Calling western Germany travel experts

[kevin993]

Doing some trip planning for a Germany tour in May. We have a day where we're planning to visit Idar Oberstein in Rhineland-Palatinate (a little over and hour south west of Mainz). Is there anything else in that area that we should make sure to visit? There isn't anything else obvious in that area, so looking for some ideas. If all else fails, we'll spend more time in Idar Oberstein and just randomly explore the countryside.

To answer the obvious questions:
Yes, we're spending some time on the Rhine near Sankt Goar and Oberwesel (and we've been in the area before).
Yes, we're going to the Nurburgring (for the 24h race).
Yes, we've been to Trier (further west).
Yes, we're open to quaint towns, castles, breweries, scenic roads and vistas, etc.

Vielen Dank!

[slodave]

I was going to suggest Sankt Goar, but I see that's on your list. Beautiful place! I can't think of much else, it's wine country through that area.

[Rick Lee]

Ah, I hooked up with a flight attendant from Oberstein long ago.... the memories.

Check out Saarburg, not to be confused with Saarbruecken. IIRC, on the same day I went to Saarburg, I got a tour of the Villeroy & Boch factory in Merzig. I think Burg Elz is on your route too.

[kevin993]

Originally Posted by Rick Lee

Check out Saarburg, not to be confused with Saarbruecken. IIRC, on the same day I went to Saarburg, I got a tour of the Villeroy & Boch factory in Merzig. I think Burg Elz is on your route too.

Bingo. Great suggestions. Thanks!

Still happy to take any other suggestions...

[Dottore]

Although I can't think of anything in particular in that area that you must see — it's all incredibly pretty, and you could do a lot worse than just cruising along the Rhine for a bit.

An afternoon in Luxembourg might be fun.

Or if you have the time to drive into Metz (France) this is a city incredibly rich in history — and very interesting on many levels: architecture, food, art, innovation etc. Do a bit of reading about it and you may decide it's worthwhile.

[Rick Lee]

Metz has a fantastic cathedral and you have to drive through Luxembourg to get there. IIRC, last time I did it, we also passed some WWI cemetaries, but I was in a bus and couldn't make them stop.

[kevin993]

Good suggestions on Metz, but that will likely need to wait for another trip. That's starting to get too far to the west for this trip. Rick's suggestion of Merzig is probably about as far that direction as we have time for.

Lux is another good idea, but starting to get too far west. We've spent some time at the WWII cemeteries near the airport - both US and German. Very worth the visit. General Patton is there.

[Erakad]

Consider also visiting Trier for the Porta Nigra and Roman Ruins, Cochem Castle is nearby, as is Burg Elz. Moving over to Luxembourg, all worth visiting as well, but getting more out of the way. Quaint towns and castles in Luxembourg (if you head that way) , try Vianden, can do Diekirch the same day and visit a WWII museum there. Saarburg is fine, nice little castle but if you want to buy fine china, then definitely visit the Villory and Bach outlet store just a half hour more down the road.