15+ Ultimate Day Trips from the KMC

Nestled in the heart of Germany, Kaiserslautern offers more than just its own charm. Its strategic location makes it a perfect launchpad for day trips to nearby treasures, all within a three-hour drive or less. If you’re new to the Kaiserslautern Military Community (KMC) area, then you will definitely need to start making your list of all the places to visit while living here. Here are 15+ day trips from the KMC.

Metz, France

Crossing over into France, Metz is known for its impressive Gothic cathedral, the Cathédrale Saint-Étienne, which boasts some of the largest stained-glass windows in the world.

The Centre Pompidou-Metz is a branch of the famous Parisian museum and showcases contemporary art. The Temple Neuf, located on an island in the Moselle River, is a striking example of neo-Romanesque architecture.

A little over an hour drive from the KMC, Metz is a lovely day trip idea. You can easily see all the sites within the city in an afternoon. Don’t forget to pack your tourist passport crossing the border into France.

Heidelberg

Heidelberg, is one of Germany’s most romantic cities, famous for its beautiful castle that overlooks the Neckar River. The Heidelberg Castle ruins are among the most important Renaissance structures north of the Alps. 

The Old Bridge, with its striking medieval towers, connects the old town with the newer part of the city, while the Philosophers’ Walk offers stunning views of the city and the river, making it a perfect spot for reflection and taking in the scenery.

Options to get to Heidelberg include driving and parking in one of the many parking garages or taking the train right into the city. Located just under an hour from the KMC area.

Bernkastel-Kues

About 45 minutes away from the KMC, Bernkastel-Kues is a wine lovers dream! This charming village along the Moselle is a perfect day trip idea from the KMC.

With so much to offer, you won’t be disappointed. From trying one of the delicious Riesling wines, or visiting the Landshut Castle or grabbing a delicious bite to eat.

If you love wine, they offer a fantastic wine festival that happens every year around the beginning of September. Bernkastel-Kues is also famous for their Christmas advent calendar on the house during their Christmas Market.

Speyer

Closer to home, Speyer features the historic Speyer Cathedral, one of the largest and most important Romanesque churches in Germany, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Technik Museum showcases a vast collection of aircraft, locomotives, and vintage cars, while the Historical Museum of the Palatinate offers insights into the region’s history from prehistoric times to the present.

Speyer is also home to the famous Brezelfest pretzel festival, which is the largest pretzel festival on the Upper Rhine. Brezelfest is held yearly on the second weekend in July.

Easily reached by car or train, Speyer is about an hour away from the KMC.

Luxembourg City, Luxembourg

Luxembourg City, a harmonious blend of old and new, invites exploration. The Grand Ducal Palace and the Bock Casemates narrate tales of the city’s history, while the Adolphe Bridge offers panoramic views.

Lush gardens, such as the Luxembourg Gardens, provide a tranquil escape in the heart of the city. One thing I love about the city is free transportation and all the great food.

The drive is fairly easy and only about an hour away from the KMC. Don’t forget to pack your passport since you’re crossing the German border.

Trier

One of the oldest cities in Germany, with the oldest bridge, Trier is one destination you do not want to miss visiting. There are numerous sites to visit that include Porta Nigra, Trier Cathedral, and the Roman baths.

Personally, I think you can easily see all the sites in an afternoon, it’s a quite walkable city. If you love history, Trier is the perfect day trip.

Trier is only about an hour away from the KMC, which is easily accessible by car or train.

Hockenheimring

If watching Motorsports like high-end race cars and motorcycles fly around a track, look no further than visiting Hockenheimring. Throughout the year, they have weekend events such as Ultimate Cup Series, Fanatec GT World Challenge, IDM, and Porsche Sports Cup.

Tickets can be as cheap as €20.00 for adults for a weekend ticket and children under 14 are free. There is also free parking located at Hockenheimring.

In addition to the many events held at the race track, they also offer driving experiences and tourist rides.

Hockenheimring is an easy drive about an hour from the KMC.

Chemin des Cimes Alsace Tree Top Walk, France

Right over the border into France on the way to the Alsace region, sits yet another tree top walk, Chemin des Cimes Alsace. Although this is the third tree top walk we’ve visited, it wasn’t necessarily our favorite.

This trail has a length of 1,050 meters from start to finish that offers numerous learning stations and information boards about the local nature for young and old alike. Walk your way to the top for stunning 360 degrees of panoramic views of the Nature Park Northern Vosges.

For an extra €2.00, you can take the slide down after walking up 10 flights worth! Admission is €15.00 for adults and €12.00 for children. You can purchase your tickets online in advance or at the gate.

Chemin des Cimes Alsace Tree Top Walk is a little over an hour away from the KMC.

Rüdesheim am Rhein

Rüdesheim am Rhein is a charming wine town on the Rhine River. The Drosselgasse, a narrow street lined with wine taverns and restaurants, is famous for its lively atmosphere.

The Niederwalddenkmal, a monument overlooking the Rhine, offers panoramic views, and the Rheingau Wine Museum provides insights into the region’s viticulture.

Cruising the Rhine Gorge, exploring ancient castles, and strolling through the charming Drosselgasse are essential experiences.

Located just under an hour and a half from the Kaiserslautern area, Rüdesheim am Rhein is a perfect day trip idea, which can be easily paired with Mainz or Wiesbaden.

Saarschleife Treetop Walk

With a trail length of 1,250 meters, you can climb the tree top walk for amazing views of the Saar River. Honestly, the views from up top remind me of a mini Horseshoe Bend in Arizona.

Tickets costs €12.50 per adult and €10.50 for children. While visiting, they offer a restaurant, a large children’s playground, and a souvenir store.

Saarschleife Treetop Walk is located less than an hour and a half away from the KMC near the border of Germany and Luxembourg.

Baden-Baden

Baden-Baden is a renowned spa town with thermal baths that have attracted visitors for centuries. The Caracalla Spa offers a luxurious experience with its thermal pools and saunas.

The Lichtentaler Allee is a picturesque park perfect for a leisurely stroll, and the Baden-Baden Casino is one of the oldest and most elegant in Europe.

If you’re looking for a relaxing day trip idea, Baden-Baden is about an hour and half away from the KMC.

Nancy, France

Crossing the border into France, Nancy is a stunning French city known for its art nouveau architecture. Place Stanislas, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the most beautiful squares in Europe.

Nancy Cathedral is a fine example of Gothic architecture, and the Musée des Beaux-Arts houses an impressive collection of European art.

Nancy, France is located about an hour south of Metz and about 2 hours from the KMC. Just like Metz, don’t forget your passports while crossing the border into France.

Strasbourg, France

Strasbourg blends French and German cultures and is renowned for its well-preserved old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Strasbourg Cathedral, with its intricate Gothic architecture and astronomical clock, is a must-see. The Petite France district, with its charming half-timbered houses and canals, offers a picturesque stroll, while the European Parliament building highlights the city’s modern political significance.

Located about 2 hours away from the KMC, Strasbourg can be easily paired with Colmar or Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg.

Cochem, Germany

Cochem is a scenic town on the Moselle River, dominated by the fairytale-like Reichsburg Cochem castle. The Moselle Promenade is perfect for a leisurely walk along the river, and the Senfmühle, a historic mustard mill, offers tastings of traditional and flavored mustards.

Located 2 hours away from the KMC, Cochem is a picturesque village right on the Moselle.

Geierlay Suspension Bridge

For thrill-seekers, the Geierlay Suspension Bridge promises an adrenaline-pumping adventure amidst breathtaking natural beauty. Perched amidst the Hunsrück hills, this suspension bridge offers panoramic views that are nothing short of spectacular.

Surrounded by forests and scenic trails, it’s a paradise for nature enthusiasts and photography aficionados alike.

You can easily pair this with a visit to Cochem or Burg Eltz, as they are all about 30 minutes apart. I don’t mind heights, but with a little breeze and slight sway, this was definitely an experience.

Colmar, France

Colmar has to be the prettiest picturesque city in the Alsace region that I’ve visited so far. From museums, to churches, to incredible views, and to food, Colmar has so much to offer.

Grab lunch at the covered market, wander over to the famous Pont Rue Des Ecoles Bridge, then visit one of the many museums located in the city. Don’t forget to visit the Statue Of Liberty Replica on the way in or out of the city center.

Located about 2 and a half hours from the KMC, this is an easy day trip or overnight trip.

Stuttgart

Stuttgart is a cultural hub with two automotive museums, the Mercedes Museum and the Porsche Museum. Both museums offer interactive self guided tours learning the history of these famous car brands.

There are also numerous festivals and events that happen in Stuttgart, such as the Cannstatter Volkfest (beer festival), Stuttgarter Frühlingsfest (spring festival), or the Christmas markets.

Located a little over 2 and a half hours away from the KMC. Stuttgart can be a great base when exploring other nearby cities.

Paris, France

Surprised to see Paris on the list for day trips from the KMC? If you take the ICE train from Kaiserslautern or Saarbrücken on the first train out, it’s a quick 2 and a half hours into the city. You can then take the last ICE train back home at the end of the day, making Paris a great day trip.

Although I definitely recommend spending more time in the city, there is plenty to choose to do during your day trip in Paris.

If you’re looking for ideas, you can easily stroll around the Louvre or one of the many museums, have a picnic near the Eiffel Tower, visit the Palace of Versailles, or shop along the notable Champs-Élysées.

Cologne, Germany

Although the furthest from the KMC, Cologne is such an exciting day trip, and an even better overnight trip. You cannot miss the opportunity to visit the stunning cathedral.

The Cologne Cathedral is the tallest twin-spired church in the world, the second tallest church in Europe, and the third tallest church of any kind in the world.

The Lindt Chocolate Museum is another can’t miss while visiting Cologne. Learn about the history of Lindt chocolate making, make your own bars, and even sample some of the most delicious chocolates. Adults start at €15.50 and children at €9.00.

Cologne is located less than 3 hours away from the KMC via car and accessible by train.

These day trips from Kaiserslautern offer a captivating journey through history, culture, and natural beauty. Each destination unfolds its own unique story, promising enriching experiences for travelers of all kinds. From castles to culinary delights, these day trips promise memories waiting to be made. Embark on your own adventure and let these destinations leave an indelible mark on your travel diary.