Maars, mineral springs and motor sports ­ Germany at its best

Vineyards, steep terraces, rocky crags and lazily meandering rivers combine to provide the impressive backdrop to the Ahr Rhine Eifel region, where variety abounds. Whilst the grapes for Germany's best red wines are left to ripen slowly on the vine, it's all about speed at the Nürburgring racetrack. You can explore the region at a more leisurely pace on foot amongst the hills or in the welcoming valleys.

Bad Neuenahr-Ahrweiler

Bad Neuenahr-Ahrweiler is tucked away amid the vineyards of the Ahr valley. The town has two centres which mark the heydays of Neuenahr and Ahrweiler, separated by around one thousand years of history. Celts, Teutons, Romans, German Counts, archbishops and the French have all passed the baton of power in Ahrweiler. Its fully preserved medieval wall contains a masterly half-timbered ensemble. Attractions include the Wolffsches House, a halftimbered building dating from 1621 with an ornately decorated oriel and Blankartshof House dating from around 1680. Ahrweiler's market square is dominated by the Rhineland's oldest early-Gothic hall church, the Church of St. Lawrence, and the old town hall from the late rococo period.

Bad Neuenahr is an elegant spa town centred on the Apollinaris spring. This exclusive spa resort also boasts one of Europe's finest casinos, housed in a striking belle époque building. "Faites vos jeux!" - players have been encouraged to try their luck here for more than sixty years.

Water sports on the crater lake

The Eifel is a volcanic region. Geologically speaking there is still plenty going on beneath the surface as evidenced by the gases which bubble up from hotspots such as Lake Laach, the largest of several crater lakes. Many of these maars are filled with water, although some have already turned into marshland. In summer, the crater lakes are a perfect place to relax, to swim, splash around in pedalos and to enjoy walks.

Nürburgring

Tucked away amid the hills of the Ahr Rhine Eifel region, the Nürburgring is one of the most famous racetracks in the world. The stars of Formula 1 frequently break records on this circuit which has the world's longest permanent Grand Prix race track. Next to the track is a motorsport-themed exhibition and visitor centre that provides an adventure for the whole family. Once a year, though, the Nürburgring belongs to a different kind of star: the Rock am Ring festival is one of the biggest of its kind. For one weekend in June, around one hundred internationally acclaimed rock acts take to the stage in front of around 150,000 revellers.

Remagen

The town of Remagen grew up around a Roman fort that was built some two thousand years ago. Today, it is probably best known for the Bridge at Remagen, an iron railway bridge built over the Rhine in the First World War, whose capture by the American troops during the Second World War was a symbolic milestone in the Allies' victory. Remagen is also notable for its art, including the sculpture trail along the banks of the Rhine and the Arp Museum with its special exhibitions. Boat trips are also available along the romantic Rhine. Informative guided tours around the most important sights or a guided walk around the town will turn your stay into a truly memorable experience.

A glass of burgundy with a hearty meal

The Ahr valley is one of Germany's top red wine regions; its red wines are among the best in Germany. There is a wide selection of hearty fare to accompany the wine, such as Neuenahr rauchfleisch (thin strips of smoked beef), kökjeszupp (a delicious traditional bean soup) and döppekoche (potato flan with bacon). Fine dining also has its place: the best of the region's wines are paired with gourmet cuisine at the many leading restaurants and various culinary events.