.

This beautiful region in western Germany is not only famous for its wines but also boasts an array of fun outdoor activities and breathtaking landscapes.

Top 7 Things to do in Rhineland Palatinate

Here are some things to do in Rhineland Palatinate that you shouldn’t miss.

1. Visit the romantic town of Cochem and admire the stunning Reichsburg Castle.

Cochem is a charming town located in the heart of the Moselle River Valley. One of the top attractions is the Cochem Chairlift Sesselbahn, which takes visitors on a slow and gentle ride up to the Pinnerkreuz overlook. From here, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside and the Moselle River.

There are plenty of activities to do in Cochem, aside from taking a ride on the chairlift. Visitors can explore the quaint town center and admire the half-timbered houses or visit the Reichsburg Castle, which dates back to the 11th century.

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing vacation or an adventure-filled getaway, Cochem has something for everyone.

Wine enthusiasts can also explore the local vineyards and sample some of the region’s best wines. Additionally, outdoor enthusiasts can hike or bike the Moselsteig trail, which offers stunning views of the river valley.

Other popular activities to do in Cochem include taking a river cruise on the Moselle River, visiting the Cochem Imperial Castle, and exploring the local museums.

2. Take a bike ride along the Mosel River, and stop for a wine tasting at one of the many wineries.

If you dream of off-the-beaten path half-timbered wine villages littered with cozy alleys so narrow you aren’t sure a compact car could get through, then a visit to Ürzig Germany is for you.

The tranquil village of Urzig is filled with tempting restaurants, stunning hikes, and tiny wine tasting rooms staffed by one of the 30 family-run wineries from the steep hillside vineyards.

Less popular than it’s neighbours Traben-Trarbach and Bernkastel-Kues, Urzig offers space to soak up the local atmosphere without crowds.

Hike Through Europe’s Steepest Vineyard on the Calmont Klettersteig

Looking for an adventure while exploring the Calmont Wine and vineyard region? Look no further than the Calmont Klettersteig! This tiny Klettersteig (or via ferrata) includes metal ladders to traverse the 2000-year-old vineyards, making for a unique and exciting hiking experience.

And the best part? You can mix your adventure with 2000 years of culture in the Calmont Wine and vineyard and Bremmer Calmont Region.

But don’t worry, the Calmont Klettersteig isn’t all aggressive work! Along the trail, strategically located vending machines known as wine automats dispense cold wines from local vintners, making for a refreshing break during your hike.

It offers some of the most dramatic Mosel hiking experiences along the 365 km long Moselsteig hiking and biking route.

3. Explore the beautiful city of Trier, known for its ancient Roman ruins.

One of the best things to do in Trier Germany is soak in the mystery of the Trierer Dom. This ancient cathedral is known for housing a part of Jesus’s crucifixion robes and it’s only on display 10 days per year.

Not only is Trier an outdoor paradise, it’s also a cultural hub. It is the oldest Roman city in Germany and offers museums, cathedrals, and ancient Roman entities.

4. Go hiking in the Palatinate Forest, the largest contiguous forest in Germany.

5. Take a dip in one of the region’s many thermal baths, such as Bad Bertrich or Bad Kreuznach.

Bad Kreuznach is a charming town located in the Rhineland-Palatinate region of Germany. It is a perfect destination for those looking to relax and unwind, as it boasts numerous German saunas and thermal spas and wellness centers. The town is surrounded by beautiful vineyards and forests, making it a popular spot for hiking and cycling.

One of the main attractions is the Crucenia Thermen, which offers a unique German sauna experience. Visitors can also explore the historic Old Town, with its beautiful architecture and quaint shops.

The Kurhaus, a beautiful building with an ornate façade, hosts various cultural events and concerts. For those looking to experience the local wine culture, a visit to the Wine Museum or one of the many vineyards is a must.

Overall, Bad Kreuznach is a hidden gem in Germany that should not be missed.

6. Visit The Romantic Rhine

Adorable Wine Villages

Bachackarach, etc

Hiking the Rhine Castles Trail

If you’re looking for a hiking trail that combines stunning natural scenery If you’re looking for a hiking trail that combines stunning natural scenery, rich cultural history, and breathtaking views, this is an excellent choice.

It is divided into 13 stages, each offering breathtaking views of the Rhine Valley Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The trail takes hikers through a cultural landscape dotted with vineyards, castles, and forts, making it a off-the-beaten path destination for Nature and culture lovers.

You should definitely test your nerves on the Mittelrhein Klettersteig which is a short 5km section with ladders, rungs and wire cables to assist your hike.

7. Attend a traditional wine festival, such as the “Wurstmarkt” in Bad Dürkheim or the “Rheinland-Pfalz-Tag.”

Rhineland Palatinate is a destination that offers something for everyone, from nature lovers to history buffs to wine enthusiasts.

Don’t miss out on the chance to experience all that this beautiful region has to offer!

Deep Dive on Hiking in the Palatinate Forest

Pfalzer Wald, or Palatinate Forest, is a nature park in southwestern Germany that covers 1,771 square kilometers. This low-mountain region in the state of Rhineland-Palatinate is a designated nature park that offers a range of exciting activities for outdoor enthusiasts.

The Pfalzer Wald is a perfect mix of history-filled hikes, pagan and Celtic culture, German culture, cute hütten to stop and get delicious food and drinks, and an abundance of nature.

Discovering Pfälzer Wald

Pfalzer Wald, also known as Palatine Forest, is a fascinating natural paradise that stretches across southwestern Germany.  It’s perfect for people that want a dose of Nature to have endless trails for hiking, mountain biking, strolling, paddleboarding, birdwatching or whatever peace-filled adventure they desire.

This region forms part of the UNESCO-designated Palatinate Forest-North Vosges Biosphere Reserve.

History-filled Hikes

The Palatinate Forest is home to several historic landmarks that offer hikers a glimpse into the past. The Northern Palatinate Forest is an area that is bounded by the extensive northern Palatine hill landscape and stretches southwards to a line from Kaiserslautern to Bad Duerkheim.

The region is home to several ruins, such as the Hardenburg Castle near Bad Dürkheim, which dates back to the 12th century. Hikers can also explore the ruins of Höningen Abbey (1120-1569), which is located near St. James’ Church.

Pagan and Celtic Culture

Pfalzer Wald is also steeped in pagan and Celtic culture, which adds to its charm. The forest is home to several pagan sites that date back to the Iron Age, such as the Donnersberg, which was a Celtic oppidum.

The Donnersberg is the highest peak in the Palatinate Forest, and hikers can explore its summit and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

The forest is also home to several Celtic ring walls, such as the Kleine and Große Heldenmauer, which offer hikers a glimpse into the past.

German Culture

The Palatinate Forest is an area rich in German culture, and hikers can explore several quaint villages and towns that offer a unique insight into German culture.

The Weinstrasse, which is located between the Haardt and the Upper Rhine Plain, is a region where Palatine wines are grown. The German Wine Route runs through this zone of hills, and hikers can stop by several wine villages along the way.

Cute Hütten to Stop and Get Delicious Food and Drinks

The Palatinate Forest is home to several charming hütten that offer hikers delicious food and drinks. These hütten are located in scenic spots and offer a perfect opportunity for hikers to rest and refuel.

The PVV club is an organization that manages these forest huts, many of which offer sleeping bunks to multi-day hikers or families that want a weekend in Nature.

Hikers can stop by the Wasgau forest, which is known for its charming castles and cone-shaped mountains. The region is home to several hütten, such as the Kalmithütte, which offers hikers a stunning view of the Kalmit Mountain.

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