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Roman Ruins and Fine Wines
The Ahr and Mosel, tributaries of the Rhine, carve their way through the Eifel
uplands, creating deep and twisted valleys. Despite being in the middle of
western Europe, these valleys remain among Germany’s rural backwaters
and the attractions along these major rivers offer a quieter version of
those on the romantic Rhine. Both valleys offer the classic German mix of
atmos pheric medieval castles, such as the magnificent Burg Eltz, and pretty
half-timbered towns surrounded by steep vineyards that produce wonder-
ful full-bodied wines. The drive visits the Nürburgring, the famous Formula
One race car track, and finishes at the venerable city of Trier, the region’s
southern gateway, with its major collection of interesting Roman ruins.BACK ROADS GERMANY
ACTIVITIES
Enjoy the thrill of motor-racing on the hallowed
asphalt of the NürburgringExplore Burg Eltz, tucked away in a quiet valley
beside the MoselSample some of Germany’s finest wines in the
quintessential wine town of Bernkastel-KuesTour Trier to get a glimpse of Roman culture among
the most spectacular remains north of the AlpsCruise the Mosel by boat or enjoy a hike on
vineyard paths with views of the winding river0 kilometers0 miles1010Above Boats cruising along the Mosel at Bernkastel-Kues, see p142M
oselAhrAremberg
2,044 ftMichelsberg
1,923 ftNÜRBURGRINGTRIERAdenau
BreidscheidMüschDümpelfeldHümmel HönningenBergLeimbachKurtenbergScheuerheckKirchsahrKordelHetzerath
Dhron WintrichMehring TrittenheimWaldrach ThalfangStrotzbüschBausendorfWelschbilligNewelNeumagenDarscheidMehrenHörschhausenKelbergHontheimOberscheidweilerBerglicht
BüdlichPiesportBraunebergPlatten
Heidweiler OsannDreisBruchFellSehlemFöhrenSalmtalRuwerZemmerLorscheidSchöndorfNiedermennigZewenReinsfeldNürburgWelcherathRheinbachWittlichKonzSchweich