In the western region of Germany shouldering up against the flanks of France’s quaint and cozy Alsace province is the equally charming and alluring townships and wineries of the famous German Wine Road (called the Deutsches Weinstrasse).  In the heart of this route, fed by thousands of acres of vineyards veiling the rich soil of gently sloping hills, is the Pearl of the Palatinate and unsaid capital of German wine production, the city of Neustadt an der Weinstrasse; and it’s with good reason this city is dubbed these two titles.  First and foremost its streets could be flowing with wine, as so much is produced in the area and sold in countless wineries, restaurants and shops within Neustadt; 5,000 acres of vineyards feed the city’s - and it’s lucrative tourist trade’s - thirst for wine producing approximately 20 million bottles of the beverage each year.  These various wines are served in a magnetic old-world atmosphere where half-timbered dwellings line cobblestone alleys under the shadows of ancient church steeples and, yes, attractive antique wrought iron signs hanging above entrance ways advertising vendors’ sale of wines.  A modest amount of modernity has infiltrated this medieval venue in the form of in vogue boutiques.

Neustadt, a small city with a population of approximately 56,000, is within a stone’s throw away from the Kaiserslautern Military Community: roughly 45 minutes by car and 45 minutes to one hour by train.  The drive is breathtaking through the enchanting townships and across the waves of vineyards that come to an end at the feet of low, forested peaks upon which are often perched the ruins of an olden fortress.  Many of these sights are also witnessed by the convenient and easily obtainable train travel from Kaiserslautern main train station to Neustadt.  In fact, traveling by train may be more beneficial for a Neustadt sightseer who would like to taste that which makes this small city and its environs such a pleasant place to visit, aside from its architecture - its wines.  Neustadt’s train station is hardly a distant walk from the heart of the old town, where the tour of Neustadt is often begun.  The Marktplatz is the epicenter of the old town, itself surrounded by historic edifices such as the Gothic Stiftskirche; the 18th century town hall and the Scheffelhaus, a 1580 structure resembling the articulate construction of the Renaissance period.  Several bistros are seated within the Marktplatz that afford quests a pleasant view of the aforementioned architecture.  The Marktplatz is not only the focal point for old-world Neustadt, but it also plays host to outdoor markets where vendors sell an array of fresh fruits and vegetables on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.  Roughly one month out from Christmas the Marktplatz transforms itself into an enchanting Yuletide wonderland as it plays host to the city’s annual Christmas market.

A short stroll out of the Marktplatz leads to Neustadt’s pedestrian zone.  An impressive aspect of this small city is the fact this zone hosts a great selection of stores selling the latest in fashionable apparel, fantastic electronics, etc.  However, neither this zone nor the Marktplatz hold the title as the city’s largest landmark; that’s reserved for a five-century old church that possesses the largest cast iron church bell in the world.  Other attractions that are a must to visit while in Neustadt are the Elwedritsche fountain, Eisenbahnmuseum, and the Hambach castle.  The Elwedritsche fountain is a fantasy-borne masterful piece of art seated in the center of town; it’s comprised of fair tale-like creatures that are half bird and half animal.  The Eisenbahnmuseum (train museum) is appropriately located next to the city’s train station.  This interesting museum is a tribute to a collection of historic steam-powered locomotives.  On special occasions, the museum features rides on such a locomotive.  The museum is open 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays.  Entrance costs 3 Euros for adults and 1 Euro for ages 4-16.  The well-preserved and formidable fortress of Hambach castle is perched on a hilltop right outside Neustadt proper in the town of Hambach.  On May 27, 1832 demonstrators marched up to the castle and demanded human rights and democracy from the castle’s royal inhabitants, after which the castle was – and still is – considered Germany’s “Monument to Democracy”.  One of the leaders of the world’s greatest democracy, Ronald Reagan, gave a speech at Hambach castle in the 1980’s.  To ensure Neustadt’s guests miss nothing of the aforementioned sights, and much more, guided tours are given of the city from April to the middle of November each Wednesday and Saturday at 10:30 a.m.  The tours begin at the tourist office; their cost can be obtained at this office.

With all its grand sights and shopping opportunities, Neustadt’s underlying theme is still wine, and tasting this wine is a given when strolling along this city’s medieval streets.  Down these enchanting, sleepy alleys, line by entwined grape vines and lantern posts whose lights illuminate the half-timbered row houses, can be found snug old world wine taverns complete with the musty, sweet aroma of this barreled elixir.  This is where much of the spirit of Neustadt is discovered, and where further claims can be staked by pleased visitors that Neustadt is indeed Germany’s unsaid capitol of wine production, and tasting.  Such a tavern worth mentioning that is an integral part of Neustadt’s vibrant wine spirit is the aptly named Haus des Weines (house of wines) where customers sample the area’s wines in this refurbished structure originally built in 1276.  Further cozy taverns rich in wine boasting a similar atmosphere as Haus des Weines can be discovered by walking down the narrow alleys named Mittelgasse and Hintergasse.

Further information about the “Pearl of the Palatinate” can be obtained by visiting the English pages of Neustadt’s website.