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- Romantic! TOURIST BOARD

TREASURE TROVE RHINELAND-PALATINATE ROMANTIC On the of crowned heads The most beautiful sights The most brilliant trip highlights The best holiday offers

Marksburg Castle near , Romantic Welcome to the Rhineland -Palatinate!

Contents , Palatinate

3 Map 4 -10 Rhineland-Palatinate Holiday themes, events and trip highlights 11-15 Holiday offers All-inclusive offers from regional partners 16 Information for tour operators Our service for international tour operators 17 Contact, quality initiatives, publishing information

www.romantic-germany.info Overview of partners and regions

Cologne

North Rhine-Westphalia Bad Neuenahr- Lahn Romantic Rhine Koblenz Daun Lahn valley CochemCochem am Eifel - Hunsrück Rhine Moselle Flughafen Ingelheim Frankfurt-Hahn a. Rhein Rheinhessen Nahe Alzey Idar-berstein Kirchheimbolanden Worms Bad Dürkheim Palatinate

Neustadt a.d. Weinstraße Saarbrücken Zweibrücken

Pirmasens Baden-Wuerttemberg

Romantic Cities und weitere in der Broschüre dargestellte rte

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Arrival DK S By air via Frankfurt-Hahn, Frankfurt/Main, Romantic Cities -Bonn, Luxemburg or Saarbrücken. IR Bremerhaven County towns and independent towns

There are good train connections via UK NL PL Rhineland-Palatinate Partner

Dover Luxembourg, Cologne and Frankfurt. By car Germany Köln

you can reach the Rhineland-Palatinate quite B Koblenz Frankfurt Trier CZ L Mainz easily via the A1, A3 or A61.

Paris F

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3 www.romantic-germany.info Holiday themes

Wine Delights and

Culinary Arts , Moselle-Saar

Rhineland-Palatinate is Germany‘s number one wine country. Six of Ger- many‘s thirteen wine regions are located in the region around the Rhine and the Moselle. From wine taverns to award- Shopping experience winning cuisine, they offer everything that Rhineland-Palatinate is known as a cultural heartland far beyond its the epicurean heart desires. Because good borders. But whoever visits cities in Romantic Germany knows that they also wine and culinary delicacies go together guarantee outstanding shopping experiences. A diverse shopping landscape more effortlessly in the Rhineland-Palati- awaits bargain hunters and individualists, since even the region‘s outlet scene is nate than anywhere else in Germany. impressive. Besides the large outlets like ‚The Style Outlets Zweibrücken‘ and the ‚Fashion Outlet Montabaur,‘ famous producers have factory outlets, too.

CitiesHidden treasuresand –Culture that is what the Romantic Cities between the Rhine and the Moselle can be called! Idar-Oberstein, A Paradise for Cyclists Koblenz, Mainz, Speyer, Trier and Worms offer picturesque old towns, cosy street cafes, imposing churches and cathedrals, proof of the Roman advanced civilisation and a multitude of events. At the same time the Rhineland-Palatinate is characterised by a diverse cultural landscape: four UNESCO World Heritage sites, numerous museums - among them three state museums - and countless castles and fortresses are only a few of the cultural highlights.

Leinsweiler, Palatinate

Romantic Germany is an excellent cycling region with a large selection of well-signed bike paths. Altogether, the quality-tested

trail network spans around 8,000 kilometres, with seven long-distance photo: Melanie Reuss bike paths and over 60 themed routes available. Cyclists who prefer to keep it relaxed can pedal along the banks of the Ahr, Lahn, Moselle, Nahe and Rhine and enjoy the different wine and river landscapes from the saddle. Athletically ambitious cyclists find what they‘re looking for in the densely wooded low mountain landscape of the Eifel, Hunsrück, Palatinate and Westerwald regions. Trier, Moselle-Saar

4 www.romantic-germany.info Discover Romantic Health and Germany barrier-free Wellness A holiday rich with experiences without having to forego comfort - this is what the ten regions in the Rhineland-Palatinate offer. Whether it‘s being active on the numerous handicapped-accessible and cycling paths or relaxing with wine and wellness - all guests get their money‘s worth here. ‚Travel for all - checked for accessibility‘ is what the seal states for reliable holiday and excursion planning. Accessibility certified

The natural landscapes in Rhineland-Palatinate are rich in natural treasures in the fresh air, miner- al-rich soils and thermal springs. These offer the ideal conditions for a healthy break. Special feel-good locations are the spas or health resorts. Relax in a thermal bath, undergo a Kneipp or Felke cure, or breathe in healthy air in a healing salt tunnel - the spas and health resorts use the natural conditions for the health and well-being of their guests. Bad Kreuznach, Nahe

Hiking in the Rhineland-Palatinate

RomanticChristmas Markets

Hiwweltour, Rheinhessen During the weeks of Advent, atmospheric Christmas markets and Christmas events The most densely forested Ger- in all regions of Romantic Germany invite man state in terms of area offers you for a visit. Small, hidden gems like Lucia a large-scale network of certified hik- Market in Rech and pre-Christmas activities ing that give access to all regions. On a total of twelve long amidst the scenery of tradition-rich and distance hiking trails and over 200 short and round trips you can let historical wall ruins get hearts of Christmas fans the symbiosis of culture and nature wash over you, without any type racing. Extraordinary places like the Moselle of hiking map, because the trails are all thoroughly signed and use ‚Wein-Nachts-Markt‘ (wine christmas market) a statewide unified system with signposts and kilometre indications. in the vaulted cellars on Traben-Trarbach attract many visitors.

5 www.romantic-germany.info Did you know? … that the oldest winegrowers’ cooperative in the world, which has also been voted the best in Germany, is located in Mayschoß?

... that (Lake Laach) is the largest lake in Rhine- View of Mayschoss, Ahr valley land-Palatinate?

… that Hunsrück-Hochwald National Park, the only one in the Rhineland-Palatinate, has the largest population of wild- cats in ?

… that the marble from the Lahn was used in the Empire State Building, in the Hermitage in St. Petersburg, as well as the Kremlin in Moscow?

A wildcat in the Hunsrück-Hochwald … that Hildegard von Bingen – abbess, poet, theologian, National Park naturalist and physician – spent her entire life in the Nahe holiday region?

… that 28 castles, palaces and ruins perched on the banks and tors of the Moselle and Saar adorn the region?

… that 80.000 kilogrammes of figs are harvested annually in the Palatinate and that due to the mild, Mediterranean climate, almonds, kiwis and Spanish chestnuts grow there too? The Landshut Castle ruins overlooking Bernkastel, Moselle -Saar … that the Rheinhessen region is the largest wine-growing region in Germany and the ‚Rheinhessen AUSGEZEICHNET‘ wine bars stand for stylish wine enjoyment?

… that the cold-water geyser in on the Rhine is consid- ered the largest of its kind in the world?

… that the only certified therapeutic cave in Rhineland‑Palatinate is in the Westerwald?

View from Wißberg, Rheinhessen

6 www.romantic-germany.info Events

AHR VALLEY Klangwelle 8 - 11 and 15 - 18/10/2020 · Bad Neuenahr-Ahrweiler Gigantic fountains spew billions of water droplets more than 30 metres into the night sky, fascinatingly synchronised to colourful light and laser effects, brilliant pieces of music ranging from classical to pop, and fiery pyrotech- nic displays. Klangwelle Bad Neuenahr_Ahrweiler combines water, fire, laser, light and music in a unique mega show that will definitely give visi-

tors goosebumps. `Beethoven meets Beathoven’, the theme of this year’s photo: Domimik Ketz Klangwelle celebrating the 250th anniversary of Beethoven’s birth, will most certainly make Kurpark Bad Neuenahr rock!

HUNSRÜCK Nature One EIFEL Manderscheider Burgenfest photo: I-Motion

31/7 - 2/8/2020 · The NATURE ONE, the largest rave festival in Germany, attracts up to 65,000 techno fans on the first weekend of August to the Pydna in Kastellaun in the Hunsrück region. 29 + 30/8/2020 // 28 + 29/8/2021 Over 300 DJs transform the former missile base to a pulsing Manderscheid techno city in the middle of nature. The Niederburg Manderscheid is the site of the Man- derscheid Historical Burgenfest. Here, mediaeval life is LAHN VALLEY Germany‘s largest flower brought to life. Minstrels, jesters, jugglers and craftsmen parade show off their skills. A highlight of the colourful spectacle 30/8/2020 // 29/8/2021 · Bad Ems is the knight competition. Every year, Germany‘s largest flower show transforms the Imperial Baths into a unique sea of flowers. More than 1.5 mil- lion flowers on 30 floats are paraded through the city, accom- panied by music from Europe‘s top orchestras, and delight tens of thousands of guests. A one-of-a-kind spectacle.

7 www.romantic-germany.info MOSELLE-SAAR Moselle Music Festival July - December · diverse venues throughout the Moselle region RHEINHESSEN Nibelungen Festival 17/7 - 2/8/2020 // 16/7 - 1/8/2021 · Worms photo: Bernward Bertram

The Nibelungen Festival draws thousands of visitors each year. With the as a backdrop, a thrilling the- photo: Chris Marmann atre experience becomes reality. The top-class theatre event The Moselle Music Festival happens annually between is rounded out with concerts and readings in extraordinary July and December and enchants the entire Moselle atmospheres. region with its unique venues. Exceptional projects, concerts with legendary soloists and spectacular solo ROMANTIC RHINE Rhine in flames programs are offered. May to October // e. g. 4/7/2020 // 3/7/2021 Bingen/Rüdesheim

NAHE Medieval market with knight competition 18 - 20/9/2020 // 17 - 19/9/2021 · Bad Münster am Stein-Ebernburg, Ebernburg historical town centre The market is known as one of the most beautiful mediaeval spectacles in Germany. Over a period of three days there is juggling, music and dancing entertainment on the market grounds. Proud knights compete at the knight tournament with the mighty Rotenfels as their backdrop. A very special highlight along the Romantic Rhine is the PALATINATE Adventure Day on the annual ‚Rhine in Flames‘ fireworks spectacle held in five dif- Road ferent locations with aerial fireworks, riverside promenades Always the last Sunday in August: 30/8/2020 // illuminated with flares and festively illuminated ship fleets. 29/8/2021 · From Bockenheim to Schweigen along the German Wine Road ROMANTIC RHINE Historical re-enactments On the last Sunday in August, the German Wine Road becomes 21 and 23 - 24/5/2020 · Koblenz-Ehrenbreitstein the longest festival road in the Republic: Along 85 kilometres, The popular historical re-enactments at Ehrenbreitstein For- locals and visitors alike celebrate the car-free Wine Road Adven- tress provide the perfect opportunity to directly explore and ture Day and enjoy regional specialities and a lively entertain- experience bygone eras and 3,000 years of history. Hun- ment program amidst the picturesque vineyard landscape. dreds of re-enactors contribute to an unforgettable experi- ence for visitors of all ages, recreating a Celtic artisan village, a Roman camp, a medieval market, tableaux and a Prussian artillery regiment.

8 www.romantic-germany.info WESTERWALD Christmas TREASURE Village 29/11/2020 - 31/1/2021 · Waldbreitbach TROVE RHINELAND-PALATINATE On the trail of crowned heads

STATE EXHIBITION: THE EMPER- ORS AND THE PILLARS OF THEIR POWER – FROM CHARLEMAGNE TO FREDERICK BARBAROSSA 9/9/2020 – 18/4/2021 // Mainz State Museum How did Charlemagne and Frederick Barbarossa accede

photo: Andreas Pacek to the imperial throne? And were there networks and A crib exhibition comprising more than 2,500 cribs from all lobbies in the ? over the world is open to visitors until the end of January VON KARL DEM GROSSEN BIS FRIEDRICH BARBAROSSA ‘The and the Pil- 2020. Other attractions include a floating Advent wreath lars of their Power’, a major and nativity scene on the , and the `Star of Bethle- STATE EXHIBITION state exhibition that will be hem,’ an amazing hiking trail connecting several cribs. 9.9.2020 – 18.4.2021 held at the Mainz State Museum between 9 Sep-

tember 2020 and 18 April

LANDESAUSSTELLUNG LANDESMUSEUM MAINZ 9 9 2020 BIS 18 4 2021 Sign. D 11 Abbildung: HLB , Welfenchronik) (Weingartner www Kaiser2020 de 2021, will address precisely these questions. The fasci- nating display of unique exhibits will shed light on the dynamic and complex network of relationships between emperors and kings, knights and imperial princes, and citizens and cities for the first time ever. The Niederburg Castle ruins overlooking Kobern, Moselle-Saar

9 www.romantic-germany.info TREASURE TROVE RHINELAND-PALATINATE On the trail of crowned heads

• Historical, palaces, castles and fortresses No other region in Germany offers such a concentration of enchanting ruins, magnifi- cent fortresses and fairy tale castles. Stories from a long-forgotten time and an almost magical atmosphere make a visit to the historical witnesses an unforgettable experi- ence - for example, , where King Richard the Lion-Hearted was once imprisoned, in Koblenz or the mediaeval Marksburg, the only Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, Romantic Rhine fortress on the that was never destroyed.

• UNESCO World Heritage sites In the Rhineland-Palatinate there are cultural and natural landscapes that are so extraordinary, UNESCO has placed them under protection. Highlights of Western culture, as well as unique landscapes, are what characterise Highlights the ancient World Heritage sites in Trier, the , the Roman (Frontiers of the ), as well as the Upper Middle Rhine Valley and the Nature and Geopark, recognised as a UNESCO Global Geopark.

• Legendary Rhine and Moselle river cruises The popular route from Koblenz to Bingen is one of the most beautiful sections of the Rhine. A passing by steep cliffs, vineyards, romantic castles and fortresses, as well as towns with half-timbered houses, is unforgettable. There are numerous boarding points for guests along the route, and most stop multiple times a day in summer.

• Enjoying wine and modern wine architecture The exquisite wines from the Rhineland-Palatinate are known to wine enthusiasts all around the world. The traditional wine festivals in autumn are an absolute must. Vintners offer wine tastings everywhere in the wine region. Overnight stays at a winery are also possible, as is a visit to the vineyard with the vintner. Countless, architectural award-winning wineries and wine bars are perfect for wine tastings in an extraordinary environment.

Legendary! ROMANTIC RHINE • Castles and Palaces The Romantic Rhine gained its popularity when famous writers, poets and artists of the 19th century, like William Turner, discov - ered the beauty of this region. Visitors to this day are awe-struck when travelling along one of the most important in Europe. The region offers the world’s largest density of castles, palaces and fortresses with more than 60 of those witnesses of the past. While some castles lie in ruins, others can still be visited and some

Marksburg castle in the Middle Rhine Valley even offer restaurants and hotels. Simply legendary!

10 www.romantic-germany.info www.romantischer-rhein.de/packages/wine The hiking trail: A sea of vines commanding a view of Pfalzgrafenstein Castle [email protected]

Wine and World Heritage Stories of hidden treasures and the lovely Loreley

The Rhine Valley is breathtakingly beautiful, shrouded in myth and , and rich in cultural history. No wonder the UNESCO com- mittee declared the Upper Middle Rhine Valley a site of world heritage. Castles, famous wine villages and prestigious vine- yards line the valleys‘ steep sides. The ‚World Heritage hosts‘ welcome visitors with high-quality regional products in their hotels and restaurants. The Rhine Valley is famous for its and for its Rhineland cheer. Get to know the wines Holiday offer includes: of the region over gourmet dinners on two evenings and enjoy • Three nights in a deluxe double room with a sumptuous a rucksack picnic on a walking or cycling tour (rental bikes breakfast in 3-star-hotel recommended by us included). The highlight is a riverboat cruise through the Loreley • Two gourmet meals with matching wines from the World valley. Heritage Valley • World Heritage atlas (information booklet) • Rucksack packed with a selection of treats and a bottle of wine • Free use of bicycles • Riverboat cruise along the Loreley Valley

Price per person in double room from € 329,–/ single room from € 395,-

ROMANTISCHER RHEIN TOURISMUS GMBH An der Königsbach 8 - 56075 Koblenz Tel.: +49 261 973847-0

11 www.romantic-germany.info www.romantischer-rhein.de/packages/masterpieces Palace near Neuwied [email protected] Masterpieces between Rhine and Moselle Come and discover some of the most exceptional places on the Rhine! Set off on an inspiring journey to monuments that bear witness to 2000 years of civilisation, all located within one of Germany’s oldest cultural landscapes. Each of these nine selected Masterpieces has its own unique personality and thematic slant, offering fascinating insights and unforgettable moments for every visitor. Savour these cultural highlights as you journey through this stunning riverscape. Select three of the Masterpieces and tailor your own visit to suit your individual tastes and interests: Cultural: Sayn Culture Park, -Sayn Legendary: The Loreley Rock and Loreley Visitor Centre, St. Goarshausen Historical: RömerWelt (Roman World), Rheinbrohl Strategic: Pfalzgrafenstein Castle, Kaub The Geyser Discovery Centre in Andernach Medieval: Marksburg Castle, Artistic: The Arp Museum, Rolandseck Railway Station, Elemental: The Geyser and Geyser Discovery Centre, Andernach Holiday offer includes: Historical: Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, Koblenz • 2 x nights in a good mid-range hotel including breakfast Romantic: Stolzenfels Castle, Koblenz • Entrance to three selected Masterpieces

Price per person in double room from € 199,–/ single room from € 229,-

ROMANTISCHER RHEIN TOURISMUS GMBH An der Königsbach 8 - 56075 Koblenz Tel.: +49 261 973847-0 Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, Koblenz (photo: Holger Bernert)

12 www.romantic-germany.info www.romantischer-rhein.de/packages/familyfun The Rhine Cycle Route near Leutesdorf [email protected]

Family Fun along the Romantic Rhine Holidays along the Middle Rhine offer plenty of fun for you and your family!

A good way to explore the region is by bike: you can take the train from to . Cycling back, you will go mostly downhill along old train tracks. You can then either cycle back to your starting point via the Rhine Cycle Route or take one of the cruise boats or the regional train. Pack your bags with a nice lunch and discover the different (circular) hiking trails around the Romantic Rhine. Do you know the names of the many castles you pass? How many lizards hide in the cracks of the dry stone walls? There is always something Holiday offer includes: to explore… • 2 overnight stays with breakfast in a family friendly 3 star hotel If you need to take a rain check on outside activities because • Rental bikes for the time of your stay (extra charge for e-bikes) of bad weather, do not worry we prepared a list of fun things to • 2 packed hiking bags see and do. • Biking and hiking tour suggestions, including maps • Day ticket for a cruise on the Rhine with `Köln-Düsseldorfer‘ - Ticket for the “Hunsrückbahn”, including bike transport

Price per person in a double room from € 149,-/ single room from € 170,- children between 6 and 11 years: € 69,- (in their parents‘ room) children up to 5 years stay for free in their parents‘ room

ROMANTISCHER RHEIN TOURISMUS GMBH An der Königsbach 8 - 56075 Koblenz Tel.: +49 261 973847-0

13 www.romantic-germany.info www.ferienland-.de High in the hills of Cochem [email protected] Enjoy a refreshing combination of discovery and rest.

photo: Tourist-Information Ferienland Cochem

Holiday offer includes: • 3 nights including breakfast at a 3-star hotel • 1 chairlift ride to Pinnerkreuz overlooking the town

Price per person staying in a double room: € 299,-

TOURIST-INFORMATION FERIENLAND COCHEM Endertplatz 1 · 56812 Cochem · Tel.: +49 2671 600425 photo: Tourist-Information Ferienland Cochem

www.ferienland-cochem.de Cruise the river to Cochem [email protected] Discover Cochem and the unique natural beauty of the Moselle on a leisurely boat trip, and enjoy a 3-star well- ness programme in Cochem.

photo: Tourist-Information Ferienland Cochem

Holiday offer includes: • 3 nights including breakfast at a 3-star hotel • 1 round trip by boat

Price per person staying in a double room: € 299,-

photo: Tourist-Information Ferienland Cochem

TOURIST-INFORMATION FERIENLAND COCHEM Endertplatz 1 · 56812 Cochem · Tel.: +49 2671 600425

14 www.romantic-germany.info www.ferienland-cochem.de Discover the wines of Cochem [email protected] 3-star stay in Cochem including narrated wine tasting directly at the winemaker.

photo: Tourist-Information Ferienland Cochem

Holiday offer includes: • 3 nights including breakfast at a 3-star hotel • 1 narrated wine tasting Price per person staying in a double room: € 299,-

TOURIST-INFORMATION FERIENLAND COCHEM Endertplatz 1 · 56812 Cochem · Tel.: +49 2671 600425 photo: Tourist-Information Ferienland Cochem

Deutsches Eck, Koblenz

15 www.romantic-germany.info Information for tour operators

Are you looking for an experienced and reliable partner Please note: The offers in this brochure are available upon request in Rhineland-Palatinate with broad knowledge on the and are subject to availability. The conditions of the tour operator shall region? apply. Individual components, prices and conditions are subject to availability and can differ depending on the season. The Rheinland-Pfalz Tourismus GmbH offers a comprehensive inco- ming service in order to make your planning as easy as possible. We If you are interested in one of the offerings please contact the market have a large network of partners on-site, and we look forward to representative of the Rheinland-Pfalz Tourismus GmbH (contact data adding you to this network. below). They will inform the vendor of your request and will be happy to place you in direct contact with them. As part of our services we can assist with arranging: • Group travel Further details such as commissions agreements, contingencies and cancellation terms will be arranged directly with the vendor. • Special interest tours Subsequent bookings will happen directly with the vendor. • Hotel bookings

• Wine tastings

• River cruises Rheinland-Pfalz Tourismus GmbH • Seminars Contact person: Sebastian Risch • Excursions, events, city tours e-mail: [email protected] • Transfers, transportation, catering Tel.: +49 261 91520-75

• Subject-specific sight-seeing tours and much more.

The Rheinland-Pfalz Tourismus GmbH works with tour operators and is only travel mediator for the holiday offers in this brochure.

16 www.romantic-germany.info Berwartstein Castle in , Palatinate

Quality seal in Rhineland Palatinate

Accommodations with special Accommodations with hiking-friendly emphasis on service quality per furnishings and service. Germany-wide standards.

On-site offerings were reviewed by a Bett+Bike: Accommodations trained investigator for accessibility and with cyclist-friendly furnishings detailed information is available.

Accessibility and service. certified

Publisher: Rheinland-Pfalz Tourismus GmbH, Löhrstrasse 103-105, 56068 Koblenz, Germany Design: shapefruit AG, Bad Neuenahr, Germany Photos: All photos, unless otherwise noted: Rheinland-Pfalz Tourismus GmbH/Dominik Ketz, private service providers and sites, regional agencies in the Rhineland Palatinate, shutterstock.de

Subject to printing errors and price changes. January 2020

Rhineland-Palatinate TOURIST BOARD

17 www.romantic-germany.info Rhineland-Palatinate TOURIST BOARD www.romantic-germany.info