Wiesbaden
Wiesbaden
Germany's most favoured spa resort lies about 25 miles (40km)
west of Frankfurt in a valley between the Rhine River and Taunus
Mountains. The town has been a spa resort since the time of the
ancient Romans, with its 26 hot springs averaging temperatures of
around 50°C (122°F). Besides being known for its luxurious
spa hotels, Wiesbaden is also a cultural centre, its events being
concentrated around the major Kurhaus concert hall complex. The
complex includes a casino and restaurant, conference and exhibition
facilities.
The Rhine © Rhineland-Pfalz Tourism
The Rhineland
The wide, deep and sluggish Rhine River flows from Switzerland
into the sea in the Netherlands, and most of its length in the
process meanders through the mountains and plains of Germany. The
river has always served as a major trading route, and it is also a
favourite with tourists who enjoy cruising it, particularly along
its scenic mid-section between Mainz and Koblenz. Boarding a
steamer in Mainz, about 25 miles (40km) south west of Frankfurt,
one journeys through steep vine-covered hillsides dotted with
romantic towns and castles, many associated with fascinating
legends and fables.
Address: Rheinland-Pfalz Tourism Bureau, Löhrstraße 103 - 105, Koblenz;
Telephone: RheinlandPfalz Tourism Bureau: (0)261 915 200;
E-mail: info@rlp-info.de;
Website: www.germany-tourism.de/biking/05_route36.html
Roman bridge, Trier © Stefan Kuhn
Trier
A taste of ancient Rome is a popular tourist attraction in the
German city of Trier, 120 miles (193km) south west of Frankfurt.
Trier was founded as a colonial capital under Roman Emperor
Augustus in 16 BC, making it Germany's oldest city. The city became
an important political and cultural centre, and many Roman
buildings and monuments remain to be explored by visitors. The city
is also a good starting point for trips into the Mosel Valley, and
cruises on the scenic Mosel River, which is Germany's main
wine-producing region.
Address: Tourist Information: An der Porta Nigra, Trier;
Telephone: Tourist Information: 651 978080;
E-mail: info@tit.de;
Website: www.trier.de
Jesuit Church, Heidelberg
Heidelberg
The historic university town of Heidelberg, about 55 miles
(89km) south of Frankfurt, is billed as a city of music and
romance. It is one of the few German cities that escaped relatively
unscathed from air raids during World War II, and still has
numerous buildings from the Middle Ages and Renaissance to explore.
The modern part of the city around the Bismarckplatz has some good
hotels and restaurants, and enticing shopping plazas. The city is
built along the banks of the Neckar River, and has a colourful
atmosphere lent by its large student population, particularly in
the student quarter with its narrow streets and lively inns. The
university was established in 1386.
