Hunsrück and Nahe region - legendary highwaymen and gemstones

The Hunsrück and Nahe regions are situated in the west of Germany. The Hunsrück, a picturesque highland region, is known for its deep valleys, vast plateaus and unspoilt countryside, while the Nahe region is a wine-growing area that produces some of the most delicious wines. The local inhabitants are particularly proud of their characteristic Hunsrück villages with traditional timber-framed and slate buildings. The region is also famous for its gemstone and jewellery industries, which date back more than 500 years.

 

Ravengiersburg - where the Hunsrück gets its name from
The idyllic town of Ravengiersburg is nestled around the 10th century abbey of the same name on the steep cliff s overlooking the Simmerbach river. It also features the Romanesque twin-towered facade of St. Christopher's Church, referred to as 'Hunsrück Cathedral', a church steeped in tradition that is particularly popular as a wedding venue. It was founded as an Augustine canon seminary in 1074 and then turned into a Catholic parish church in 1699. In the deed of gift for estates handed over to the abbey, the Hunsrück was mentioned for the fi rst time as "Hunsruche".

A new Europe in Bad Kreuznach
A new chapter in European history began here in 1958. The French President Charles de Gaulle and the German Chancellor Konrad Adenauer met at the spa assembly rooms to agree on the institutionalisation of the special relationship between their two countries. This led to the Treaty of Elysée in 1963. Other attractions in Bad Kreuznach include the picturesque bridge houses built on the pillars of the old bridge over the Nahe river in 1300 and St. Paul's Church, "Little Venice" at the mouth of the Ellerbach river, Kauzenburg castle and the Roman Hall.

The Middle Ages and the "German Michel"
Every year, Stromberg holds its medieval town festival in honour of its most famous son, the "German Michel". General Hans-Michael Elias drove fear into the hearts of the Spanish during the Thirty Years' War. Today, he is the patron saint of the town's impressive festival, at which knights' guilds, strolling players, craftsmen and travelling entertainers demonstrate their ancient skills. Medieval markets also play an important role in other towns around the region. One of the oldest, largest and most beautiful of Germany's medieval festivals takes place in the Ebernburg district of Bad Münster.

Salinental valley - the therapeutic properties of salt
The Salinental valley near Bad Kreuznach has a long-standing tradition of salt extraction that dates back to the Celts. The first salt-evaporation works were built here in 1732. Saltwater trickles over bundles of blackthorn twigs, filling the surrounding air with salty vapour. This is particularly effective in treating respiratory conditions. The salt-evaporation works are used for spa purposes. Today, the Salinental valley salt-evaporation works stretch for a total length of 1,000 metres, making it the largest open-air inhalatorium in Europe.

Precious treasures on the river Nahe
Discover a wealth of natural treasures on the German Gemstone Route in the Nahe region. Visit the historical copper mine in Fischbach to gain an insight into how copper was mined in the olden days or explore the only gemstone mines open to the public in Idar-Oberstein. This is also home to the German Gemstone Museum and the historical Weiherschleife cutting mill built in 1634, the last water-powered cutting mill on the Idarbach river.

Stories about the life of Schinderhannes
There are many stories circulating in the dense forests of Hunsrück about the legendary highwayman, Schinderhannes, who roamed the Hunsrück forests in the 18th century. He was sentenced to death and executed in Mainz in 1803, but his legend still lives on today. The Schinderhannes tower in the centre of Simmern is well worth a visit.

Spiessbraten and Nahe wine
An established element of the culinary and cultural traditions in Idar-Oberstein and the surrounding region, spiessbraten (onionmarinated and flame-grilled steaks) are the subject of the largest public festival on the Upper Nahe, the "Spiessbraten" festival of food. This traditional method of cooking meat over an open fire originally came from the natives of Brazil. Gemcutters from the region travelled to South America in the 18th century. When they transported their gemstones back to Germany, they also brought a wealth of new knowledge including how to cook meat on a spit. For the perfect accompaniment, try one of the many wines produced in the region. The "Edelschliff" is a limited edition riesling wine. A fine wine is chosen by a jury and presented in a bottle decorated with a gemstone.