Kaiserslautern American
Page 18
June 26, 2020
Five spectacular day trips from Kaiserslautern Photo by S-F / Shutterstock.com
by MilitaryInGermany.com There are amazing trips that can be taken right from the Kaiserslautern area. Here are five great destinations to explore that you may not have thought of. Enjoy!
1. Freinsheim
Freinsheim is a smaller town in the Bad Dürkheim region of Germany. It’s one of those quaint wine villages that we stumbled on one day during a Harley ride. We like it so much that we started looking for events that would bring us back. We have visited the town a couple of times just to wander through the streets and browse the shops. Recently we were there for their Blütenfest to kick off spring and enjoy some wine. Every year, during the month of January they have a night festival that takes you on a torchcarrying tour throughout the town and local vineyards.
Other things to do in Freinsheim: Toy museum: We haven’t been to this (because we no longer have kids at home), but I can see where young kids would enjoy this. Upcoming events: Freinsheimer Altstadtfest Each year on the first weekend in June, the Freinsheim Old Town Festival is held. Its motto is Wein und Kultur auf historischen Plätzen (“Wine and culture on historic squares.”) As a rule, the festival lasts from Friday to Sunday. Stadtmauerfest The Town Wall Festival held on the third weekend in July in the historic gate is among the region’s largest wine festivals. Kulinarischer Weinwanderweg The Culinary Wine Trail is held on the fourth weekend in September, running through the
town’s vineyards. Winemakers and food vendors offer traditional Palatine cooking, Mediterranean dishes and wine. Weihnachtsmarkt The Christmas Market is held on the four weekends in Advent and attracts visitors with its Nativity scene, in which living animals are used. How to get there Freinsheim is approximately a 1½-hour train ride from Kaiserslautern. The train station is very close to the city center so this is really the most convenient way to get there, especially for a wine festival. By car, it is approximately 40 minutes east via A6.
2. Trier
Unless you are new to the area, you’ve probably been to Trier or at least know about it. Trier is Germany’s oldest city and is a great place to spend the day. They have a downtown area much like Kaiserslautern with plenty of shopping and restaurants. Trier offers a little bit of everything from Roman Baths to craft shopping. Even though it is technically a day trip, you might have to make it more than once since there are so many things to do! Things to do in Trier: Porta Nigra: The largest Roman city gate north of the Alps. Designated as part of the Roman Monuments and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Dr. Alles & Kollegen
Imperial Roman Baths: The
Kaiserthermen or Imperial Baths is a large Roman bath complex. This is also designated as part of the Roman Monuments and UNESCO World Heritage Site. We have been here a couple of times and it is definitely worth the 3 € to take a self-guided tour.
Things to do in Heidelberg: Schloss Heidelberg: A truly impressive castle overlooking the equally impressive town along the river. We were last there in the fall to visit the castle along with the world’s largest wine barrel and the German Pharmacy Museum.
High Cathedral of St. Peter (Cathedral of Trier): This is the oldest Roman Catholic cathedral in the country. Another important historical location designated as part of the Roman Monuments and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Altstadt (Old Town): The Heidelberg Old Town is a wonderful, sprawling and occasionally maze-like gem that is filled with churches, restaurants and the famous Marktplatz. There are plenty of shopping opportunities to be found, as well. It’s well worth your time to take a short - or long - stroll and simply take it all in.
Bastelstube (Craft Store): I went to this store shortly after moving to Germany with my girlfriend. Excellent selection and fair prices. How to get there A drive to Trier is about 1 hour and 20 minutes northwest of Kaiserslautern, 1 hours and 50 minutes southwest of Wiesbaden and 3 hours and 10 minutes northwest of Stuttgart. Visit the Deutsche Bahn website for train information.
3. Heidelberg
I’m sure everyone has heard of Heidelberg and its castle. Actually, it is the first place I heard about from my parents when we learned we would be moving to Germany. It’s the first city they visited back in the sixties when my dad was stationed here during the Vietnam Era. It was also the very first trip we took after arriving and unpacking. Heidelberg is situated on the Neckar River and is a very popular tourist destination.
Treatment spectrum of both practices: • • • •
Dentures Implantology Periodontics Child treatment
• Prophylaxis • Aesthetic dentistry • Whitening
Dr. Stephan Alles Hauptstrasse 74a 66882 Hütschenhausen Tel: 06372-2478
Mon-Fri 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Mon, Tue, Thu ENGLISH SPEAKING STAFF
Dr. Laura Johannes Hauptstrasse 19 66849 Landstuhl Tel: 06371-913022
Karl Theodor Bridge: Commonly known as the Old Bridge. This is the stone bridge that connects the two sides of the river. You can see this bridge in pretty much any popular picture of the view from the castle. How to get there The Heidelberg Castle by car is approximately 1 hour and 5 minutes east of Kaiserslautern, 1 hour and 5 minutes south of Wiesbaden and one hour and 30 minutes north of Stuttgart. Visit the Deutsche Bahn website for train information.
COSMETIC DENTISTRY • BLEACHING IMPLANTS • SURGERIES • CROWNS BRIDGES • PROPHYLAXIS
Opening hours:
2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Philosophenweg (Philosophers’ Way): This is a path located on the northern banks of the Neckar River. Historically, it was just a path through the vineyards; however, later it was renamed because of the many professors and philosophers who enjoyed the path for its solitude and beauty. Today, the path features gardens and amazing views.
CUSTOM FITTED SLEEP APNEA ORAL APPLIANCES Providing Dental Care for the US Military for more than 25 years; LRMC Dentist for more than 10 years
DR. BERNARD DORYUMU
Sonnenstraße 41e • 66849 Landstuhl • Call 06371 18169 Fax 06371 912947 • Email: Doryumu@t-online.de or visit us at www.drdoryumu.de
