On the highest point of Henschtal district Sangerhof in the county of Kusel stands this former water tower (Wasserturm). Today, almost nobody remembers the original usage of the tower-it came into service as a water tank in the 70’s. A small and skinny staircase leads to the top of this tower. There, visitors have an amazing view the many small windows spanning over the Westrichter Bergland and over the area all the way towards the Landstuhler Bruch.

Sangerhof 3
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15 meters tall, 59 steps to the top
Open Saturday 2 pm - 6 pm, Sunday and holidays 10 am - 6 pm
On business days, a key to the tower is available to be picked up from the Rech family
Phone (0 63 83) 57 93 60

In the old town hall the exhibition “Wald, Schloss, Schuh – die Geschichte der Siebenhügelstadt” reflects on the city Pirmasens’ changing shoe history. You can marvel at about 30 historic shoes. A shoemaker’s workplace shows the working conditions of a typical “Bermesenser Schlabbefigger” (shoemaker from Pirmasens). The children’s carousel from the company Salamander, decorated with Lurchi and friends, is naturally not missing. The advertising movie released by the company Rheinberger in the 60's is fun to watch because it gives a very good impression of the past time.

Museum Altes Rathaus
Exerzierplatzstraße 17
66953 Pirmasens
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Phone (0 63 31) 84 22 99
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The city center of Kaiserslautern has a new shopping world. With around 20,900 square meters of state-of-the-art architecture, “The K,” with its trendy shops and unbeatable selection, redefines shopping. But, there’s more than just shopping offered on the four sprawling levels. With its hip cafes and restaurants and also interesting events and exhibitions, “The K” is quickly becoming the trendy meeting place of the city.

K in Lautern
Fackelrondell 1
67665 Kaiserslautern
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Phone (06 31) 31 06 70
WEB
Open Monday-Saturday, 9.30 am - 8 pm

Located in the northern Eifel at a height of almost 700m is a slope what is known locally as the ’Schwarzer Mann‘. It is, without a doubt, one of the Eifel’s best kept secrets. ’Wolfschlucht‘ located next to Schwarzer Mann is 570 m high. Both slopes offer the opportunity to cross country ski, sledding or snowboarding. The local ski club offers lessons and rental equipment at very affordable prices. This area also has spectacular hiking choices come summer.

Equally the Vulkaneifel, in Mauseberg, offers also the opportunity to ski, sled and snowboard. The longest slope in the Eifel can be found near Nürburgring. Another great run is Erbeskopf, at nearly 820 m high, it is the highest elevation in Rhineland-Paltinate. Provided it is cold enough and there is enough snow, winter sports alongside breath-taking beauty and fabulous panoramic views can be had within the region. (Distance from Spangdahlem 65 km) Info: 06551-505

The southwest Palatinate tour guides are always on the move with heart and a lot of dedication. They work to give visitors a closer look at the beauties of the region. With a plethora diversified guided tours, guests have the opportunity to discover dreamlike trails legendary in the Südwestpfalz, or to wander on the remnants of the past, the present and the future. The guided hikethrough the rock canyon of the witches gorge is especially popular.

Südwestpfalz Gästeführer Interessengemeinschaft
c/o Vera Ulrich
Bismarckstr. 109
66953 Pirmasens
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Phone 0 63 31 6 39 59, or 01 60 95 00 90 82
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The spa park in Dannenfels is dedicated to the human senses—touch, taste, sight, smell, sound.

Directly at the entrance area, five sculptures made of steel and stone symbolize the experience concept of the park and prepares you for the sensory stimulation. The Climate Pavilion targets specifically the eyes and the nerves, the wind chimes and stumbling blocks attract the attention of the ear, the nose and palate inhale and taste the aromas of herbal beds, and the feet revive themselves on the barefoot path and in the Kneipp basin. Your senses will somersault after a day spent here.

Tourist-Info
Oberstraße 14
67814 Dannenfels
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Phone (0 63 57) 16 14
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Open all year with free entry
Tuesday-Friday 2 pm - 5.30
Saturday 10 am - 2 pm

The chapel on Nicholas Berg in Spangdahlem represents a cultural speciality. The three sculpture groups, known in German as ‘Grablegungsgruppe’ date from the year 1643, the ’Beweinungsgruppe‘ (also called ’Holy Grave‘), and in 1750 the ’Group of resurrection‘ was formed. The way to the chapel is lined with statues made of sandstone. The mills, better known as ’De Schapp‘ was restored to a recreational facility through countless hours of local volunteer work. De Schapp can be hired out for events.

Nicholas Berg, ‘De Schapp’
54529 Spangdahlem
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Phone: 0175 2442954

Between the first to fourth century AD, the Romans produced pottery in the forest between Speicher and Herforst. A special feature of Roman pottery is the red fired pottery from the fourth century which were only produced here. For the collectors of such objects, the company Plewa has objects on display. Products from their production line may be purchased at their shop.

Further information
Townhall Speicher
Phone: 06562-640

In the Museum of Local History (Heimatmuseum) numerous exhibits depict the lives of the local residents throughout the centuries. The exhibition has been lovingly put together. There are also some ancient exhibits.

Heimatmuseum
Jacobsstraße 57 
54662 Speicher
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Phone: 06562 640

Distance from Spangdahlem 5 km

With more than 70 members, the association of dog friends ‘Hundefreunde Speicher’ is the largest kennel club in the region. The kennel club offers numerous training programmes such as agility and obedience which are successfully implemented.

WEB
Phone: 06568 7392

The road connects about 100 Roman sights throughout the holiday regions of Mosel-Saar, Eifel, Hunsrück, Saarland and Luxembourg Mosel to a great ‘Archaeological Park’. Along the way, one will find ruins of Roman buildings and villas as well as thoroughly reconstructed, such as the Roman Villa in Borg. Additionally, those wishing to spoil their palate, ‘Straße der Römer’ offers ‘Ancient Foods’ in which the Roman kitchen has been revived and reinterpreted.

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There’s no stopping pool-lovers from heading Pirmasenser Luft- und Badepark (PLUB). Here, the little ones can frolic in the baby or children's pool; the older kids romp around in the action pool or on the diving tower. A waterslide, a children's playground, and a beach volleyball court complete the fun. Complex. After all that play, a large sunbathing lawn invites you to relax. What’s great about PLUB: This all-weather facility defies all weather conditions, because there is also a swimming pool indoors with cozy heated benches.

Pirmasenser Luft- und Badepark (PLUB) GmbH
Lemberger Straße 41
66954 Pirmasens
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Phone 0 63 31 72 50-0
WEB
Outdoor pool open Monday-Saturday 8 am - 9 pm, Sunday and holidays 8 am - 8 pm
Indoor pool open Monday 12 pm - 9 pm, Tuesday-Saturday 9 am - 9 pm, Sunday and holidays 9 am - 8 pm

In Tawern is a good impression of the Gallo-Roman temple architecture dedicated to the God of Mercury. Under the leadership of the Rheinisches Landesmuseum Trier, the temple was excavated in 1986-87 and reconstructed. The temple was built approximately 200 metres off the Roman Road Agrippina Colonia in the first half of the first century AD. In the year 392 AD, Emperor Theodosius permanently banned pagan cults and gifts of the holy district destroyed and gradually partially thrown in the fountain. A coin minted in the late 4th century was found in the well in the northwest corner of the temple attest that the well was still intact up until that time.

Römischer Temperlbezirk Tawern
54456 Tawern
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Distance from Spangdahlem 65 km

Nature awaits the numerous visitors in the Vulkaneifel, a journey through the multifaceted landscape is indeed worth a visit. The dominate form of volcanism in the Eifel are the Maars (crater lakes), which were created by huge volcanic steam explosions when the lava came into contact with ground water. The Dauner Maars include Gemündener Maar, the Weinfelder Maar and the Schalkenmehrener Maar. The last two Maars are in a protected area equipped with hiking trails and educational boards. The Gemündener Maar also functions as a natural swimming pool. Spend hot summer days in the lush green forest on the water. Anyone who wants to see the Vulkaneifel from a bird’s perspective may do so at the Daun-Senheld Airfield. Next to Weinfelder Maar is a small airfield for sailing and sports aircraft, where sightseeing flights over the Maars, Mosel or Nürburgring can be booked. The Pulver Maar with Gill’s field is the deepest in the Eifel. In summer, the Maar becomes a swimming pool and the refreshment stands assure that one also be cooled on the inside. A boat rental is also available on the premises.

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Distance from Spangdahlem 45 km

Traben-Trarbach is an attractive mix of half-timbered houses and Art Nouveau buildings. The towns of Traben and Trarbach sit directly across the Mosel River from one another. In recent times they have merged their governments and have taken on the combined name, Traben-Trarbach (Traben to the north and Trarbach to the south). The towns host a variety of attractions from the castle ruins and ancient churches, to the slightly more modern Bruckentor built across the Trarbach end of the Mosel bridge. Despite its architectural and historical wealth, Traben-Trarbach is better known for the wine produced from Riesling grapes. The city, like many others on the Mosel, is built in the valley, with every centimeter of hillside covered by vineyards. The best time to visit and sample the local nectar is during their annual Wine Festival each July.

Traben-Trarbach
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Tourist-Information Traben-Trarbach
Station 5
56841 Traben-Trarbach
Phone: 06541-83980
WEB
Distance from Spangdahlem 50 km

This unassuming city located on the Mosel River Valley is everything but unassuming. How should one describe Trier? Germany’s oldest city, capital of the former Western Roman Empire, seat of Roman emperors as well as Prince Electors, home to Karl Marx, a university city, home to numerous UNESCO WHL monuments, all of this and much more is Trier. During a concert in Trier, the jazz musician, Al Jarreau, said that ‘Trier is the best-kept secret’. How right he was. Rich in history, Trier is more than 2000 years old, this however, dating back only from antiquity. Its origins it said to have begun 1300 years before the founding of Rome by Prince Trebeta. Trebeta fleeing persecution from his stepmother Queen Semiramis eventually came across the Mosel River Valley. Enchanted by the surroundings, here he stayed. Of course, no documented proof exists verifying this legend. However, the citizens of Trier claim this as their origin.

In mid-fifies BC, Julius Ceasar stumbled upon Trier. In 16 BC, Trier officially becomes a Roman city and is named after the Emperor Augusta. Hence, Augustus Treverorum was founded. As the Roman Empire continued to expand, Trier also continued to flourish. When Diocletian divided his empire into four regions in the late third century, Trier became the capital of the north-western territory, the Rome of the north, if you will. In the late third century, the first emperor came to rule. Trier is now an Imperial Residential City. Constantine rules in Trier in the early 4th century. Trier remains in Roman hands until the 5th century when it fell under Frankish rule. Thereupon, Trier is constantly under siege by one country or tribe. In 1212, Trier finally received its charter. Throughout the centuries, numerous Prince Electors rule in Trier until Napoleon dissolved the electoral archbishopric. After Napoleon’s defeat in 1815 at Waterloo, Trier becomes a part of the Kingdom of Prussia. The unification of Germany leads Trier to become a part of the German Empire. World War II bombings destroyed nearly 50% of the city with more than over 1600 buildings and homes being devastated.

After WWII, Trier’s economy begins to prosper. It has become known to become a ’shopping mecca‘, not only for the surrounding vicinity but for the neighbouring countries as well. What better place to shop than with the historical backdrop of Trier’s Old Town and market square where department stores, specialty shops and boutiques are to be found. A location not to be missed is slightly off the pedestrian area is Neustrasse, where many individual and family-run businesses and shops are hidden and should not be overseen. Find more information here.

In 1971, the university is finally able to open its doors after being closed during the Napoleonic wars. Trier is now known as a university city where the students bring on a lot of nightlife for the young and the young at heart. Numerous pubs, discos, outdoor cafés, beer gardens invite one to stay a while. For music fans, Trier offers many venues for live music whether for Punk, Classic, Jazz, Hip-Hop, Alternative or Rock from local to mainstream bands.

Trier is copious with restaurants and ‘Gaststätte’ often set in historical buildings, serving everything from Roman cuisine, over Cuban and sushi to the ubiquitous schnitzel. Many restaurants offer live music or cabarets, and many monuments often have culture and culinary affairs, what better combination could there possibly be? Not to be missed are Zurlauben, the old fisherman’s port with its string of pubs and restaurants overlooking the Mosel and Trier’s beach club, Bit Sun Beach. In 1984, Trier celebrated its 2000th anniversary. In 1986, Roman Trier was proclaimed to be a UNESCO’s World Heritage Site. 2007 was hailed the ‘Year of Constantine’ and in 2012 the Holy Tunic will be on display again commemorating when it was first publicly displayed 500 years ago.

Trier is also home to one of the most romantic Christmas markets in Germany. Starting on the first advent weekend, Trier’s Christmas market seems magical set in the medieval market square and the imposing backdrop of St. Peter’s Cathedral. Several festivals should not be missed such as the ‘Altstadtfest’ (Old Town Festival), where the entire pedestrian area gets set into a party zone! The Roman festival, Bread and Circuses, held on the second weekend of August is a must for fans of antiquity. English guides may be arranged for groups as well as for individual guests.

Trier
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Tourist Information Trier
Porta Nigra
54290 Trier
Phone: 0651 978080
WEB
Distance from Spangdahlem 30 km

Nestled in the dreamlike nature of the biosphere reserve Palatinate forest (Pfälzerwald) - Vosges du Nord forms the destination Unterhammer in the Karlstal, a starting point for many leisure activities. Here, the former iron mill (Eisenhammer) houses two vacation apartments next to the Kultur-Café and sport center.

Right at the doorstep, hikers and pilgrims alike start their journey along St. Jacob’s Path (Jakobsweg) and mountain-bikers ride through the mountain bike park. Special highlight: watching beer being brewed in the brewery then tasting it in the beer garden!

Unterhammer
Unterhammer 1-3
67705 Trippstadt
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Phone (0 63 06) 99 12 66
WEB
Café Unterhammer open Monday-Sunday, 12 am - 6 pm
Unterhammer Brewery tour only available by appointment, call (06306) 70 14 60

Photo: Ralf Keller

Those who are clearly "under-hopped" during summer should get a refill at the Valentins beer garden in Zweibrücken. The tavern keeps its promises. With over 600 seats, the Bavarian pub offers all that which makes a hearty beer garden great. There is the home-made brew “Zweibrücker Hell”, hearty treats and comfortable benches under old trees. The garden is open from May to October for cheerful get-togethers with a Bavarian flair.

Valentins Biergarten
Geschwister-Scholl-Allee 13
66482 Zweibrücken
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Phone (0 63 32) 4 81 63 02
WEB

Villa Otrang is located five kilometres north of Bitburg, on the ancient Roman Legion Route that went from the Imperial Residential City of Trier, all the way to Colonia Claudia Ara Agrippinensium, now known as Köln. It is the best preserved Roman Country Seats north of the Alps. Villa Rustica was built in various stages between the second and the fourth centuries. At that point in time, it was an impressively large homestead and contained 66 rooms. Aside from baths, great halls and complex hypocausts, an underground warm air heating system, it also had a farmstead with exceptional dimensions. Parts of the heating systems and baths are still in good condition and are visible for visitors. Unfortunately, due to centuries of decay, only the foundation walls and four mosaic floors, depicting its vast wealth, remind us of the Villa’s glorious past. A small restaurant is on the premises. Coach parking is also available.

Villa Otrang
GOOGLE MAPS
Phone: 06569-807
Opening hours:
April-September daily from 10.00- 13.00 and 14.00-18.00
October, November, March, April, hours are from 10.00-13.00 and 14.00-17.00
December and January closed

Fascination and fear are closely linked. This is particularly true for the geological phenomenon of volcanism. Although we live in a safe environment and hardly feel threatened, the threat posed by volcanic activity slumbers in our midst. This is particularly true in the Vulkaneifel, the central and eastern part of the Eifel. The most famous volcanic forms of the Eifel, known as Maars, are the most powerful evidence for volcanism and are the silent superstars of the natural Eifel landscape. These unique in Europe natural phenomena are oval form depressions in the landscape were formed by volcanic steam explosions. In geological time, they are regarded to as very young. The Ulm Maar is ’mere‘ ten thousand years old. The Maars are no longer in its original form, since Mother Nature and people have since then taken possession of the Maars. More insight to volcanism can be found in a number of geographic information centres at the European Geopark Vulkaneifel and in the ‘German Vulkanstraße’.

Eifel Tourism Ltd.
Phone 06551-96560
WEB

Kids and adults alike can enjoy water in all forms at the water-playground and heated pool at Con Aqua in Contwig. A shell-shaped interactive lagoon landscape is a favorite for kids, because here the little ones can splash to their heart's content while the adults relax in the barrier-free heated outdoor pool. The spacious sunbathing area, barbecue area, and restaurant complete this unique water kingdom in the leisure area Contwig.

Con Aqua
Am Schwimmbad 1
66497 Contwig
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WEB
Open April-September, daily 10 am - 8 pm
October 10 am - 6 pm

Situated in the middle of a forest, between the towns of Schonecken and Murlenbach, is the artists’ settlement ‘Weißenseifen’. Monumental statues of the artist Albrecht Klauer-Simonis are integrated in a garden of sculptures. Klauer-Simonis was the founder of the symposium that takes place every year from the middle of July until the middle of August. The settlement is characterized by the unusual architecture of the cottages. Various exhibits take place throughout the year. Surrounding ‘Weißenseifen’ are fantastic waymarked walking trails.

Weissenseifen
GOOGLE MAPS
Phone: 06594 883
Distance from Spangdahlem 40 km