19 Things to Do in Rhineland-Palatinate & Places to Visit

A variety of exciting things to do in Rhineland-Palatinate awaits. This charming southwest German state is bordered by 3 European countries (France, Belgium, and Luxembourg) and is encircled with natural beauty, breathtaking views, and rich tourist attractions.

This abundance makes Rhineland-Palatinate an excellent state to visit, stay and explore. Want to explore this lovely destination? Check out the list of best things to do in Rhineland-Palatinate below.

It can be your guide on planning your trip to Germany, a guide on where to go, the best places to visit, and other key Germany travel tips to make the most of your trip.

Without further ado, let’s dive into the list of Rhineland-Palatinate adventures.

A Journey through the Rhine Valley - Travel VLOG Itinerary

Things to do in Rhineland-Palatinate & Places to Visit

Deutsches Eck

Address: Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer, 56068 Koblenz, Germany

There are many fascinating castles in Germany, and in Wierschem near Koblenz, Eltz Castle is an attraction not to miss. It is a majestic Medieval Castle within the heart and the lush green of the Eltz forest. The castle stood for over 850 years and is among the spectacular palaces and popular destinations in town.

An opportunity to relax in serene and romantic surroundings is an experience that the castle gives its visitors, as from the picturesque sceneries from its 70 meters high. Eltz Castle’s red timber-colored outer walls make it different from the others.

The Knight’s Hall, Castle’s Upper and Lower Hall, and the Armoury were among the features and highlights. The castle provides an ambiance of walking into the Middle Ages as a royal, filled with vibrant medieval culture, structures, and furnishings.

Eltz Castle is a well-preserved and maintained castle on the Rhine River’s left bank, a place that has been owned by the same family for over 33 generations.

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Eltz Castle

Address: 56294 Wierschem, Germany

Germany is undeniably a country that is rich in history, and various monuments were created to commemorate such events. In Koblenz, Deutsches Eck is among the destinations to see a spectacular monument in town and Germany.

In 1216, the Teutonic Order at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers, a settlement named “Deutsches Eck” was named to this historical site.

It is a popular tourist attraction where the regal statue of the first German Emperor, Kaiser Wilhelm I, was built in 1897. It was erected to commemorate the emperor’s role in the unification of Germany after three consecutive years of war.

The building of this monument was brought up after Kaiser Wilhelm I’s Death, and the former leader’s grandson, Kaiser Wilhelm II, chose the beautiful place of Deutsches Eck as a suitable area to build the monument. Now, the monument has become an immense iconic attraction as well as a symbol in Germany.

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Marksburg

Address: 56338 Braubach, Germany

Marksburg is a sophisticated castle located in Braubach, Germany. It is abundant in the impression of a magnificent Middle Ages castle from its medieval fort history.

It was initially known as Burg Braubach but was later renamed Marksburg. The castle is strategically built high above a hill and on the right bank of the Rhine River.

The manor has spectacular overlooking views of Braubach due to its location, where it is perched on a cone-shaped hill. This makes Marksburg a beautiful castle and an ideal spot to catch breathtaking views and sceneries.

It features Notches Gate and Fox Gate, striking giant gates that open and lead to the other part of the manor. There is a high Tower Keep in Marksburg with a height of 39 meters.

The tower is built in the castle’s heart and surrounded by lush trees. Aside from the gates and outlook, the furnishings and interior design of the court are a sight to behold. Also, the antique and interesting cannons are displayed in the castle’s armory.

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Cochem Castle

Address: Schlossstraße 36, 56812 Cochem, Germany

When visiting Cochem, Germany, one of the popular attractions to see is Cochem Castle. It is an eye-catching castle with imperial and neo-gothic-style attractions in town.

The castle is also recognized as Reichsburg Castle, and it is perched 330 ft above the fascinating river Moselle and located in the historic city of Cochem. It is a well-known attraction and among Germany’s beautiful must-see castles.

As Cochem Castle is perched above the town and the Moselle River, it captures picturesque sights and overlooks views of the town and the river. The castle has gone through various renovations. It initially had a Romanesque style and turned into a neo-Gothic castle.

Today, the castle stands with still touches of Romanesque style among its dominated neo-Gothic style, making it more special. Cochem is a small town that is often overlooked but has a lot to offer, such as Cochem Castle.

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Niederwald Denkmal

Address: 65385 Rüdesheim am Rhein, Germany

There are many great monuments to see in Rüdesheim am Rhein, Germany, and visiting one is memorable in Rhineland-Palatinate.

This monument is the Niederwald Denkmal, built from 1871 to 1883. The memorial was erected to commemorate the Unification of Germany. It is located in the prominent UNESCO World Heritage Site in Germany, the Rhine Gorge, and perched in the heart of Rheingau.

The monument’s relief showcases a total of 133 people. The entire memorial rises from 38.18 meters and weighs about 75 tons. A fascinating monument seen from afar for Niederwald Denkmal is the most conspicuous. At the same time, the most significant part is the Germania, an astonishing figure that holds the imperial crown in her right hand.

Niederwald Denkmal to commemorate the Franco-Prussian War and the German Unification it brings. The monuments have carvings about the 1870 to 1871 German unanimous victory and Germany’s reestablished Empire.

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Ehrenbreitstein Fortress

Address: 56077 Koblenz, Germany

Ehrenbreitstein Fortress is a spectacular fortress in Koblenz, and checking this attraction is incredible in Rhineland-Palatinate state. The fort is Koblenz’s most popular attraction. It is located 118 meters above where the Rhine east bank and Moselle rivers meet. It is an ideal destination to get access to the fascinating overlook views of Koblenz and the rivers.

The fortress was built from 1817 to 1828 and is considered Europe’s second-largest preserved fortress. Ehrenbreitstein Fortress is named after Ehrenbert Conradine that had the fotress built.

The fortress is named before “Ehrenbertstein,” but it has become the “Ehrenbreitstein.” A visit to the fortress gives a walk in the past and a historic one-of-a-kind tour.

Ehrenbreitstein Fortress is not only a fortress that provides spectacular overlooking viewing points but also the home of a diverse exhibit gallery, the Landesmuseum Koblenz. Ehrenmal des Heeres is an army monument, and the Koblenz youth hostel is also in the fortress.

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Nanstein Castle

Address: Schlossruine Nanstein, 66849 Landstuhl, Germany

Looking for a beautiful castle to explore In Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany? Check out Nanstein Castle. It is among the most popular destinations and landmarks in Landstuhl’s Sickingen Town in Germany. The castle is a notable one, for it is a red sandstone rock castle.

In 1253, the castle was first mentioned and documented, and it became an imperial castle between the 13th and 15th centuries. By the 14th and 15th centuries, it had undergone numerous changes of ownership and renovation and castle expansion.
Manstein Castle is a 100-meter height and 50-meter width castle that forms a majestic fort. The palace also gives a romantic backdrop for various events on its grounds. Some of these events were concerts, tours, and thrilling castle games.

The castle serves spectacular scenery, furnishings, and a romantic ambiance, and serves delicious German dishes from its restaurant. It has 70 indoor seats, and on its viewing terrace, it has 150 seats.

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Thurant Castle

Address: Burg Thurant, 56332 Alken, Germany

Seeing and exploring fascinating castles is among the best things to do in Germany, and the municipality of Alken, the Thrurant Castle, is an ideal place to visit. It is a castle perched above the villages of Alken in the broad slate hill of Moselle, Germany.

The ruins are divided into two parts, Trier Tower and Cologne Tower, after the war between Trier and Cologne archbishops. The ruins are a spectacular landmark among the oldest castles in the Moselle Region.

Thrurant Castle is a modest knight castle that offers a variety of delightful castle tour experiences. The beautiful and romantic castle’s ideal location provides a beautiful overlooking view of the town.

Visiting this romantic castle opens an opportunity to relive and bask in the Middle Ages and Romantic ambiance. There are many interesting things to see and discover in ruins, from its spectacular rock garden, numerous monuments, and towers to picturesque views.

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Stolzenfels Castle

Address: Schlossweg 11, 56075 Koblenz, Germany

Stolzenfels Castle is a majestic castle in Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany, that perches high above the left bank of the Rhine. The castle was built from the rubble and ruins of a 13th-century to nineteenth-century fortress.

The garden and park of Stolzenfels Castle are among the most significant cultural, artistic, and historical achievements of Prussian Rhine Romanticism. It is among the well-known landmarks and tourist attractions in southwest Germany.

It was built in 1250 as a toll castle, severely damaged by the French and the war in 1689. When Prussian Crown Prince Friedrich Wilhelm acquired the ruins in 1823, he appointed Karl Friedrich Schinkel, a well-known architect, to restore the castle. This renovation and expansion led to the castle’s beauty today.

Stolzenfels Castle opened in 1836 and has remained available to the public today. The castle’s seemingly majestic and entrancing beauty establishes a romantic, tranquil, and 19th-century ambiance in every corner. As a result, the ruins are ideal for experiencing the epitome of Rhine Romanticism in its beautiful state.

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Eifelpark

Address: Weißstraße 12, 54647 Gondorf, Germany

Are you looking for a green sanctuary in Gondorf, Germany? Eifelpark is the green oasis to check out. It’s an amusing and delightful wildlife park to tour while in town.

The park provides a big space for tourists to walk and enjoy various recreation. It is also an entertaining zoo and amusement park. The 750,000-square-meter wildlife park was initiated in 1964 and reopened in 2004 after renovation.

The park’s ample space and property have created an opportunity to be in a great attraction and a zoo area. The Eifelpark is a great place to go if you’re looking for entertainment in Gondorf. It is a sanctuary of over 200 animals and holds about 50 thrilling attractions.

The park had a free fall tower, hound entertaining shows, extreme rides, carousels, and other attractions. The bungee trampoline, massive long slides, and other thrilling activities to enjoy in the park. Some animal species observed up close in Eifelpark include fallow deer, other deer species, Wildboras, alpacas, and Ibex.

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Gartenschau Kaiserslautern

Address: Lauterstraße 51, 67659 Kaiserslautern, Germany

Fresh air, tranquil ambiance, and various outdoor recreation are welcome in Gartenschau Kaiserslautern. It is a fun amusement park in Kaiserslautern, Germany, featuring large dinosaur models.

The park is among the town’s most popular and most visited tourist attractions. It is a green space and haven spot for every outdoor leisure.

Gartenschau Kaiserslautern is a place for all ages, for it has all the attractions and facilities to cater to each one’s interest. With the park’s 22 hectares of land, a different themed garden can be seen from the rose garden, cactus to dance garden, rhododendron garden, and more.

Gartenschau Kaiserslautern offers numerous fun and thrilling attractions. Children can enjoy the park’s massive and life-size dinosaur and LEGO exhibition.

There is also a large playfield for children to frolic and a game of adventure golf. The park is also a green space for it has a garden and layout of flower beds and other delightful green spaces. Check out these other top things to do in Kaiserslautern. 

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Landau Zoo

Address: Hindenburgstraße 12, 76829 Landau in der Pfalz, Germany

On the 24th of July 1904, a fascinating 4.5-hectare zoo and tourist attraction was founded in the lands of Landau in der Pfalz, Germany.

This zoo is the Landau Zoo, which was established by the municipality of the town and the “Vogelfreund.” It is settled in the heart of the city along with the historic ruins of a French fort. The zoo is among the popular tourist destinations to explore.

Landau Zoo starts with a birdhouse and sets of enclosures for small animals. It has become more prominent over the years, and the number of animals it houses also increases. The zoo has also become an essential and popular leisure facility in Landau in der Pfalz.

There are over 900 animals in Landau Zoo. African spoonbill, Blue peacock, Chile flamingo, Ring-tailed lemur, and Little silky monkey were among these animals to see in the zoo. The zoo features a petting zoo, caters to birthday parties, and various educational guided tours.

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Porta Nigra

Address: Porta-Nigra-Platz, 54290 Trier, Germany

Visit Porta Nigra is among the delightful things to do in Rhineland-Palatinate. It is a captivating historical site in Trier, Germany. It is a massive and best-preserved black Roman city gate, a popular landmark and tourist destination north of the Alps. This black gate, established around 170 CE, is a part of the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List.

There is nowhere in the north of the Alps to get a more authentic experience of the Roman era than in Trier, where the Porta Nigra still stands. Porta Nigra is one of the Roman Monuments and the Cathedral of St Peter and the Church of Our Lady in the town’s historical sites.

The Roman gate is known to have been built with the solid construction of approximately 7200 blocks of stone. It acts as a gate and a viewing deck for tourists to climb on and catch a fascinating view of the city.

The gate is near some establishments and attractions in town, which makes the site accessible and a good side-trip destination to check out.

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Kurpfalz-Park Wachenheim

Address: 67157 Wachenheim, Germany

A fun and memorable adventure awaits in Kurpfalz-Park Wachenheim. It is a beautiful amusement park in the charming town of Wachenheim, Germany. To visit and experience various recreation in the garden is among the incredible things to do in Rhineland-Palatinate.

Different attractions and fun adventures are offered within the park, from the carnival rides, water slides, and animal shows, among the highlights to anticipate when checking out the park.

Kurpfalz-Park Wachenheim is located on the edge of the Palatinate Forest, making the park a green oasis. This tourist attraction in Wachenheim is a popular destination in town where local families and tourist meets.

The park has many incredible and thrilling attractions, including a Rollercoaster, bumper boats, a pirate nest, swan pedal boats, and thrilling rides. Aside from rids and theme play areas, Kurpfalz-Park Wachenheim features wild and natural attractions.

It has a wildlife park, a 7,000 square meters sanctuary of wolves, nature trails, and bird watching through the park’s birds of prey features.

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Rheinfels Castle

Address: Schlossberg 47, 56329 St. Goar, Germany

In the charming town of Sankt Goar, Germany, a regal castle stands, the Rheinfels Castle. It is among the most visited and famous landmarks in town. The castle is perched above the left bank of the Rhine in Sankt Goar and the UNESCO World Heritage area in Germany.

It is acknowledged as the largest castle in the Middle Rhine. Rheinfels Castle was establiehd by Count Diether V. von Katzenelnbogen on 1245. The fortress has witnessed and withstood wars and continues to stand today.

It has undergone several renovations and expansions, making the castle among the most significant fortified fortress on the Middle Rhine. Wilhelm Schäfer’s plans and designs inspired the structure and overall look of the Rheinfels castle complex.

It perfectly illustrates Rhine Romanticism castles, with beautiful gardens, vineyards, furnishings, and the Rhine. A walk in the past is what the castle ambiance gives, and it offers spectacular overlooking views of the Sankt Goar town and the Rhine.

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Trier Saint Peter’s Cathedral

Address: Liebfrauenstraße 12, 54290 Trier, Germany

In Trier, Germany, a spectacular Roman Catholic cathedral stands. This cathedral is the Trier Saint Peter’s Cathedral, also known as the Trier Cathedral of St. Peter. It is recognized as the most significant religious structure in town and Germany’s oldest church and building. The cathedral is among the town’s iconic and well-known landmarks.

Trier Saint Peter’s Cathedral continuously served its purposes as a bishop’s church for over 1700 years. The square building in the cathedral is its oldest core from the 4th century.

The church underwent extensive restorations and expansion throughout the years and preserved its medieval appearance. The cathedral can be traced back to all periods of European history, including construction, art, and belief.

A cathedral is also an important place of pilgrimage and tourist attraction in Trier. Aside from the beauty of the church itself, as well as its furnishings, both from its exterior and interior designs, Trier Saint Peter’s Cathedral has a museum. The cathedral galleries exhibit relics from various eras and other interesting religious displays.

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Kastellaun Castle

Address: Schlossstraße 13, 56288 Kastellaun, Germany

When traveling in Germany, one of the best sights to see is its numerous castles, and Kastellaun Castle is among the best sites to visit. It is among the 60 castles in the Hunsrück Region from the Middle Ages, and the Kastellaun Castle is the most significant.

It is located in the town of Kastellaun in Germany. The castle formerly served as the Counts of Sponheim’s residence, causing the city’s development.

The castle was constructed in the mid-13th century and continuously expanded through the centuries. Like the other castles in the region, it also suffers from the war and has damages restored eventually.
The castle offers a medieval, scenic, and tranquil atmosphere.

Kastellaun Castle is close to some establishments like restaurants that make it accessible for a site tour and a convenient destination to explore. The castle holds special for children during summer and cultural and historical events.

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Technic Museum Speyer

Address: Am Technik Museum 1, 67346 Speyer, Germany

Fan of automobiles and aircraft? Technic Museum Speyer is a technology haven not to miss in Speyer, Germany. The museum exhibits a variety of technology-related displays and is among Speyer’s famous tourist attractions.

It is an exciting tourist attraction just an hour south of Frankfurt. A fun discovery and tour await in this spectacular museum. Technic Museum Speyer has 11 fascinating technology exhibits and discovery areas: the Space Flight Exhibition, Fire Engines, Musical organs, Vintage Cars, and Locomotives.

The Aviation, Utility cars, Maritime Exhibition, Motorbikes, Museum Wilhelmsbau, and Münch Mammut Exh were also part of the exhibits.

Engaging, entertaining, and educational discovery tours are what the museum gives. The Spaceshuttle BURAN, Boeing 747, Antonov AN-22, and Submarine U9 were famous exhibits to look forward to when visiting the Technik Museum Speyer. The museum features an IMAX dome cinema that shows various technology-related movies and shows.

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Schloss Drachenburg

Address: Drachenfelsstraße 118, 53639 Königswinter, Germany

Schloss Drachenburg in Königswinter, Germany, is a fascinating regal-looking villa-style castle. It is regarded as one of the town’s most notable attractions. It is also one of the most explored destinations in the city due to its eye-catching beauty on the top of Drachenfels Hill, which took only two years to build.

The castle is one of the lovely places to visit, with a delightful romantic ambiance. Schloss Drachenburg has a fascinating interior and exterior design surrounded by lush greeneries. After parts were destroyed and rebuilt, this magnificent castle became a well-known summer retreat for royals and leaders.

Weddings were accepted and held in the castle’s halls and garden, giving a romantic and royal setting. Schloss Drachenburg is a spectacular sight that offers rooms as a suite and apartment that allow its visitors to stay and experience what it is like to be a royal staying in a castle.

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