After 20 years of European travel by both train and car, my wife and I plan to rent a car and visit the ancestral villages of origin of our forebears. Our trek through Alsace will end in Zweibrücken. Are there opinions on remaining there for the evening or pressing on to Kaiserslautern? We have passable German and enjoy local food, beer or wine, and architecture. The next day will take us further north into Rheinland-Pfalz. Thanks for your advice.
Posted by
Alsenborn, Germany
2579 posts
I'm not sure how you end up in Zweibrücken, but it's not a town I'd send much time in. 40 years ago it was a huge US military town. But since the pull out of the 1990's it's been going downhill badly. It is the place to buy shoes, that's the main industry now. And Kaiserslautern also is supported to a large extent buy the US military presence, but's it's not an especially attractive venue.
If you're traveling by train and want a big city I'd look at Saarbrucken or Trier. Otherwise, consider Homburg; about the same size as Zweibrücken or Kaiserslautern, but nicer.
Posted by
OP
Lancaster PA
285 posts
Thanks for your reply, KGC. I have family that left Zweibrücken in the 1700s to immigrate to Pennsylvania, so it is a stop on our trip to see our family roots. I appreciate your suggestion of Homburg, it looks to be easily accessible with some local charm.