About
Rhineland-Palatinate is a German state in the south-west of the country, bordering France, Belgium and Luxembourg. It is a region where the landscape and the wine are closely linked, and where the Rhine and the Moselle rivers shape much of what a visitor sees.
What the region is known for
- Wine: The vineyards along the Rhine and Moselle are the region's best-known feature, and wine tasting is a natural part of any visit.
- River scenery: Travelling along either river gives views of vine-covered slopes and river towns, and suits a slow pace.
- Historic cities: Mainz is the best-known of the region's cities and gives a good base for exploring the wider state.
Planning a visit
Rhineland-Palatinate works well for travellers who enjoy a mix of countryside, river towns and cities without long distances between them. The Rhine and Moselle valleys can be explored by car, by train or on foot, and the state's position on the borders of France, Belgium and Luxembourg makes it easy to combine with a trip to neighbouring countries.
Because the region is large and varied, it helps to decide early whether you want to focus on wine country, on historic towns or on a combination of both. A few days allows for a reasonable taste of each.
