Shopping, romanticism and wine
Neustadt an der Weinstraße is an independent city and has more than 53,000 inhabitants. Situated in the western part of the Rhine-Neckar urban agglomeration in the federal state Rhineland-Palatinate it is one of Germany’s centres of wine industry. On 6th of April, 1275 Neustadt attained city rights.
The historical Old Town of Neustadt has still the most half-timbered houses in the Palatinate. Winding alleys offer insight into picturesque courtyards. Moreover, shopping is kind of special in Neustadt. Neustadt is the first city in Germany that has been awarded 1A shopping centre for the fifth time in row.
Many cafés, bars, original wine taverns and restaurants indulge you with Palatine dishes and Mediterranean kitchen. Some of these restaurants are even listed in guides like the guide Michelin, Gault Millau, Aral gourmet's atlas or Varta.
Situated in a quiet region at the foothills of the Pfälzer woods and surrounded by vineyards Neustadt is a popular destination for tourists. The romantic Old Town is a favoured surrounding for numerous cultural events. Beautiful to see is also the Christmas Market which is located on the historical marketplace with the gothic church “Stiftskirche”, a city hall and the bushel house “Scheffelhaus”, surrounding streets and decorated courtyards.
Neustadt regularly offers normal and night watch tours that take you through historical parts of the city. Furthermore, Dr. Stefan Ulrich, a curator of monuments and building historian, does exclusive tours featuring half-timbered buildings.
A "must" is a visit to the „cradle of German democracy“. From the Hambacher palace that has been constructed at the beginning of the 11th century you will have a magnificent view of endless vineyards and the Rhine Valley. Lots of events are staged there, too.
Fans of cycling and mountain biking will be delighted by numerous trails around Neustadt. All trails lead through extensive woods or vineyards.
More information: http://www.neustadt.eu/index.php?La=2
Photo: Hambacher Schloß, Aldorado/Shutterstock
