What to do in Kaiserslautern

Advice on what to do in Kaiserslautern, including culture, relaxation, nightlife, sport and food.

Cultural attractions in Kaiserslautern

Catch some classic dramatic productions at the New Palatinate Theatre, an impressive sandstone structure near Kaiserslautern's towering City Hall.

For a storming classical concert, make your way down to Fruchthalle, where you can soak up the Renaissance atmosphere in what was once a market hall, and then the seat of the revolutionary Palatinate government, before becoming a concert hall.

Art lovers should make sure they visit the Palatinate Gallery of Art during their stay in Kaiserslautern. Some great collections of paintings and sculptures are housed in the impressive, Karl Spatz-designed, brickwork gallery.

Relaxation in Kaiserslautern

A fun day out for the whole family can be enjoyed at Betzenberg Deerpark, a 62-acre site that is home to thousands of elegant deer, which roam freely for all to see. Ideal for picnics and relaxing in the sun, it is one of Kaiserslautern's most popular day's out.

Slightly wilder wildlife can be found at Kaiserslautern Zoo, on the outskirts of the city. Home to 55 animal species and 220 wild and domestic animals, there is plenty to see, as well as an adventure playground for the kids to run off some energy.

To get a spectacular view of Kaiserslautern and give you a better idea of the city you are staying in, take a hike up the Humbergturm. In the middle of woodland, the architecturally impressive tower is one of the most pleasing remnants from the Staufer period.

Check out Kaiserslautern's beautiful botanical gardens, where you can relax in a Japanese-style garden as well as taking a dip in the giant 160-metre open-air swimming pool – the biggest in Europe.

Nightlife in Kaiserslautern

Given its proximity to Palatinate's vineyards and breweries, you are guaranteed a good tipple when you go out in Kaiserslautern.

Popular with big drinkers and fans of cheesy music is The Hannenfass. Good, hearty pub food can be consumed during the day, which you will need if you are planning on taking on the challenge of the pub's famous drinking game. A metre-long stretch of wood, laden with ten halves of strong Deutsche Dunkels Bier should be enough to down the weightiest of drinkers.

Enter the cavernous A6 for an aural assault of seven rooms of assorted music. The atmosphere is good time and laid back, and you do not need to dress up to the nines to get in.

Sport in Kaiserslautern

A game of football can be caught with FC Kaiserslautern at the Fritz-Walter Stadion.

Recommended restaurants in Kaiserslautern

While Kaiserslautern's local speciality is stuffed pig stomach, there is plenty of other food about, such as the great Thai that is served at Thairama on Muhlstrasse. Sitting beneath the ethereal glow of a large fish tank, diners can enjoy Thai staples cooked to a family recipe.

If you have a hankering for a decent curry during your break away from the UK, it is worth trying India Palace in Gruner Graben. The atmosphere is relaxed, the food well-cooked and well-priced too.