Its central location at Europe’s core made the region a favored stage for the mighty early on. Romans from Caesar to Constantine founded Germany’s oldest cities – Trier, Koblenz, Mainz, Worms and Speyer – and left their indelible marks that are still, centuries later, very much in evidence. In the middle ages the state’s rivers served already as important transportation and trade routes. To this day more than 500 fortresses and castles as well as numerous archeological finds testify to the stirring history of the state.

The central Rhein valley is a unique cultural landscape famous in particular around the globe for the legend celebrated by Heinrich Heine’s Loreley ballad. The Pfalzgrafenstein fortress on a rocky island in the Rhein and the Stolzenfels castle are representative of castles and Rhein romanticism that have attracted visitors from around the globe. The Mosel valley, the Hunsrueck highlands and the Pfalz in the southwest are studded with historically significant castles. Near Neustadt on the Weinstrasse, Hambach Castle, infused with the spirit of freedom, is heralded as the cradle of German democracy. In 1832 some 30,000 freedomloving citizens from Germany, France and Poland taking part in the “Hambach Festival” appealed for German unity, freedom and democracy. The history of Rheinland-Pfalz can still be experienced on hand of its monuments.

Four locations in the state have been designated World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. The Cathedral in Speyer, the largest surviving Romanic church in the world, was first, followed by the designation of Roman monuments in the city of Trier (Augusta Treverorum) with its Porta Nigra, the amphitheater, its imperial Roman baths, the Constantine Basilica, the Cathedral of St. Peter and the Church of Our Lady (Liebfrauenkirche), as well as the cultural landscape in the Upper Middle Rhein valley between the cities of Bingen and Koblenz. The northern-most extension of the 550 kilometerlong Limes wall, a transnational structure marking the Upper Germanic-Rhaetian border, is the latest cultural heritage declared worth protecting.

World-class contemporary art is to be found in St. Stephan’s Church in Mainz. Its windows are painted by Marc Chagall. The royal mansion of Ludwigshoehe between Neustadt and Landau features a large collection of the works of Max Slevogt, the impressionist, and if you are a Hans Arp fan don’t miss a visit to the museum that bears his name in Remagen-Rolandseck.

Magical landscapes, romantic cities, culinary artistry, cultural attractions without equal, wine, water and wellness – it all smacks of vacation but is really part of everyday life in Rheinland-Pfalz. The Rhein, Mosel, Saar, Ahr, Lahn rivers are practically at people’s doorsteps. A wonderland made amidst the state’s vacation spots.

The state’s residents thrive here in Germany’s prime wine growing region. Rheinland-Pfalz grows 65 percent of German wines. Close to 6,000 vintners produce award-winning, international successful wines as well as sparkling wines. Rheinland-Pfalz accounts for some 90 percent of about 1.8 million hectoliters of German wine exports. State residents experience viniculture at every phase, from growing wines to the series of wine festivals that distinguish life in Rheinland-Pfalz.

In addition to wine Rheinland-Pfalz is also a source for mineral waters. More than 60 springs account for such well-known brands as Apollinaris, Staatlich Fachingen, Gerolsteiner and others.

The citizens of Rheinland-Pfalz know how to enjoy life, particularly in social settings. Gastronomic delights and regional specialties are to be found everywhere in the state. Regardless of whether the meal is the masterpiece of a chef with stars to his credit or the creation of a seasonal wine tavern, most of the food originates in the region. The “Rhein in Flammen”, the “Nibelungen Festival” and other celebrations enrich the plethora of regional programs. Visitors rave about the outgoingness and hospitality evident throughout the state. Visitors return eagerly. You feel quickly at home in Rheinland-Pfalz.

The state not only attracts wine aficionados, but also those who like to participate in sports or just want to have fun. Bicycle paths take mountain bikers through the forests of the Hunsrueck, Eifel and Pfalz regions. Less challenging are seven additional recreational bicycle paths offering many miles of athletic enjoyment. Paddle a canoe on the Lahn or hike along the Rhein on the Rheinsteig, or take the trail through the Westerwald forest or through the Saar-Hunsrueck area. There is something for everyone. And if the weather fails to cooperate choose to visit the selection of museums in the state or attend one of its many musical events. Whatever your choice, opportunities for a change of pace are plentiful. Rheinland-Pfalz welcomes close to eight million visitors yearly. That says it all!

Nuerburgring attracts not only car racing fans, but also devotees of rock music. With tens of thousands of visitors from many countries “Rock am Ring” is Europe’s third largest rock festival.

If you prefer peace and quiet or invigorating the senses, try one of the many wellness oases in the state. Leave your cares behind in one of the wellknown spas or let yourself be pampered in a highclass hotel. Altogether 23 spa locations make your relaxation their business. Rheinland-Pfalz claims justifiably: Live where others vacation.