Walkers and cyclists can get out into the countryside on well-marked trails through the woodland regions of the Palatinate Forest nature reserve and the Palatinate itself, where gently rolling hills and forests stretching as far as the eye can see are interspersed with tranquil riverside meadows. The forest and hunting have always been an important part of life in this region, but if you prefer less wild scenery, the spa gardens are for you.Spa gardens
You could not wish for a better setting for these extensive gardens than the neo-classical spa centre and casino together with the "Kurpark" hotel to the west and to the east, one of the world's longest salt evaporation works bringing a breath of "sea air". Count Friedrich Magnus had a small palace with a pleasure garden built here in 1732. In spring the gardens are a sea of colour, in summer there are lots of shady spots to relax in, and in autumn the glorious colours of the changing foliage are matched only by the multicoloured leaves of the vines.The Palatinate Forest Nature Reserve
The Palatinate Forest nature reserve is a striking sandstone region covering an area of about 180,000 hectares, making it one of the largest contiguous areas of woodland in Germany. The nature reserve is divided into four sections, each with a different type of landscape: the northern Palatinate Forest, the southern Palatinate Forest, also known as the "Wasgau" region, the central Palatinate Forest and the "German Wine Route" with extensive areas under vine and formerly a conservation area, which abuts the eastern fringes of the nature reserve. The national park is an important source of water and fresh air and a valuable, centrally located recreation area close to the whole of the Palatinate and its surrounding regions.The Palatinate
This is the southernmost region of Rhineland-Palatinate, where the weather and climate are particularly mild. Beyond the Palatinate Forest towards the Rhine Valley the scenery is reminiscent of the Garden of Eden. Pink almond blossom appears in early spring, in summer the farms and gardens are bursting with figs, lemons and tall oleander bushes and in autumn the sunny, fragrant vineyards are ready for the grape harvest. It is a beautiful expanse of land brimming with wine where the people are friendly and hospitable.