6 Best Sights in Neustadt, The Pfalz and Rhine Terrace

Thirty historic train engines and railway cars are on display at the Eisenbahn Museum behind the main train station. Take a ride through the Palatinate Forest on one of the museum's historic steam trains, the Kuckucksbähnel, which departs from Track 5 around 10:45 am on intermittent days between May and mid-October, and in December (check the website for the latest schedule). There are special seasonal trips during wine season and during the run-up to Christmas. It takes a little more than an hour to cover the 13-km (8-mile) stretch from Neustadt to Elmstein.

While in the Pfalz, keep your eyes peeled for the elusive Elwetritschen—mythical, birdlike creatures rumored to roam the forest and vineyards at night. Hunting the creatures is something of a local prank. Sculptor Gernot Rumpf has immortalized the Elwetrischen in a fountain (Brunnen) on Marstallplatz. Near the market square, search for the one that "escaped" from its misty home.

On the Wine Road, it's a brief drive to the Neustadt suburb of Hambach. The sturdy block of Hambacher Schloss is considered the cradle of German democracy. It was here, on May 27, 1832, that 30,000 patriots demonstrated for German unity, raising the German colors for the first time. Inside there are exhibits about the uprising and the history of the castle. The French destroyed the 11th-century imperial fortress in 1688. Reconstruction finally began after World War II, in neo-Gothic style, and the castle is now an impressive setting for theater and concerts. On a clear day, you can see the spire of Strasbourg Cathedral and the northern fringe of the Black Forest from the terrace restaurant. Audio guides are available. Due to major renovations some parts of the permanent exhibition may be closed to the public during 2022.

The Holiday Park, in Hassloch, 10 km (6 miles) east of Neustadt, is one of Europe's largest amusement parks. The admission fee covers all attractions, shows, special events, and the children's world. The free-fall tower is a long-standing favorite, and Expedition GeForce is one of the largest roller coasters in Europe, with a steep drop of 82 degrees. For a great panoramic view of the surroundings, whirl through the air on Lighthouse-Tower, Germany's tallest carousel (265 feet). On Saturday in summer, the "Party Summer Nights" spectacular features live music and an outdoor laser light show. Hours vary, so be sure to check the web site if you want to go.

The Marktplatz is the focal point of the Old Town and a hive of activity when farmers come to sell their wares on Tuesday and Saturday, plus Thursday from April to October. The square itself is ringed by baroque and Renaissance buildings (Nos. 1, 4, 8, and 11) and the Gothic Stiftskirche (Collegiate Church), built as a burial church for the Palatinate counts. Summer concerts take place in the church (Saturday 11:30–noon). Before the concert, you can take a guided tour (Saturday at 10) of the southern tower (187 feet) for a bird's-eye view of the town. The world's largest cast-iron bell—weighing more than 17 tons—hangs in the northern tower. Indoors, see the elaborate tombstones near the choir and the fanciful grotesque figures carved into the baldachins and corbels.

The impressionist painter Otto Dill (1884–1957), a native of Neustadt, is known for his powerful animal portraits (especially lions, tigers, and horses) and vivid landscapes. The museum dedicated to his work displays some 150 oil paintings and 125 drawings and watercolors from the Manfred Vetter collection.