Discover Kaiserslautern

Kaiserslautern combines city history and theatre culture with a garden show, animal experiences and green trails. When choosing accommodation, it is worth first deciding which experiences you want to shape your stay: would you mainly like to explore cultural attractions, plan time for family activities, or include destinations in the wider Kaiserslautern travel destination as well?

City history, garden art and theatre

Kaiserslautern received its town charter in 1276 and was elevated to the status of a Free Imperial City under Rudolf of Habsburg. The Kaiserslautern City Museum, which includes the Theodor-Zink Museum and the Wadgasserhof, connects with the city’s history. St. Martin’s Square also shows the city’s historic side: houses from the 18th and 19th centuries, mature trees and a fountain shape its character.

The Japanese Garden Kaiserslautern combines its cultural programme with painting courses, ikebana courses, exhibitions and events. Programmes and dates change. The Kaiserslautern Pfalztheater stages plays, opera, musicals and comedies; its repertoire also changes seasonally. If culture is your focus, you can choose between city history, garden activities and a changing theatre programme.

The garden show and activities to enjoy together

The Kaiserslautern Garden Show has welcomed visitors every year from April to October since 2000. Kaiserslautern-West station is very close to the main entrance. Check connections on the current local transport network when planning your journey. The grounds also have an adventure golf course with 18 holes on undulating artificial turf. Availability may vary by season.

The Fuchsfährte (Fox Trail) is designed as a woodland adventure trail for families with children, kindergartens and school classes. The route is 3.4 kilometres long and takes around two to three hours; check the trail conditions on site. Kaiserslautern Zoo offers a children’s playground, a petting zoo, expert-led tours and birds of prey demonstrations. Individual demonstrations and visitor facilities may change.

Kaiserslautern Wildlife Park is open to the public free of charge. Its animal population includes bison, roe deer, aurochs, wild horses, moose, mouflon, wild boar and lynx. As the animal population may change, it is worth checking the latest visitor information; you should also check access conditions again before travelling.

More experiences in the Kaiserslautern travel destination

Beyond the city, the wider Kaiserslautern travel destination offers more places of interest for nature and culture lovers. Mehlinger Heide is considered the largest heathland area in southern Germany. Its approximately 1.5-kilometre-long heathland trail features information boards and activity stations; the heath is also connected to the Palatinate Forest hiking trail network. Guided tours are available at any time. The 3.4 kilometres of the Fuchsfährte and the roughly 1.5 kilometres of the heathland trail give you different route lengths to help you plan. While the Fuchsfährte is specifically designed for families with children, kindergartens and school classes, the heathland trail leads through the heath past information boards and activity stations.

In Otterberg, the abbey church dates back to the 12th century. It is one of the most significant buildings in the Palatinate and is described as a monumental masterpiece of early Gothic architecture. Nanstein Castle towers above the town of Landstuhl and offers sweeping views across the West Palatinate; it is also a landmark of the Sickingen town. If you would rather go for a hike than explore architecture or take in the views, the Karlstalschlucht walking trail offers shady stretches through the forest, gently flowing water and narrow paths with uphill and downhill sections.

Choosing the right location for your stay

If you are also including places in the wider Kaiserslautern travel destination, factor them into your choice of location without treating city attractions and regional excursions as the same thing. Kaiserslautern District is a member of the Rhine-Neckar Transport Association (VRN); you can find timetable and fare information on the VRN website. Check the details for the journeys you have planned.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Eulenbis, Ramstein-Miesenbach, Frankenstein, Kindsbach, Otterberg, Schopp, Trippstadt, Sulzbachtal.

Go to the main travel overview: Kaiserslautern.