Kaiserslautern collegiate Church
Kaiserslautern
The City
Population: 100,000
Airports: Frankfurt Rhein-Main Airport
Origins: The Royal Court of Lutra was first mentioned in an official document dating back to around 830. The conferment of market rights by Emperor Otto III in 985 and the construction of an imperial palace by Emperor Frederick I (Barbarossa) in 1152 heralded significant changes in the development of the village of Lutra. After the end of Napoleonic rule, the city and the entire Palatinate became a province of Bavaria. Midway through the 19th Century, the Fruchthalle was built, where the post-revolution government of the Palatinate assembled in 1849. Kaiserslautern has since developed into an attractive and modern city.
Kaiserslautern is approximately 20km from the Pfalz wine growing region.
The Pfalz is bordered by Rheinhessen to the north and France to the south and west. For nearly 80 km (50 miles), a thick ribbon of vineyards runs parallel to the foothills of the forested Haardt Mountains. The Deutsche Weinstrasse (German Wine Road, Germany's oldest tourist route) traces the length of the region, from Bockenheim to Schweigen, as do the cycling and hiking trails (Rad-)Wanderweg Deutsche Weinstrasse, that pass through many of the region's most famous wine villages, such as Forst, Wachenheim and Deidesheim.
Roman excavations and the world's oldest wine (A.D. 300) chronicle the beginnings of the Pfalz's long viticultural tradition. Around every corner there are works of art and architecture that make history come alive, particularly the Middle Ages. Neuleiningen and Freinsheim, both still ringed by medieval walls, are especially picturesque. There are splendid views from ancient hilltop castles, such as Burg Trifels, Madenburg and Hambacher Schloss, to name but a few - built by the kings, emperors and bishops who, for centuries, celebrated coronations and Communion with wine from the Pfalz. Speyer Cathedral, one of Germany's greatest Romanesque structures, is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Not only grapes, but also figs, lemons, sweet chestnuts and almonds thrive in this exceptionally warm, sunny climate. Pfälzer hospitality is just as inviting. These people are legendary for their ability to "eat, drink and be merry."
For further information about activities in the area contact Pfalzwein e.V.:
Tel: 0049 6321 91 23 28/ info@zum-wohl-die-pfalz.de/ www.pfalzwein.de
