Table of Contents
Introduction: KMC Host Guide
Have you ever found yourself with friends or family practically at your doorstep, and you're scrambling without a plan or drowning in uncertainty? Trust me, I get it. Over the past year, I've welcomed 7 sets of visitors – some sticking around for a month or more! The endless hours of planning and research can be overwhelming. Fret not! This guide is your timesaving, stress-busting companion, crafted from my own whirlwind experiences. Ease into hosting as I share tips to lift the weight off your shoulders, making the journey smoother and more enjoyable for all!
Packing & Preparation
Let's begin with the most crucial task for your guests: packing! To make this process easier, I've created a comprehensive Travel Packing Guide/Checklist, available for download in the PDFs below, which I hope you and your prospective guests find incredibly useful. These lists include detailed explanations, helpful suggestions, and links to recommended products!
If possible, I suggest giving your guests a 1-day buffer to relax and recuperate after arriving before you dive into the thick of things. Especially If they travel from the US, the time change can be rough for many. Therefore, not making concrete plans and offering them downtime after arrival is a courtesy I try to extend to all my guests.
If you would like to go above and beyond, remember that your guests may be hungry and thirsty (not only sleep-deprived) when exiting the plane. So, prepare a lovely welcome basket with water, juice, and snacks! I can't tell you how often I wish someone did this for me when traveling.
Food & Restaurants
I'm a huge foodie, so my priority is always to make reservations and ensure everyone gets to try some of the best food the KMC area has to offer! So that is where we will start!
For suggestions and advice Foodies in the KMC is a solid Facebook group to search or post questions to!
I have created Google Maps with suggestions on where to eat that you may find helpful:
I also have some key restaurants that I try to take my visiting friends and family to every time:
This lively restaurant offers a “worldwide” tapas-style, all-you-can-eat menu, where you order on a timed system – it’s both fun and deliciously satisfying! I practically have to waddle out every time. Reservations are recommended!
Da Maria is my absolute favorite spot for Italian food in the area! A reservation is a must – trust me, the hostess will appreciate it. For drinks, stick to wine only; I recommend either the Primitivo or Pinot Grigio. When it comes to the menu, avoid requesting changes, with one exception: adding shrimp to the “cheese-wheel pasta” is a must! The charming lady who serves you speaks a bit of English, but it’s always nice to reply with a “Grazie” or two in Italian. And if you’re looking for a standout dish, the Pistachio Ravioli is absolutely delicious. Buon appetito! On the other hand, Taormina offers a slightly more Americanized Italian experience and is an excellent alternative if you’re looking for a more relaxed dining option without the unique quirks of Da Maria.
All of these spots are run by the same owners and are perfect for a quick, easy bite! Birdhouse is the only one where a reservation is often recommended. They’re all heavily Americanized, so if your guests are seeking authentic German fare, you may want to explore other options.
Here are my top picks for Asian-style food: Asia Wok is perfect for quick takeaway. At 9Chan, don’t miss the refreshing cucumber salad appetizer – highly recommended! And for a fun experience, Yunmi offers giant sushi boats that are perfect for sharing.
For a refined dining experience, I recommend Twenty-One. Visit around sunset to enjoy stunning rooftop views over the city. Another standout is Katz Das, which offers an exceptional menu with 3, 4, or 5-course options – a true treat for food lovers.
For something unique and delicious, give these spots a try! Civat is a personal favorite—I used to go all the time for their flavorful shawarma wraps.
For authentic German food, I recommend these three spots: Spinnrädl, the oldest half-timbered residential building in Kaiserslautern, is steeped in history and charm. Wiesbacher Hof is a lesser-known gem, perfect for an off-the-beaten-path experience. For a fun twist, Big Emma’s offers a unique dining experience with its giant portions of food and drinks! If you find yourself at St. Martin, be sure to try their phenomenal Jäger Schnitzel – it’s the highlight of the menu.
Next up is breakfast!
This is a charming, more "health-based" breakfast spot! Be sure to make a reservation before going!
Always a solid choice (cannot make reservations for parties under 6). It's German but heavily caters to Americans, and I love their cinnamon rolls! My menu suggestion will always be their omelet.
This might sound funny, but I love this casual stop near the Burger King on Ramstein. They will give you a whole pot of coffee, and it's a lovely little "diner-style" casual place to sit and enjoy the morning. Plus, it seems to be in a great middle location where people can easily meet up with others in the area.
If you want to really impress your guests, time their visit with one of these. They are 4 courses and absolutely phenomenal!
An unlimited brunch that is absolutely worth it! I can hardly ever finish the spread.
in Kaiserslautern also has an excellent buffet and breakfast options. If you're looking in the area overall, I can also recommend Carla Ohio, 9 to 5, and Café Selen (reservation)!
This may sound simple, but don't forget to visit a grocery store or two! Most of my guests have expressed a desire to explore local foods/items and even buy items to send home (via APO, of course). My favorite ones to take them to are Globus and Carrefour (previously known as Cora, Rue de Bitche).
If markets are nearby, take your guests for all the fantastic local food items offered!
Paces to Go & Things to Do
Next up is where you should take your guests! Of course, I have already made a helpful Google Map of Things to Do in the KMC area, pinpointing many activities, but I will also highlight the main places I take my guests to below.
Nanstein Castle
Nanstein Castle is accessible and has connected hiking trails, and the restaurant next door offers delicious pumpkin soup in the fall. This is an excellent choice if you don't want to go far.
Lakes & Small Ponds
One of the wonderful aspects of living in this region of Germany is that nearly every small body of water is surrounded by scenic trails and usually has a nearby spot for food and drinks. My personal favorite is Seewoog in Ramstein-Miesenbach. The staff at the little hut there have always been incredibly friendly, and their food and drinks are delightful! While it’s nothing extravagant, the location features plenty of outdoor seating, a nearby playground, and even a gelato truck that visits during the summer! Similarly, Jägersburger Weiher and Gelterswoog offer great experiences as well. Jägersburger Weiher includes a Fun Forest Adventure Park, paddle boats, restaurants, and a minigolf course, while Gelterswoog boasts a man-made beach area along with minigolf and food and drink options.
Please remember cash when visiting these locations! I know that Seewoog is cash only, so many of these other small businesses may also require cash.
Kaiserslautern City Tour
If your guests are interested in the area's history, you can do a 7 Euro City Tour through the city of Kaiserslautern. Email touristinformation@kaiserslautern.de to register or for further information. They take you through areas such as underground tunnels, and it's all quite neat!
Dragon's Teeth
An easily found historical feature are the Dragon's Teeth found near the village of Lambsborn in the forest. These are actually right next to my village!
Hiking
If your guests are hikers, you MUST take them on this 4 Castle Hike on the French/German border! All details can be found in the link to a previous blog post of mine.
Or hiking in the Karlstal area in Trippstadt, Germany! Karlstalschlucht is the name of the commonly hiked trail
For other options, the AllTrails app does work in Europe, or you can download the German app Komoot.
Heidelberg
Heidelberg is at the top of my list of cities to visit with guests. You can take a river cruise, explore the castle, do one of the castle's many events, and even explore an apothecary museum inside the castle grounds! The views are quite beautiful year-round.
Palaces & Residences
One thing I find that many aren't aware of is that there are multiple residences near Heidelberg that are worth exploring! Such as Schwetzingen, which is featured in the photos above. Whenever I take my guests to Heidelberg, I usually do so for about 2-3 hours around opening time, and then I will take them to Schwetzingen (about 25 minutes away) to explore and have dinner in the square right outside.
There is an inside tour, but you really want to go for the gardens. Make sure you leave enough time because they are rather extensive! The best time of year to visit is during the warmer months when the statues and decor are uncovered, and flowers have bloomed.
German Spas
If your guests are spa lovers, I adore Thermen & Badwelt Sinsheim! This can be found near Heidelberg as well. The sauna portion is textile-free (no clothing), but a significant portion is family-friendly if your guests aren't looking for that kind of European "experience." Heated pools, swim-up bars, outdoor tiki beach area, and so much more. I'm obsessed with these European spas! Just be sure to buy your tickets online at their website before heading over. They don't do ticket sales at the counter.
There's even a Technology Museum right around the corner if y'all have extra time.
Another suggestion my friend recently made is to visit Miramar in Wineheim. She mentioned that she actually enjoyed this spa even more! They took the train from Kaiserslautern to Mannheim, then used public transportation followed by a short 12-minute walk to reach the spa.
Bernkastel-Kues
Next up is Bernkastel-Kues! The river towns of Germany are full of half-timbered houses, shopping, restaurants, the obligatory castle, and often, the countryside is covered in sloping green vineyards. Bernkastel-Kues, in particular, is known for its Riesling wines. When taking guests to Bernkastel-Kues, I begin by allowing them to wander its quaint streets but make sure to visit the well-known Advent Calendar House Square along the way. Then I will have us climb to Schutzenhaus for lunch (be sure to order the fish and chips) and a view! Google can easily guide you to where you need to go to do the climb on foot (uphill). Then, we will finish the climb up to the Landshut Castle Ruins. If the restaurant at the castle is open and the weather is nice enough, I will also add a glass of wine and a small bite to eat on their glass patio! If you would like a more in-depth guide, you can purchase my Bernkastel-Kues guide here (website shop).
Roman Wine Barge Tour
When visiting Bernkastel-Kues, you can add on this unique Roman Wine Barge Tour on the Stella Noviomagi found nearby in Neumaghen-Dhron! I really loved this tour. We went up and down the river, drank a little wine, and even visited ruins where the Romans used to make their wine. To book a tour, simply send an email to touristinfo@neumagen-dhron.de.
You can view my full blog guide here.
Trier
Trier is a great city because of its rich history as one of the oldest cities in the country, showcasing remarkable Roman monuments, charming medieval architecture, and a vibrant cultural scene. There you can visit the Porta Nigra, Saint Peter's Cathedral, Roman Ampitheater, Basilica of Constantine, Karl Marx House, Roman Museum, stroll along the Moselle River, visit St. Gangolf's Church, and relax in the Palace Gardens.
Metz
Metz, located just over an hour away, is one of my favorite hidden gems among French cities. Its charming atmosphere and rich history offer a delightful escape from the more commercialized destinations. The Cathedral is stunning, and the rest of the city boasts beautiful architecture throughout. Some of my favorite things to do in the city include breakfast at Fox Coffee, Dinner/Lunch at Guara, shopping at the many boutiques, and perhaps even catch a show at the Opera!
Strasbourg
Strasbourg may be a bit further from the KMC, but it’s a must-visit destination that frequently tops travel bucket lists. The city features a stunning cathedral, picturesque boat tours, and the elegant Palais Rohan. Don’t miss the serene Parc de l'Orangerie, the charming, covered bridges and canals, and the impressive Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art. Each attraction offers a unique glimpse into the city's rich culture and history, making Strasbourg a delightful getaway.
Luxembourg
Luxembourg is a little over an hour away as well! This way, they can check off visiting yet another country with what an easy day trip. Luxembourg also has free public transportation throughout, so that's an excellent feature to consider when making plans. You can visit Old Town, the Grand Ducal Palace, Bock Castemates, the National Museum of History and Art, Municipal Park, the Mudam Museum of Modern Art, Philharmonie Luxembourg, American Cemetery, and Luxembourg City History Museum.
One of my favorite places to visit along the way to Luxembourg is Ramborn Cidery. They source all their apples from local trees, and everything is so well done. You can even book a tour if you'd like! They sell ciders, vinegars, chocolates, and several other specialty items.
At the very least, you must treat your guests to French salted butter, an assortment of local meats and cheeses, cheese-stuffed peppers, and a freshly baked baguette from the bakery! The only acceptable choice for butter is the blue and yellow-wrapped Paysan Breton Aux Cristeaux de Sel de Guérande from France—nothing else comes close to its exquisite flavor.
Wineries
Are your guests wine lovers? I know for a fact that when I moved here, I had no idea Germany produced wines and possessed numerous vineyards. I was rather shocked to learn how big of a role German Wines play in shaping the landscape, architecture, and culture of surrounding areas.
In our immediate vicinity, we have wine bars such as Destino, Konrad's Vinothek, and Weinstub Zum Weintz (warmer months only).
Want to know more? My friend Maria runs a wine-based company called Really Grape from her home base in Stuttgart, and she would love to help you in any way she can! She has traveled extensively, is quite knowledgeable in the subject, and her resume is impressive!
Another fantastic resource to follow is Wine with Hannah! She’s a joy to watch as she embarks on her adventures, offering a wealth of advice and educational insights along the way. You won’t want to miss her engaging content!
Wine Hikes
Speaking of wine, one of my favorite activities in Germany is the delightful experience of wine hikes! In the warmer months, these are known as "weinwanderung," while in winter, they transform into torch-lit adventures called "fackelwanderung." Both offer wonderful cultural experiences. To discover these events, reach out to Maria at Really Grape (as mentioned earlier) or search for the keywords on Facebook to find happenings in your area—there’s almost always something going on! If you’re struggling to locate an event, Weingut Alois Kirchen hosts multiple wine hikes year-round, just about an hour and a half away. The photo on the right was taken during one of their summer wine hikes in 2021!
Ice Train to Berlin
I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the ICE train travel opportunities Europe has to offer!
Berlin is just a short ICE train ride away, and I’ve visited around four or five times in the past two years, enjoying each trip! There’s an incredible array of activities to explore. I’ll be putting together a guide soon with suggestions for your visit, but in the meantime, don’t hesitate to reach out if you need any advice!
ICE Train to Paris
An even more convenient option is the quick 2-hour ICE train ride to Paris! This stunning city offers a wealth of educational opportunities, cultural experiences, and endless fun.
Don't forget to check out my Parisian Guides if you are making plans to visit!
I’m sure there’s even more to explore, but for now, I believe I’ve highlighted a good range of activities for entertaining guests in the KMC area. It’s Europe, after all! Once they arrive, flights are affordable, trains provide excellent opportunities for exploration, and many beautiful destinations are just a short drive away.
I hope you found this helpful and wish you the best in your hosting adventures!
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