Exploring Trier, Germany: A Journey Through Time
Nestled in the western part of Germany, Trier stands as a city that bridges the gap between the ancient and the contemporary. Known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and delectable cuisine, Trier is a destination that beckons travelers from around the world. In this guide, we’ll take you on a journey through this charming city, covering famous landmarks, transportation options, culinary delights, and other useful information to make your visit to Trier unforgettable.
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Historical Landmarks
Before diving into the practical details, let’s set the stage by delving into Trier’s remarkable history. As the oldest city in Germany, Trier boasts an impressive array of historical landmarks, earning it the nickname “Roma Secunda” during the Roman Empire. Trier hosts numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites throughout the city. Here are some must-visit historical landmarks that transport you through time.
Roman Bridge (Römerbrücke)
The Roman Bridge is a testament to the Romans’ engineering skills and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dating back to the 2nd century AD, it once served as a vital river crossing. Known as the oldest bridge in Germany, the Romans first had two wooden bridges here in 17 BC, but transitioned to stone pylons in year 144. Back then, they would often throw a coin into the river as an offering to the goddess Mosella who lived there.
Porta Nigra
The Porta Nigra, or “Black Gate,” is perhaps the most iconic symbol of Trier. Known as the best preserved Roman city gate north of the Alps, the Roman city gate dates back to the 2nd century AD and once served as the northern entrance to the city. Its imposing black stone facade is a testament to the city’s Roman heritage. Climb the stairs and tour the inside for panoramic views of Trier.
Hours & Admission
April – September: daily 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
October: daily 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
November – February: daily 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
March: daily 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Adults: € 4.00
Adults with reduced*: € 3.00
Children / adolescents (6-18 years): € 2.50
Children under the age of 6: free admission
Trier Cathedral
Also known as Dom St. Peter, Trier Cathedral is a splendid fusion of Romanesque and Gothic architecture. Built on the site of a former Roman palace, this cathedral is not only a place of worship but also a repository of history.
The cathedral’s interiors are adorned with breathtaking frescoes and intricate details, making it a must-visit for history and architecture enthusiasts. You can pay for a guided tour if interested.
Hours & Admission
April to October: daily 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
November to March: daily 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Visits are only possible outside the church services.
Free admission – except for concerts.
Liebfrauen Kirche
Also known as the Basilica of Our Lady, Liebfrauen Kirche is a stunning Gothic style Catholic Church in a shape of a rose. Constructed in the 13th century, it is renowned for its intricate stone tracery and stunning stained glass windows.
It sits right next to Trier Cathedral and is another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Make sure to check out the beautiful gardens behind the church in the courtyard as well.
Hours & Admission
Open Daily, 12:45 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Visits are only possible outside the church services, 12p.m. and 6p.m
Free admission – except for concerts.
Constantine Basilica
Trier’s Constantine Basilica is a massive and awe-inspiring structure that once served as a throne room for the Roman Emperor Constantine. Today, it houses a fascinating collection of art and artifacts, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts. The basilica’s sheer size and intricate details are a testament to the architectural prowess of the Romans.
Hours & Admission
April – October: Monday – Saturday: 10 a.m – 6 p.m. and Sunday: 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.
November, January – March: Tuesday – Saturday: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. and Sunday: 2 p.m. – 3 p.m.
December: Monday – Saturday: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. and Sunday: 2 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Visits are only possible outside the church services.
Free admission – except for concerts.
Electoral Palace (Kurfürstliches Palais)
The Electoral Palace is a stunning Baroque palace that reflects the grandeur of its time. With its lavish Rococo-style gardens and opulent interiors, this palace was once the residence of the Electors of Trier.
Now, the palace is used as an administrative building, so visits to the courtyard, foyer, staircase and Baroque hall are only possible on certain days. Take time to stroll through the beautiful gardens right out front.
Imperial Baths (Kaiserthermen)
Imagine stepping back in time to witness the opulence of the Roman Empire. The Imperial Baths of Trier offer just that experience. Among the largest Roman bath complexes north of the Alps, these baths are a marvel of Roman engineering.
As you explore the ruins, you’ll get a sense of the luxurious lifestyle enjoyed by Roman citizens in Trier. The intricate heating system and grand chambers will leave you in awe. Adventuring through the baths can easily take an hour or more, walking down below the ground.
Hours & Admission
April to September: daily, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
October: daily, from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
November – February: daily, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
March: daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Adults: € 4.00
Adults with reduced price*: € 3.00
Children and pupils (6-18 Jahre): € 2.50
Children up to age 6: free entrance
Barbara Baths
Trier’s Barbara Baths offer an intriguing glimpse into the everyday life of the Romans. This complex, built in the 2nd century, was a center for communal bathing, relaxation, and socializing. Lasting until the 5th century until it was destroyed, people started to live in the ruins as other buildings were built inside.
Unfortunately, not much of complex remains and only a third of the original bathing temple has been excavated. The Barbara Baths are freely accessible during the opening hours. No entrance fee is charged.
Hours & Admission
April – September: daily, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
October daily, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
November – February: daily, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
March: daily, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Roman Amphitheater
For a taste of ancient entertainment, head to the Roman Amphitheater. Here, gladiators once battled for their lives in front of roaring crowds. Today, the amphitheater hosts various events and concerts, blending the city’s history with contemporary entertainment. When we were visiting, there were two men practicing as gladiators.
As you sit in the stands, you can almost hear the echoes of the past. Enjoy going deep beneath to see where they gladiators and animals were kept in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Hours & Admission
April – September: daily 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
October: daily 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
November – February: daily 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
March: daily 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Adults: € 4.00
Adults with reduced*: € 3.00
Children / adolescents (6-18 years): € 2.50
Children under the age of 6: free admission
Rheinisches Landesmuseum
Astonishingly, Rheinisches Landesmuseum has over 4000 archeological artifacts. The ‘road of tombs’ (Gräberstrasse) remains one of the museum’s highlights. Another highlight is the Neumagen Wine Ship (Neumagener Weinschiff), which is the largest collection of mosaics north of the Alps, and the largest treasure trove of gold coins from Roman imperial times, weighing a total of 18.5 kg. The museum is also responsible for archeology in the state of Rhineland-Palatinate, so that includes over 10,000 sites.
Hours & Admission
Tuesdays – Sundays: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. (last admission: 4.30 p.m.)
Adults: € 8.00
Reduced*: € 6.00
Children (under 7 years): free of charge
Children and adolescents (7-18 years): € 4.00
Karl Marx House
While not as ancient as some of Trier’s other landmarks, the Karl Marx House is a significant historical site. It’s the birthplace of Karl Marx, the renowned philosopher and economist. The museum located in the house provides insight into Marx’s life and works. Whether you’re a fan of his ideas or simply interested in history, this landmark offers a unique perspective.
Hours & Admission
Daily: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
(no admission: 1:00 pm – 1:30 pm)
Adult: € 5.00
Reduced: € 3.50
Family ticket: € 9 (2 adults with 1-4 children)
Food & Drink in Trier
After arriving in Trier, it’s time to tantalize your taste buds with all the city’s culinary offerings. Trier’s cuisine is influenced by its proximity to France, Luxembourg, and the Rhineland. Besides all the food options, Trier has a vibrant drinking scene that caters to various preferences.
masons Restaurant Trier – All you can eat a la carte style. In each order round, you can order one dish per person with food options from all countries. They change their menu twice a year for summer and winter dishes.
Restaurant Brasserie – Formal French style restaurant serving meat and seafood dishes and desserts for lunch and dinner. Although on the pricier side, it is a highly rated option if you love French food.
Burger House – Highly rated burger restaurant and for good reason. We grabbed lunch here and we loved every bite. I highly recommend the refreshing mango lemon ice tea, truffle and parmesan fries, and both of our burgers were perfect. They also offer an incredible lunch special during the week.
Quesadilla – If you’re looking for a great Mexican restaurant, then check out Quesadilla. I had a friend go there and ordered nachos, that actually looked like loaded nachos. If you’ve ordered nachos elsewhere in Europe or Germany, then you know that’s a big deal. They’re also opened all day from 8:30am until at least midnight most nights.
Burgeramt Trier – It seems Trier does burgers right, because this is another highly rated burger restaurant in the city. Big burgers and even bigger servings.
früh bis spät – German restaurant offering the classics of rump steak, schnitzel, and Kölsch beer. Enjoy sitting on the terrace for lunch or dinner.
Die Wunderlampe – Another lunch or dinner option, Middle Eastern style, and yet another highly rated restaurant located in Trier. Many reviews state you get A LOT of food, so be sure to bring your appetite.
Weinstube Kesselstatt – If you’re looking for a wine bar and tasting, this is the place for you. They also have a restaurant with regional dishes and a terrace to enjoy your glass or bottle of wine overlooking Liebfrauenkirche and Trier Cathedral.
Getting to Trier
Now that you’re eager to explore Trier’s historical treasures, let’s discuss how to get there. Trier’s central location in Europe makes it easily accessible by various modes of transportation.
Trier boasts excellent rail connections to major German cities like Frankfurt, Cologne, and Luxembourg. The Trier Hauptbahnhof (main train station) is centrally located, making it convenient for travelers. High-speed trains like the ICE provide a quick and comfortable journey. Check out Deutsche Bahn for all your train needs in Germany.
If you prefer the flexibility of a road trip, Trier is accessible by car via the A1 and A64 highways. However, be mindful of parking, as the city can be congested. We parked in this parking garage, which is right in the city, reasonably priced, close proximity to walk to all the sites, and even has free bathrooms!
Tips for Your Trier Adventure
Language
While German is the official language, many locals in Trier also speak English, especially in the tourist areas. Learning a few basic German phrases can enhance your experience. Another tip for the language is having access to Google Translate in the instance of no one speaking English.
Currency
Germany uses the Euro (€) as its currency. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, but it’s a good idea to carry some cash for smaller establishments. When we visited, there was a lovely farmers market in the Hauptmarkt, which is cash only.
Guided Tours
To gain deeper insights into Trier’s history and culture, join guided tours led by knowledgeable local guides. These tours are available in various languages and cover specific themes, such as Roman Trier or culinary adventures.
Sightseeing Passes
Consider purchasing a ANTIKENCARD Trier card, which provides access to two or four of the Roman heritage sites plus free admission to the Rheinisches Landesmuseum. Those Roman sites include the Amphitheater, Imperial Baths, Porta Nigra, and Forum Baths.
In addition to free entrances, it provides reduced admission to numerous other activities in the city. The Basic card for two sites is €12.00, and for the Premium four site card is €18.00.
As you traverse the streets of Trier, you’re not merely a visitor; you’re a time traveler, immersed in a living tableau of centuries past. Every landmark, every cobblestone, and every bite tells a story, weaving a tapestry of experiences that will forever be etched in your memory. Trier beckons, inviting you to step into its embrace and embark on a journey through time.
