Rhineland-Palatinate Travel Guide

Introduction

Rhineland-Palatinate (Rheinland-Pfalz in German) is is reputed for its rugged landscapes, as well as its wines from the valleys of the Moselle and Rhine. Indeed, this state produces 2/3 of all German wines, and is the only state to have a wine minister.

Rhineland-Palatinate has a land area of 19,847 km², slightly smaller than Slovenia or Israel. It has a population of 4,053,000 inhabitants, and is divided into 3 administrative regions (Regierungsbezirke), divided into 24 districts (Kreise) and 12 urban districts (kreisfreie Städte). The 24 districts are further divided in 163 Verbandsgemeinden (administrative units unique to the Rhineland-Palatinate), themselves subdivided in nearly 2200 Ortsgemeinden.

In 2002, the Rhine Gorge (the 65km section of the river between Koblenz and Bingen) was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site for for its unique combination of geological, historical and cultural elements.

Famous people from Rhineland-Palatinate include (chronologically): the printing pioneer Johannes Gutenberg, the statesman and diplomat Prince Klemens von Metternich, the Nobel Prize physicist Max von Laue, the Nobel Prize chemist Hermann Staudinger, and the physicist Hans Geiger.

History of the Rhineland-Palatinate

Settled by Celtic and Germanic tribes in ancient times, the region was conquered by the Romans and remained part of the empire for four centuries.

In 413, the city of Worms became the capital of a short-lived Burgundian kingdom, immortalised in the Medieval epic poem Niebelungenlied ("Song of the Nibelungs"), on which Richard Wagner based his longest and most famous opera, Der Ring des Nibelungen.

By the end of the 5th century, the Rhineland-Palatinate was annexed to the Frankish kingdom by Clovis (466-511). The name "Palatinate" comes from "palace" and is a reference to the Aachen residence of the other great Frankish monarch, Charlemagne (742-814).

From the late Middles Ages until the dissolution of the Holy Roman Empire in 1806, what is now Rhineland-Palatinate belonged to the a multitude of small states, including the County of Sayn (many historical subdivisions), the County of Sponheim, the County of Salm (numerous subdivisions), the Electoral Palatinate (many subdivisions), the Duchy of Palatinate-Zweibrücken, the Duchy of Nassau, the Duchy of Luxembourg, the Bishopric of Worms, the Bishopric of Speyer, the Bishopric of Mainz and the Prince-Archbishopric of Trier.

Three of the seven Prince-Electors (Kurfürsten in German, i.e. the members of the electoral college electing the Holy Roman Emperors), came from what is now Rhineland-Palatinate : the Archbishop of Mainz, the Archbishop of Trier and the Count Palatine of the Rhine. Adding the nearby Archbishopric of Cologne, the relatively small Rhineland region had a disproportionate power compared to its size within the Empire. This is probably explained by the facts that Rhineland was the core of the Frankish kingdom and of Charlemagne's Empire.

Clickable Tourist Map of Rhineland-Palatinate

Note that dots, castle icons and national parks are not clickable on the mobile version. Please use the desktop version for optimal navigation.

Blank map of Rhineland-Palatinate by Grundkarte TUBS, Relief by Alexrk2. Tourist locations by Maciamo. CC BY-SA 3.0.

Attractions

Main cities

Listed from west to east and from north to south.

Koblenz

Built strategically at the confluence of the Rhine with the Moselle, Koblenz is known for its historical sites such as the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, which offers panoramic views of the area, and the Deutsches Eck, a promontory marking the meeting point of the two rivers. The city features a well-preserved old town with traditional architecture, museums, and churches like St. Castor Basilica. Koblenz is also a starting point for river cruises along the Rhine and Moselle, providing access to nearby castles and vineyards. The city has good transport connections, including a train station and proximity to Frankfurt-Hahn Airport.

Trier (※)

Once the capital of the Western Roman Empire and the largest city north of the Alps, Trier is now a provincial city at the boundary of Luxembourg. The country’s oldest city features well-preserved Roman architecture, including the Porta Nigra gate, Roman baths, and an amphitheatre. The city is also home to the Trier Cathedral, which dates back to Roman times and houses important religious relics. Visitors can explore several museums, such as the Rheinisches Landesmuseum, which showcases Roman artefacts, and enjoy the local wine culture in the surrounding Moselle region. Trier offers a mix of historical sites and modern amenities, making it a convenient destination for those interested in history and culture.

Mainz (※)

The capital of Rhineland-Palatinate is immediately recognisable by the pink-reddish sandstones of its buildings. The old seat of an archbishopric and an electorate, Mainz is known as the home of Johannes Gutenberg, who developed the printing press with movable type in the 15th century, and the Gutenberg Museum houses two of his original bibles. Its skyline is dominated by the Romanesque Mainz Cathedral, which dates back more than a thousand years. Other notable sites include the Old Town with its market square and half-timbered houses, and St. Stephen's Church, which contains a series of blue stained-glass windows by artist Marc Chagall. The city is also a prominent centre for the German wine industry.

Neustadt an der Weinstrasse

Neustadt an der Weinstrasse is a town situated on the German Wine Route and acting as a primary centre for the region's wine production. The town centre contains a market square with its Gothic collegiate church, alongside streets of well-preserved half-timbered houses. Nearby, Hambach Castle stands on a hill overlooking the town; it was the location of the 1832 Hambach Festival, a key event in the history of German democracy. Positioned on the edge of the Palatinate Forest, the area offers numerous walking and cycling trails, and each autumn the town hosts the German Grape Harvest Festival, which includes the election of the German Wine Queen.

Worms (※)

The city of Worms has left an indelible mark on history twice. In 413, it became the capital of the first Burgundian kingdom, which destruction by the Huns 24 years later provided the source for the medieval epic poem, the Nibelungenlied. In 1521 the city held the Diet of Worms, where Martin Luther was made to answer for his teachings. The city's Jewish heritage is also prominent; as one of the historic ShUM cities, it is home to the Heiliger Sand, Europe's oldest surviving Jewish cemetery. Key structures for any visitor include the Romanesque Worms Cathedral, one of the three Rhenish Imperial Cathedrals, the extensive Luther Monument, and the reconstructed Rashi Synagogue in the city centre.

Landau in der Pfalz

Landau in der Pfalz is a university town with about 47,000 residents in Germany's Palatinate wine region, situated on the German Wine Route. As one of the country's largest wine-growing townships, it is surrounded by vineyards and is a centre for the wine industry. The old town is defined by a ring road that follows the path of former fortifications. Its architecture includes an Art Nouveau convention hall (Festhalle), a town hall (Rathaus), and the historic Collegiate Church (Stiftskirche). Attractions include the Landau Zoo, which keeps animals in natural enclosures, the Reptilium reptile house, and the LA OLA water park. The town is also where the landau horse-drawn carriage was first made.

Speyer (※)

Dominated by its Romanesque cathedral, Speyer is one of Germany's oldest cities and the resting place of eight medieval emperors and kings of the Salian, Staufer and Habsburg dynasties. The city offers a mix of historical architecture, including the medieval Old Town and the Technik Museum, which features vintage aircraft and locomotives. Visitors can also explore the local wine culture, as the surrounding area is part of the Palatinate wine region. Speyer provides a range of shops, cafes, and riverfront promenades, making it a practical stop for exploring southwestern Germany.

Moselle Valley

Listed from northeast to southwest (from Koblenz towards Trier).

Cochem

Set on the banks of the Moselle River and surrounded by vineyards, Cochem is noted for Reichsburg Cochem, a hilltop castle reconstructed in the 19th century, which provides panoramic views over the valley. The historic old town features winding streets, half-timbered houses dating back to the Middle Ages, and a market square with a Gothic town hall and daily chimes. Visitors can explore the riverside promenades, sample local Riesling wines, ride the Cochemer Sesselbahn (chair lift) for views of the area, and enjoy river cruises along the Moselle. Cochem is also close to hiking trails, a historic mustard mill, and a Cold War-era Bundesbank bunker open to tours. Despite its population of just over 5,000, the town serves as a focal point for exploring the Moselle valley and its cultural sites.

Eltz Castle

Burg Eltz is a medieval castle situated in the hills above the Moselle River. It is notable for having remained in the possession of the same family for over 850 years through more than 33 generations. The structure is a 'Ganerbenburg', a castle designed to be inhabited by several family lines at once, which explains its complex layout with multiple residential sections and towers. Due to its secluded location and successful diplomacy, the castle was never destroyed by conflict, preserving much of its original architecture and substance. Portions of the castle, including rooms with period furnishings and a treasury with gold and silver artefacts, are open to the public for viewing.

Bad Bertrich

Bad Bertrich is a small spa town located in the Vulkaneifel region renowned for its natural thermal spring—the only Glauber's salt thermal spring in the country. The area is particularly popular for wellness tourism, with the Vulkaneifel Thermal Spa offering pools, saunas, and relaxation facilities. Visitors can explore extensive walking and cycling routes, taking in the volcanic landscapes, forests, and nearby river valleys. Key attractions include landscaped parks such as the Römerkessel, historic sites like Kurfürstliches Schlösschen, and natural features including the Maischquelle spring and Elfengrotte cave. The town’s location provides easy access to the Moselle region’s vineyards, as well as cultural sites in Cochem and Trier. Bad Bertrich maintains a tranquil atmosphere and is suited to those seeking outdoor activities, health treatments, and scenic surroundings.

Beilstein

Overlooked by the ruins of Metternich Castle, Beilstein's centre contains a market square lined with traditional half-timbered houses. Key buildings include the Baroque Carmelite monastery church of St. Joseph. The local economy is based on tourism and viticulture, with vineyards occupying the steep surrounding slopes. Visitors navigate the town's narrow, cobbled streets on foot, and a ferry service operates across the river. Due to its preserved state and quiet character, it is often referred to as the 'Sleeping Beauty of the Moselle'.

Marienburg an der Mosel

Marienburg an der Mosel is situated on a mountain ridge above the narrowest point of the Moselle river’s Zeller Hamm loop, providing clear views of the vineyards and villages in the Zell region. The Marienburg itself combines architectural elements spanning several centuries, including a 12th-century nave, a 15th-century late Gothic choir, and 18th-century features, reflecting its diverse history as a former castle, Augustinian convent, and later a Baroque period rebuild. Today, the Marienburg hosts a youth education centre and guest house. The area is known for hiking routes such as the circular trail passing the Prinzenkopf tower, where visitors can experience panoramic views of the Moselle valley and the surrounding countryside. The location is accessible by road and features regular public transport connections to nearby Zell and Bullay.

Zell an der Mosel

Zell an der Mosel is a wine town situated on a prominent bend of the Moselle River. It is principally known for its "Zeller Schwarze Katz" wine, a brand based on a local legend about a black cat identifying the finest barrel of wine. The town's centre features half-timbered buildings, a pedestrianised area, and remnants of its former fortifications, such as the Round Tower. Its location, with steep slopes covered in vineyards, offers opportunities for hiking and cycling, while boat trips operate on the river. Key points of interest include the Schwarze Katz fountain and the Collis Tower, which provides views across the valley.

Bernkastel-Kues

Bernkastel-Kues is divided by the Mosel River into two main districts, Bernkastel and Kues, which are linked by a bridge. It is a recognised health resort and serves as the centre of the Middle Mosel wine region, particularly known for its Riesling wines grown on steep vineyards. Key landmarks include the medieval market square in Bernkastel, which features numerous half-timbered houses and a town hall built in 1608. Overlooking the town are the ruins of Landshut Castle. The Kues district is the location of the St. Nikolaus-Hospital, a 15th-century almshouse founded by the philosopher and theologian Nicholas of Cusa, who was born there. The local economy is significantly based on viticulture and tourism, with activities such as wine tasting, river cruises, and hiking available to visitors.

Traben-Trarbach

Traben-Trarbach lies on both banks of the Moselle River and is notable for its rich tradition of wine production and export, particularly Riesling. The town is recognised for its extensive Art Nouveau architecture, with buildings such as the Hotel Bellevue and Brückentor reflecting the prosperity gained from the wine trade around the turn of the 20th century. Visitors can explore the remnants of Grevenburg Castle, access a network of historic wine cellars, and stroll along riverside promenades. Traben-Trarbach is also home to the only thermal bath in the Moselle valley, using water drawn from a warm natural spring, and offers several museums covering local history and culture. The town provides a range of restaurants and cafes, regional wine tastings, and holds frequent events including wine festivals, particularly in July.