Camping in Rhineland-Palatinate – The federal state offers adventure and fun for the whole family in the mountains and on rivers such as the Moselle.
If you’re traveling along this with a car and a roof tent or perhaps a tent trailer, you’ll come across great places like Koblenz.
Read more about travel tips, sights and experiences with the family or for a romantic getaway for two here.
Camping Ratgeber:
Rhineland-Palatinate: Lahn, Saar & Rhine
Rhineland-Palatinate is a federal state in the south-east of Germany.
It borders Baden-Württemberg, Hesse, North Rhine-Westphalia and Saarland.
The state also borders Luxembourg, France and Belgium.
Many of the lakes in the mountainous landscape of the region in southern Germany were formed by volcanoes.
This means you can go swimming with a mountain panorama.
A number of rivers also run through Rhineland-Palatinate, such as the Lahn, Moselle, Saar and Rhine.
Together with the mountains, these offer great landscapes for exciting vacation activities such as fishing or hiking.
The picturesque vineyards on the banks are also well-known and invite you to go for a walk or a wine tasting (please note: over 16 or over 18).
You will be particularly close to nature if you also go camping.
Lakes, rivers & idyllic wine landscapes: experience Rhineland-Palatinate
These things make Rhineland-Palatinate a wonderful state for your next vacation:
- Lakes, for swimming, with a view
- Rivers, for the anglers among us
- Mountains, hiking in nature
- Vineyards, idyllic landscape
Rhineland-Palatinate on the map: Vineyards, mountains & valleys
Rhineland-Palatinate borders Luxembourg and Belgium to the west, North Rhine-Westphalia to the north, Hesse to the east and Saarland and France to the south.
This regional diversity is reflected in the different landscapes, including the broad Rhine Valley with its world-famous vineyards, the Palatinate Forest mountains, the Hunsrück in the center of the state and the picturesque Moselle Valley in the south.
Here you can see the federal state on the map:
Koblenz: Take the cable car over the city
Let’s start with Koblenz.
Koblenz may be a small town, but it has a lot to offer.
And it’s not just picturesque squares and beautiful churches.
An old fortress from the 11th century offers a spectacular view of the city and the two rivers Rhine and Moselle.
And the best thing about it?
You can reach Europe’s second largest fortress by cable car!
If you’re planning a short trip to a city that combines history, nature and adventure, then Koblenz is just the place for you.
Once again at a glance:
- Old fortress with a view of the Rhine & Moselle
- Fortress can be reached by cable car
- Koblenz offers history, nature & adventure
Find out here where you can enjoy a delicious meal after the cable car ride and what else Koblenz has to offer:
Here is Koblenz on the map: Here you can see the Rhine and the Moselle.
Koblenz is so beautiful: Find out more about the Moselle and Rhine here:
Moselle: Of cycle paths & vineyards
The Moselle region in Rhineland-Palatinate offers a wide range of activities for a vacation for young and old.
The region is known for its wines, especially Riesling, and offers wine tastings at many wineries and vineyards.
There are well-developed cycle paths and many hiking trails, including the 365 km long Moselsteig Trail, which leads through vineyards, forests and historic villages.
A boat trip on the Moselle is a great way to enjoy the scenery and historical sights such as castles, palaces, churches and Roman ruins.
These things await you on the Moselle:
- Activities for young & old
- Known for wines, especially Riesling
- Well-developed cycling & hiking trails
- Boat trips on the Moselle
You can find out what else you need to know here:
The Moselle flows along the German-Luxembourg border, then via Trier to Koblenz.
You can follow the course of the river on the map here: A gentle river between steep slopes – this is the kind of impression you can gather on the Moselle:
Rhine: Hiking trail past castles & tour on the water
The Rhine reaches Rhineland-Palatinate at Au am Rhein, then flows along the border between Rhineland-Palatinate, Hesse and Baden-Württemberg and finally crosses the federal state to North Rhine-Westphalia.
As you can see, several kilometers of the Rhine lie in Rhineland-Palatinate.
These parts belong to the Upper Rhine and Middle Rhine.
Here you will find hiking trails, such as the Rhine Castle Trail, and you can also discover the region from the water on a boat tour.
That’s why you really wanted to visit the Rhine:
- Hiking trails: Rhine Castle Trail, along castles & palaces
- Boat tour: discover the landscape from the water
Find out what makes these regions so special here:
Here you can see an exemplary route of how the Rhine runs through Rhineland-Palatinate. Overgrown hills and romantic little towns – here you can get a first impression of the Rhine:
Rhineland-Palatinate in pictures: 3 impressions
To give you a better idea of this beautiful federal state, here are three photo impressions.
Hiking: from the gorge to the volcanic crater
We’ve already talked about hiking.
But you can go hiking not only on the Moselle and the Rhine.
Hiking areas along the Baybach river, in the Hunsrück low mountain range and in the Volcanic Eifel are also particularly popular.
The Baybach region impresses with its adventurous rocky gorges and small streams that flow over green, mossy rocks.
The Hunsrück offers many fantastic hiking trails that are perfect for exciting day hikes.
There are even some really high mountain peaks here.
Finally, a trip to the fabulous Volcanic Eifel is also worthwhile.
Here you will find lush green forests, ancient castles and impressive volcanic rocks.
In fact, lakes have even formed in some of the craters.
So: want to relax?
It’s important to take a break when hiking.
Rhineland-Palatinate offers you great views.
If you want a quick overview, you can read on here:
- Many different hiking trails in Rhineland-Palatinate
- Baybach region: rocky gorges & day hikes
- Hunsrück: exciting day hikes to mountain peaks
- Volcanic Eifel: green forests, volcanic rocks & crater lakes
Experience rivers: beautiful landscapes away from the Rhine & Moselle
Rhineland-Palatinate is known for its picturesque riverside landscapes along the Rhine and Moselle.
But even without these two major rivers, the federal state offers a wealth of charming river landscapes to explore.
There are also many other rivers and river regions in Rhineland-Palatinate that are well worth exploring, such as the Ahr region with its steep vineyards, the romantic Kyll, the tranquil and idyllic Saar or the varied region around the Sieg.
One of the most beautiful river regions in Rhineland-Palatinate is the Nahe region, which stretches along the Nahe river.
The Nahe is a 125-kilometer tributary of the Rhine and flows through some of the most beautiful landscapes in Rhineland-Palatinate.
The region is known for its vineyards, hiking trails and historic sites such as the gemstone metropolis of Idar-Oberstein.
Another river worth exploring is the Lahn.
The Lahn rises in the Rothaargebirge mountains in North Rhine-Westphalia and flows through Rhineland-Palatinate before flowing into the Rhine.
So that you have an overview of everything once again:
- Federal state also offers charming river landscapes away from the Rhine & Moselle
- Suggestions for campers: Ahr region, Kyll, Saar & region around the Sieg
- Nahe: tributary of the Rhine with vineyards, hiking trails & historic sites
- Lahn: flows through Rhineland-Palatinate & flows into the Rhine
Lakes: sunbathing, swimming & pedal boating
Lakes offer you plenty of opportunities to get out and about and make unforgettable memories.
How about a round of pedal boating?
Rhineland-Palatinate is also known for its picturesque lakes, which offer a variety of opportunities for outdoor activities.
From swimming and sunbathing to boating and fishing, there is something for everyone.
Some of the most beautiful lakes in Rhineland-Palatinate include Laacher See, the largest lake in Rhineland-Palatinate, Bostalsee, which is characterized by its crystal-clear waters, and Riedener Waldsee, which is surrounded by dense forests and offers a tranquil and idyllic ambience.
One of the most popular activities on the lakes of Rhineland-Palatinate is pedal boating.
Pedal boats are a great way to explore the calm waters and have fun at the same time.
Whether you are traveling alone, with friends or family, a pedal boat ride on one of the lakes is an unforgettable experience.
Most lakes offer pedal boats for hire, giving you the opportunity to explore the breathtaking scenery and nature at your own pace.
This is what the lakes in Rhineland-Palatinate have to offer:
- Laacher See: the largest lake in Rhineland-Palatinate & a popular destination for swimmers, sailors & anglers
- Bostalsee: crystal-clear water & offers a variety of water sports activities such as windsurfing
- Riedener Waldsee: dense forests, offers quiet & idyllic surroundings for relaxation
- Pedal boats: offer a fun way to explore the landscape from the water
Short breaks, excursions & day trips: more destinations
If you’re looking beyond the borders of Rhineland-Palatinate, you’ll also find tips for camping throughout Germany here.
Trip to North Rhine-Westphalia
If you continue along the Rhine, you will come to North Rhine-Westphalia.
Especially for holidaymakers in the northern part of Rhineland-Palatinate, a trip to the versatile neighboring state is a good idea.
The most populous federal state in Germany offers big city flair and closeness to nature all in one.
Switch off completely, get out of the crowded city and into nature.
You can find more tips on camping in NRW here:
More camping tips for Germany
Taking a break on the road or planning an exciting excursion?
A camping trip allows you to escape the monotony and stress of everyday life and enjoy freedom.
Whether in the great outdoors, in the biggest cities or on the most beautiful dream beaches, with a camper, tent trailer or roof tent, your vacation will be an experience.
Here you will find an overview of all federal states and the best tips for great vacation destinations.