On the left bank of the Rhine abutting Alsace, Saarland and Rheinhessen is the Pfalz or Palatinate.
It is a region featuring changing landscapes and is Germany's largest wine-growing area. Its fertile undulations are bisected by the famous 80 km-long Wine Route, linking romantic wine towns and villages, which winds its way past ancient castle ruins and steep dense woodland.
The adjoining Palatinate Woods were once the exclusive hunting grounds of emperors, kings and electoral princes. Today, walkers hunt down the nicest views, which thankfully are to be found at nearly every turn.
Walking, fishing and hunting are the most popular leisure pursuits in the Hunsrück. The Mosel, Saar and Rhine rivers encircle the region, making is especially attractive for the active vacationer. The typical woodland and farming landscape is also richly interspersed with vineyard locations of repute, doubtlessly an attribute which has helped to popularize the legendary tales of Schinderhannes, head of a band of highwaymen once the terror of this region. Whether on foot, horseback or covered wagon, visitors following Schinderhannes trail can enjoy a natural experience second to none.
The Nahe valley, also a traditional wine-growing region, boasts some geological peculiarities, such as fossil-rich slate mines, precious stones and salt deposits.
Riches of a different kind are the many castles, stately homes and ancient villages, which no Nahe visitor should miss. Those neither interested in mineral deposits nor ancient monuments will find far-reaching sport and leisure activities awaiting.
