Being a German-American, I may be biased, but I am a big fan of Germany, especially the Rhineland- Palatinate area.
One of my favorite smaller cities is the spa city Bad Duerkheim. It lies on the edge of the Palatinate forest and in addition to its very own castle, the Hardenburg (castle), there are a minimum of 8 castles reachable by car within 10-30 minutes.
The city is surrounded by rolling hills and vineyards. The city and all the smaller towns surrounding it are filled with wineries and the famous Wachenheimer Sekt (sparkling wine) is created at the beautiful castle Wachenheim, only 10 minutes away.
Bad Duerkheim also features the Giant Cask, the biggest wine barrel in the world. I guess you can see the theme here. That barrel, even though it could hold 1,700,000 liters of wine, is actually a restaurant.
Bad Duerkheim is a beautiful, historic city (almost completely destroyed by the French in 1689) and many will spend time there to relax, recharge and recover. I love spending time by the graduation tower, known as Saline. With a length of some 330 m, it is one of the biggest of its kind in Germany. I recommend stopping by the little beer garden (which is also Hotel Fronmuehle) right next to the Saline after a stroll through the cobblestone-laced downtown area and along the Saline stream. I promise that both your neurons as well as your tastebuds will be positively charged. Lastly, the area is surrounded by so much history and beautiful towns.
If you are lucky and you're there in July, definitely visit the Stadmauerfest in Freinsheim. This wine fest offers the best regional wine, food, entertainment, and a happy atmosphere that can't be beaten, along the old castle walls that still remain throughout the whole town.
Come in the early afternoon before eating and drinking your way through the wine fest and take a carriage ride from Weingut Kreuzhof. It will be an unforgettable experience to have 2-4 beautiful Frisian horses pull the giant covered wagon through the vineyards and blooming orchards and downtown. ~ Nicole Walther, SBCC Study Abroad Program Advisor
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