usd travel kaiserslautern

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US Army Garrison Rheinland-Pfalz Kaiserslautern Travel Office (SATO)

Mon-Fri 0800-1630

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Kaiserslautern

• 1 Understand
• 2.1 By plane
• 2.2 By train
• 3 Get around
• 10.1 Budget
• 10.2 Mid-range
• 10.3 Splurge

Kaiserslautern is in Rhineland-Palatinate , Germany .

Understand [ edit ]

Nicknamed "K-Town", Kaiserlautern was home to many military personnel during the Cold War, and several American military installations, including Ramstein Air Base, are still in operation nearby.

In the Middle Ages, the town was chosen by Emperor Friedrich I (Barbarossa) as a seat of government.

Kaiserslautern was the smallest of the twelve host cities for the 2006 World Cup .

Touristically, this town has not much to offer but some nice restaurants, bars and nightclubs.

• Check out the city tourism site for more information.

Get in [ edit ]

By plane [ edit ]

While the biggest military airport in Europe is Ramstein, just outside Kaiserslautern, the city doesn't have any commercial airports of its own.

• Frankfurt Airport ( FRA  IATA ) is the easiest way to get in by plane, one of the busiest airports in Europe, with numerous destinations all over the world. Lufthansa offers a shuttle bus service between Frankfurt and Kaiserslautern, bookable under destination code KLT in conjunction with most European and intercontinental flights to/from Frankfurt. You can also book the shuttle bus on its own for EUR 27 one way with Lufthansa directly if you want to connect with other flights, or to high-speed trains via the airports railway station. There are multiple buses per day, the bus ride takes 1h 45min and counts as a Lufthansa flight for Miles&More purposes. See also below for the DeLux shuttle serving the same route. Rail&fly is also an option if not flying Lufthansa. For more on that topic see rail air alliances
• Saarbrücken Airport ( SCN  IATA ) is close to Kaiserslautern, but offers very few flights, mainly to other German cities and to Luxembourg .
• Frankfurt-Hahn Airport ( HHN  IATA ) and Baden Airpark ( Karlsruhe / Baden-Baden ) ( FKB  IATA ) are further away but have many destinations with low-cost companies .
• Stuttgart Airport ( STR  IATA ) and Luxembourg Airport [dead link] ( LUX  IATA ) are also further away but have good connections.

By train [ edit ]

Regional trains travel to Kaiserlautern from Saarbrücken (55 min, €12.20). An S-Bahn line connects Kaiserslautern with Neustadt(Weinstr) (30 min), Mannheim (1 hour) and Heidelberg (1¼ hour). An ICE from Frankfurt takes 1½ hours and costs €36. There are also several ICE and TGV trains each day from Paris East Station (2½ hours, €87).

By car [ edit ]

Kaiserslautern is located on the A6 Federal Motorway. The city is 65 km away from Mannheim , 70 km away from Saarbrücken and 120 km away from Frankfurt (on A63). Hitchhikers can also look for cars online .

By bus [ edit ]

see also: Intercity buses in Germany

A private bus line Luxembourg - Trier - Kaiserslautern - Mainz - Frankfurt Airport - Frankfurt am Main is run by DeLux Express [dead link] and runs every 2 to 3 hours, taking 1½ hours and costing €20. See also above for the Lufthansa shuttle bus.

From Frankfurt airport, military travelers can take a shuttle bus to various posts around Kaiserslautern, Ramstein , and Landstuhl . Most shuttle services will cost you around €45 one way. At the airport, go to the U.S.O. office and ask them to arrange for a shuttle, you'll need to have your ID ready.

Get around [ edit ]

Kaiserslautern has a city bus system . It has also night buses, but mostly during weekends. You can get tickets from the driver for €1.90 one-way. Group tickets, day tickets and three-day tickets are also available. The buses also accept US dollars.

An popular way to get around is by bicycle. Most of the streets have bicycle lanes, either as a part of the sidewalk or near the car lanes. You can get usually get from one side of the city to the opposite in less than an hour. However, be aware that some streets have steep hills. You can rent a bicycle online for €15/day (€9/day reduced) and pick it from the Central Station. VELO Projekt [dead link] also lends bicycles for 6 months for a deposit of €75.

See [ edit ]

• 49.446893 7.751863 2 Gartenschau ( garden fair ), Lauterstraße . Varying indoor and outdoor flower shows, as well as other events take place here. The garden fair is also home to the largest open-air dinosaur exhibition in Europe. Open April through October, from 09:00 (or 10:00 during weekends and public holidays) until 19:00.  
• 49.447859 7.764748 3 Japanese Garden , Am Abendsberg 1 . One of the largest Japanese gardens in Europe. It is open Tuesday to Sunday, from 10:00 to 18:00 (or 19:00 during the summer). The entrance fee is €4.50 normal price and €3.50 reduced. Children under 12 can enter for free.  
• 49.445877 7.768244 4 Imperial Palace and the Casimir Castle Ruins . Open daily from 15:00 to 17:00, as well as Tuesday and Saturday from 11:00 to 13:00. .  
• Kaiserbrunnen ( the imperial fountain ). Built in 1987, it features Emperor Frederic Barbarossa and King Rudolf von Habsburg.  
• Stiftskirche ( the collegiate church ).  
• St. Martinskirche ( St. Martin's Church ). Built at the beginning of the 14th century as a Franciscan monastery church, it is now a Catholic parish church. Open daily from 09:00 to 18:00.  
• 49.466121 7.681364 5 Zoo . Hosts around 115 animal species and 415 wild and domestic animals on its area of 17 acres. It is open April through October from 8:30 to 18:30 and November through March from 9:00 to 17:00. The entrance fee is €6.50 normal price or €4.00 reduced.  

Do [ edit ]

• FC Kaiserslautern . FC Kaiserslautern is Kaiserslautern's professional football/ soccer team playing in second Bundesliga. FCK plays its home fixtures in the Fritz Walter Stadion, with a capacity of 49,780.  
• Palatinate Forest . 5 minutes away from the city centre, and there are many nice walks available. A classic combination is walking to the Humberg Turm and then visiting the Bremerhof pub, also in the forest. Starting at the technical university the walk should take no more than 30 minutes.  
• Volkspark .  
• Gelterswoog Lake . A nice lake near Kaiserslautern with grassy ground and boating facilities. There are also a couple of Bar-B-Q huts for rent nearby.  
• Bike . A great well maintained 35 km bike trail to Lauterecken is available. If you are tired once you arrive you can take a train back to Kaiserslautern HBF.  

Learn [ edit ]

• Technische Universität Kaiserslautern , Gottlieb-Daimler-Straße ( Uni Ost ), ☏ +49 631 205-2049 . University of technology with a nice campus.  

Buy [ edit ]

Eat [ edit ].

• Glockencafe , Glockenstr. 43 , ☏ +49 631-60384 . Cafe/restaurant that usually opens at 19:00. If you want to eat budget, go for the baked breads. Otherwise, quality food, beer and nice atmosphere. No loud music and a garden make it a good place to hangout.  
• [formerly dead link] Uwe's Tomate , Schillerplatz 4 , ☏ +49 631-93406 . Schillerplatz 4. Upper class restaurant in the city center. Quality food and service. Good choice for small celebrations.  
• Pizza-Attack , Berliner Straße 24 , ☏ +49 631 73011 . Good pizzeria, which delivers. It's possible to pay in Euro or US Dollars.  
• Spinnradl , Schiller Straße 1 ( In the downtown area, around the corner from the Burger King across from the church ), ☏ +49 631 60511 . Historic building that serves as a restaurant serving classic German dishes. The atmosphere is very quaint, and the food is a fine example of regional specialities. While it can be a bit pricey, it still makes for an excellent place to dine."  

Drink [ edit ]

• 21 . A cocktail bar situated on top of the city-council building, the tallest building in Kaiserslautern. It offers a nice view, if for no other reason because it's the only place in town where you cannot see the city-council building.  
• Bremerhof . A beer-garden in the Palentine forest, they have a large outdoor service area, with expensive pub food, and normally priced drinks. It's good for the view of the forest, and it is near to a children's playing ground and to a fenced off area with wild deer.  
• Thursty Nelly's . An Irish pub in the downtown area, they have karaoke on Thursday nights. The staff all speak excellent English, and drinks are normally priced.  

Sleep [ edit ]

Budget [ edit ], mid-range [ edit ].

• Alcatraz Hotel , ☏ +49 631 414040-0 . €50-160 .  
• Zollamt Hotel , ☏ +49 631 31666-00 . €110-150 .  

Splurge [ edit ]

Go next [ edit ].

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Top 10 things to do with visitors near Kaiserslautern

There’s a market on Tuesdays and Saturdays in Kaiserslautern’s Stiftzplatz. (Ann Pinson/Stars and Stripes)

A reader asked us for the Top 10 must-do things in the Kaiserslautern area that would help share the unique experience of living in this part of Germany with visitors. We stuck to places within a half hour or so of the KMC. If you think of anything we should have added to our list, email it to [email protected] for potential inclusion in a reader roundup.

Here’s what we came up with:

Gartenschau

Dinosaur models are among the attractions at the Gartenschau in Kaiserslautern. (Wikimedia Commons)

Kids often call the Gartenschau the “dinosaur park” because of the huge dinosaur models scattered throughout the park. But there’s also a playground with a water feature flowing through it, as well as a snack bar with lots of seating for accompanying grownups. You’ll also spot various types of gardens, a skate park, miniature golf and more.

Rushing water spins a wheel and gives diners a conversation piece in Meisenheim, Germany. (Erik Slavin/Stars and Stripes)

Meisenheim is a fairy-tale village on the Glan River, not far from Kaiserslautern or Baumholder. It’s a perfect stop for a Sunday afternoon stroll. Walk past the former synagogue, Gothic town hall and the 16th century market hall. After exploring the town and enjoying nature, there are plenty of restaurants and pubs where visitors can recuperate and grab a bite to eat.

Wine country

Hordes of tourists make their way along the Drosselgasse in Ruedesheim, Germany. Lined with wine taverns, restaurants and cafes, it is the main attraction in this wine-producing town on the Rhine River. (Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes)

Some of the best white wines on the planet are 30-40 minutes from Kaiserslautern. Dr. B ü rklin Wolf is renowned for its dry rieslings. Their reserve bottles starting around 18 euro are fantastic and their entry-level bottle starts around 12 euros. They have a relaxing outdoor park and a playground where the kids can enjoy themselves while you’re sipping riesling. Willing to speak a few words of German? Weingut Benss in Bockenheim is laid-back and sells some refreshing wines for 5 euros a bottle.

Other wine experiences within driving distance from Kaiserslautern include the German Wine Road in Bad Bergzabern , the Pfalz Wine Trail that winds through Germany’s vineyards , and sips along the Rhine in Ruedesheim.

Bremerhof beer garden and Humbergturm hike

Customers enjoy the warm spring weather at the Bremerhof beer garden in Kaiserslautern, Germany. (Jennifer H. Svan/Stars and Stripes)

At the expansive Bremerhof beer garden, located in the Palatinate Forest in Kaiserslautern, people soak up the sun and empty their beer mugs . The food includes local specialties such as liver dumplings and saumagen (best not to ask), German standards like rumpsteak and schnitzel, and some healthier options. If you have kids, grab a table near the playground. Up for a hike? Try Humbergturn trail to work up an appetite or burn off beer garden calories. The trailhead starts near the Bremerhof parking lot and makes a steady climb through the forest for a panoramic view of Kaiserslautern from the tower.

Homburg caves

Red-and-yellow sandstone is seen in the first domed area visitors come across upon entering the Schlossberg Caves in Homburg, Germany. (Phillip Walter Wellman/Stars and Stripes)

The Schlossberg Caves are the largest sandstone structure of their kind in Europe, spanning 12 levels within a hill above Homburg, on top of which lie the Hohenburg Castle ruins. The caves are perfect for exploring when when it’s hot outside. The site is about 25 minutes from Ramstein and 40 minutes from Baumholder.

A walk through Kaiserslautern

The Kaiserbrunnen, topped by Emperor Frederick Barbarossa and King Rudolf von Habsburg, is full of symbols of the history of Kaiserslautern. (Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes)

Take a walk downtown and see the city’s sites. Start at the fountain known as Kaiserbrunnen , topped by Emperor Frederick Barbarossa and King Rudolf von Habsburg. The structure is a myriad of symbols, large and small, representing Kaiserslautern’s history. A nearby sign explains it all. Stroll from there up Steinstrasse and check out St. Martin’s Square along with the church of the same name. As you wander, grab a cone at one of the many ice cream spots . The expansive Stiftsplatz comes to life on Tuesdays and Saturdays when a wonderful farmers’ market takes place here. Along the way, pause at the Stolpersteine memorial stones to Holocaust victims.

Professional soccer game   at Fritz Walter Stadium

Soccer fans make their way to Fritz-Walter-Stadion in Kaiserslautern to see a championship FC Kaiserslautern game in April 2022. (Heather Benit/Stars and Stripes)

1.FC Kaiserslautern is one of Germany’s storied teams and now back in the 2nd Division. But no matter what division they are in, watching a Red Devils game in their home stadium, along with 40,000 other fans, is a loud, goose bump-giving experience. Tickets are hard to come by, so be sure to buy early.

Climb to a castle

The landscape below Lichtenberg Castle is seen from the top of a watch tower on the castle grounds. (Jennifer H. Svan/Stars and Stripes)

Combine some hiking and history with a stop at castle ruins. Nanstein Castle in Landstuhl is right next to the charming Burgschaenke Nanstein restaurant for food with a view. Frankenstein Castle , in a town about a dozen miles from Kaiserslautern, serves as a starting point for hiking and biking tours of the forest. Lichtenberg Castle , a.k.a. Kusel Castle, offers a bird’s-eye view of the nearby hills and valley, plus there’s a restaurant and the Geoskop Museum of the Primeval World inside.

Take a swim

A huge slide is a hit with kids at Warmfreibad in Kaiserslautern. (Heather Benit/Stars and Stripes)

Freibad Waschmühle is the largest outdoor pool in Kaiserslautern. The pool is about 165 meters long. There is a 10-meter diving board and a large playground, as well as food and sunbathing areas. The pool is north of the city center on the road to Morlautern. Warmfreibad is the second outdoor pool in Kaiserslautern, just blocks from Kleber Kaserne. In Landstuhl, Naturerlebnisbad is a unique destination featuring a swimming pond with a sandy beach, plus volleyball, a sauna and eatery. If you want to swim indoors, Monte Mare in Kaiserslautern offers slides, a wave pool, a kiddie pool and a sauna.

Japanese Garden

The Japanese Garden is one of Kaiserslautern’s most popular attractions, especially when the cherry blossoms bloom between March and April. (Erik Slavin/Stars and Stripes)

The tranquil Japanese Garden is one of the most Instagram-friendly spots in Kaiserslautern. Find some serenity among the cherry trees, waterfalls and bridges. While you’re there, grab a bottle of green tea and try some fried yakisoba noodles and edamame.

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OFFICE HOURS AND RESERVATION TELEPHONE NUMBERS

Kleber Kaserne, Kaiserslautern

Office hours/availability.

Office hours are local and open for business Monday - Friday, unless otherwise specified.

Hours of Operation: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Local Europe

Reservation Telephone Numbers

Local: 0631-34165-0

Fax: 0631-47457

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Budget-friendly trips everyone can enjoy

One of the biggest concerns when planning any kind of trip is money. A 2013 CNN Global Tourism survey found that nearly 60 percent of people decide vacation destinations and activities based on price. Traveling can be expensive whether you’re single, attached or bringing the whole family. If you’re looking for a few unexpected locations that’ll give you a great vacation at minimal expense, the following five destinations might be just what you’re looking for.

The cities were selected by distance, activities and great value at a low cost. Travel times and train ticket prices are estimated from the Kaiserslautern area. There are no hotels listed below, as the prices will change depending on the size of the group. A few websites to consider for booking a room include: www.Booking.com , www.Airbnb.com and www.TripAdvisor.com .

Each location is broken down into five Ws and an H. When you’re starting to plan a trip, it’s important to think about WHERE (you want to go), WHEN (is the best time to go), WHO (is going), WHAT (is there to do), WHY (you should go) and HOW (to get there).

WHERE: Hamburg, Germany

WHEN (to go): Year-round. Hamburg is one of the friendliest towns in northern Germany and is a great destination for either a four-day weekend or a weeklong vacation.

WHO (should go): Singles, couples and families.

For families, City Strollers, www.citystrollers.com , is a great resource for families hoping to travel light. Started by a mother of four children ages three through nine, City Strollers takes care of everything and anything you might need on vacation. They even suggest activities, as well as help find budget-friendly places to stay.

WHAT (to do) and WHY (you should go): If you’re looking for some no-money fun, the beach on the river is a great place for everyone. When the weather is warmer, there are plenty of places to relax. Kids can build sandcastles and watch the ships arrive, as Hamburg is one of Europe’s busiest container and cruise-liner ports. Adults can visit some of the restaurants and beach clubs along the coast.

Miniatur Wonderland is another fantastic destination in Hamburg. Fun for everyone, this exhibit is a large, scaled-down model of parts of the world with miles of railway track, a sports stadium, a theme park, a working airport and a space station. Children have the chance to interact by helping to put out fires, chopping down tress, or operating the chocolate factory. Ticket prices: €13 for adults 16 and older; €6.50 for children under 16 years old; and free for children shorter than 3 feet.

There are plenty of art galleries and museums throughout the city, many of which include tours specifically geared toward children. Be sure to check out the Maritime Museum for a pirate-guided tour tailored to the age of the group. They also have treasure hunts running throughout the museum and a variety of workshops alongside the exhibits.

HOW (to get there): By car, Hamburg is just about a six-hour drive. If you would rather have someone else do your driving, the travel time will be about the same by train. Tickets start as low as €96 round trip.

WHERE: Bavaria, Germany

WHEN (to go): Bavaria is well-known for its skiing. But if you’re looking to save money, the best deals are from March through August during the off-season.

WHAT (to do) and WHY (you should go): Castles and castles and castles! This region of Germany has some of the most famous castles in the world. Neuschwanstein Castle, Castle Hohenschwangau and the Museum of the Bavarian Kings are within walking distance of each other. Children under the age of 18 get in free, and depending on which attraction you go to, adult tickets range from €11 to €12. There are hiking and biking trails as well as many lakes. May through October you can rent rowing or pedal boats.

If you have toddlers or preschoolers, Linderhof Castle might be more your speed. Near the charming town of Oberammergau, this small, but ornate, palace is unique because of its underground Venus Grotto built by King Ludwig. Visitors can explore the cavern and king’s secret lair. Tours are available in English and last about 30 minutes. Tickets cost €7.50.

Garmisch-Partenkirchen, the site of 1936 Winter Olympics, is the place to be if you want to combine wintertime activities and warm weather. While there, be sure to ride the Rodelbahn, a fast, winding, wheeled sled ride on a paved bobsled course. It’s reasonably priced, €2 per ride, and fun for everyone!

If you want to get some exercise in, adults can hike the Partnachklamm, which is not recommended for kids under 14 years old. This gorge has steep limestone walls carved by the Partnach River. If you’d rather have the whole family, Mittenwald is not far. Close to the German-Austrian border, this area is great for hiking and has a trail specifically designed for children.

Lastly, don’t forget to take a train or cable car from Garmisch to the top of Germany’s highest mountain, Zugspitze, for stunning views of Austria, Italy and Switzerland.

HOW (to get there): By car, it takes 3 1/2 to four hours. There are no direct trains to this particular part of Bavaria.

WHERE: The city of Luxembourg, Luxembourg

WHEN (should you go): April through June are the best months for great deals and pleasant weather.

WHAT (to do) and WHY (you should go): Conveniently squeezed between Germany, France and Belgium, the city of Luxembourg is the perfect location for a day trip or short weekend trip. A great way to save money is to purchase a Luxembourg Card. Whether you’re there for one, two or three days, this card gives you access to more than 70 museums and tourist attractions, as well as free use of public transportation. Individual cards start at €13 for one day; Family cards, covering two to five people, start at €28 for one day.

Luxembourg city center is one of the most diverse cities in Europe. Nearly 70 percent of the population consists of foreigners. In order to get the most out of your trip, City Promenade’s guided walking tours, offered in both German and English, can help familiarize you with your travel destination. Tours last about four hours and cost €12 for adults and €6 for children.

If you’re looking for some no-money fun, Casemates du Bock is right up your alley. Luxembourg’s beginnings were in the 10th century with the construction of a castle at the tip of the current Old Town. Although the castle is now in ruins, tunnels carved out of the rock below are open on both ends for panoramic views of the city. Nearby Petrusse Park is perfect for the casual walk and more breathtaking views.

Just outside the city center, thrill-seekers can find their way to the many adventure parks, climbing walls and ropes courses. Adventure Park Tree Climber allows visitors ages 5 and older to make their way through an outdoor ropes course. With the Luxembourg Card, you can get 30 percent off the cost. Several other attractions offer rock climbing and outdoor activities, as well. More information can be found at www.visitluxembourg.com .

HOW (to get there): By car, the city of Luxembourg is about 1 1/2 to two hours. If driving isn’t an option, the bus will get you there in about four hours. Tickets start at €44.

WHERE: Strasbourg, France

WHEN (to go): Known for its Christmas markets, many people think to only visit in the winter, but high season for tourism is during spring and summer.

WHAT (to do) and WHY (you should go): Strasbourg is a lively city with plenty of activities. If you’re looking for no-money-fun, you’d be best suited wandering along the River Ill. The river runs directly through the city center and passes by many courtyards, parks, shops and bakeries. On your stroll, be sure to look for the two-decker carousel at the Place de Gutemberg. This area is well-known for wine, cheese and bread markets throughout the year.

It might not be Paris, but Strasbourg has it’s own Notre Dame Cathedral, located in the city center. Be sure to stick around to watch the cathedral clock’s mechanical procession and cock crowing daily at 12:30 p.m. The cathedral also has a tower with a winding staircase leading to a magnificent view of the city. Entry fees: €4.40 for adults; €2.20 for children 5 to 18 years old and students; and free for children under 5 years old.

If you need a rest from all that walking, a boat tour on the River Ill is a great way to see Strasbourg. Batorama offers four different river tours on their website, www.batoramashop.com . The best for site seeing is the 70-minute tour that includes individual headsets. There are even special audio programs for kids. Be sure to book this early in the day, as it fills quickly. Tickets prices: €12.50 for adults and children 13 and older; €7.20 for children 4 to 12 years old; and free for children under 4 years old.

One of the coolest adventures for everyone is likely to be La Montagne des Singes, which is a monkey reserve. More than 200 furry, medium-sized monkeys known as Barbary Macaques live on this 60-acre forested reserve. Visitors receive popcorn upon entry to feed the monkeys. The visit lasts about an hour and is only about a half-mile walk. Entry fees: €9 for adults and children 15 and older; €5.50 for children 5 to 14 years old; and free for children under 5 years old.

HOW (to get there): There are a couple ways to drive to Strasbourg. Both car trips take just under two hours. Depending on which route you take, there will be tolls. If you’d rather someone else do the driving, the train will take about 3 1/2 hours. Tickets start as low as €63.

WHERE: Zurich, Switzerland

WHEN (to go): April through June.

WHAT (to do) and WHY (you should go): Zurich is a great city for people who enjoy the buzz of urban life while having plenty of family friendly activities. Before exploring, be sure to check the Zurich Tourism website for special activities and events, www.zuerich.com/en . Also, consider purchasing a Zurich Card, which will allow you access to all public transport in Zurich and free entry to most museums, as well as discounts at many shops and restaurants.

Animal lovers will love the Zurich Zoo. Opened in 1929 by The Tiergarten Society, its mission is to act as an ambassador between humans, animals and nature. The pride of this zoological garden is the Masoala Rainforest Hall. The 10,000-square-meter forest is home to a variety of animals, from lemurs to giant tortoises. The zoo also houses an 11,000-square-meter elephant park with indoor and outdoor viewing areas. A glass panel allows visitors to see elephants swimming and diving up close. Entry fees: €25 for adults 25 and older; €19 for ages 16 to 24 years old; €13 for ages 6 to 15 years old; and free for ages 6 and younger.

If shopping is what you’re after, visit Im Viadukt. Nestled under the arches of a railway viaduct built in the 19th century, there are more than 30 shops and a market hall for all your shopping needs. Rather than a traditional shopping mall, this area is a street with small and trendy shops lined up one after another.

Zurich is a city on the water. Take a 90-minute boat trip on Lake Zurich, use a Zurich Card, to see fantastic waterside homes, a statue of the Greek hero Ganymede, and the beach at Tiefenbrunnen.

One of the most charming parts of the city is Niederhof. From the cobblestone streets to quaint cafes and restaurants, what’s not to love? If you’re a people watcher, head down just before 11 a.m. and watch the area come alive. It’s also a perfect time for kids to investigate the surroundings since there are few people around. If the weather is warmer, be sure to bring an extra T-shirt or two. The large fountains are very enticing, and it’s not uncommon to see children playing in them.

The twin towers of the Grossmuenster are just around the corner from Niederhof. Visitors can walk up one of the towers, the Karlsturm. The top provides a beautiful view over the old town and lake. Entry fees: €3 for adults 17 and older; €2 for children 6 to 16 years old; and free for children under 6 years old.

HOW (to get there): This scenic route will take about 4 hours by car. Keep in mind that depending on which route you take, there may be tolls. By train, your trip will take between 5 1/2 and six hours. If you take the train, you will have to switch lines from Deutsche Bahn to Schweizerische Bundesbahnen between Germany and Switzerland. Tickets start at €98 one way.

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Closest mountains? - Kaiserslautern Forum

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Closest mountains?

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Hi friends,

My in-laws recently moved to Kaiserslautern, and we are planning on visiting them soon.

I’m curious, how far is the closest mountain town? How far are the alps?

Thanks for your insights.

What are mountains to you? There are mountains just south of Kauserslautern, the Pfälzerwald, that many would describe as mere hills. The Vosges and the Black Forest are somewhat

From Kaiserslautern to Freiburg and e.g. Titisee-Neustadt you have approx. 250 km. To Garmisch Partenkirchen it's about 420 km.

Tell us when does a town is a "mountain town", please.

Palatinate Forest (Pfälzerwald)

https://youtu.be/fQEpDSlUKMc

Füssen (Alps - Allgäu) 390 km ~ 4,5 h drive

https://en.fuessen.de/

Interlaken (Alps - Bernese Oberland) 430 km ~ 5 h drive

https://www.interlaken.ch/en

The mountains are more impressive around Interlaken. As a town, Füssen is much nicer.

Plus the generic warning on Switzerland: really expensive place.

Thanks for the feedback, everyone. For context, I’m from Fort Worth Tx where everything is flat :)

I’d love to see the alps, but if there are just as pretty mountains closer by, that would be great (and it sounds like there are)

You'd have a hard time beating anywhere in the world the mountains of the Alps of the Bernese Oberland by Interlaken.

This is really helpful. Thanks, everyone!

This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity.

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