Page 143 - (DK Eyewitness) Back Roads Travel Guide - Germany

DRIVE 13: Roman Ruins and Fine Wines 141

Left Impressive Burg Eltz perched on a
hilltop Below Nürburgring, the Famous
Formula One race track

EAT AND DRINK
AROUND RÖMERVILLA
Ambiente moderate
This is an ideal restaurant for those
who enjoy Mediterranean dishes,
ranging from pasta to fish.
Telegrafenstrasse 10, 53474 Bad
4 Nürburgring rock began in the 12th century and, Neuenahr-Ahrweiler; 02641 205 961;
Rhineland-Palatinate; 53520 though plenty of additions followed, www.ambienterestaurant.de
Dubbed by British motor-racing it has never been destroyed or rebuilt. Eifelstube moderate
driver Jackie Stewart as “Green Hell”, It survived a 2-year siege and was Quality traditional German food such
the Nürburgring is revered as one of saved during the French campaigns as venison in elderberry sauce with
the world’s most difficult and of 1689 by having a member of the Spätzle (Swabian noodles) is served here.
Ahrhutstrasse 26, 53474 Ahrweiler
treacherous motor-racing circuits. von Eltz family in the French Army. (west of Römervilla); 02641 348 50;
Completed in 1927, its 73 curves have The inte riors are preserved as they www.eifelstube-ahrweiler.de
claimed dozens of lives. By were in medieval times. The ALTENAHR
the 1970s, the course was treasury displays valuables
deemed too dangerous for of gold and silver, while Gasthaus Assenmacher expensive
A gourmet restaurant serving sea sonal
top-class racing but in the armoury boasts many specialities such as veal with pigeon
1984 Formula One lethal-looking weapons. breast, lemon confit and pistachio oil.
returned to a safer loop. ª Return to Brückenstrasse 12, 53505; 02643 18 48;
The track is regularly used Münstermai feld and turn www.gasthaus-assenmacher.de
for motor sports and novelty right to Hatzenport. Then AROUND BURG ELTZ
events, such as old-timer turn right on to the B416 Schloss-Hotel Petry expensive
races, but at other times it is Coat of Arms, along the Mosel, which Housed in a castle, this restaurant
possible to drive the course Burg Eltz becomes the B49. In serves specialities such as ox
in one’s own vehicle. There Cochem, use the car park medallions with foie gras on
are no speed limits on some sec tions, beneath the Mosel bridge. asparagus risotto.
St-Castor-Str 80, 56253 Treis-Karden
though passing on the right is pro- (south of Burg Eltz); 02672 93 40;
hibited. To experience speeds of up 6 Cochem www.schloss-hotel-petry.de
to 320 kph (199 mph), book a seat in Rhineland-Palatinate; 56812
the BMW Ring-Taxi (book in advance: Half-timbered Cochem is striking, COCHEM
02691 302 9777; www.bmw-motorsport. but can sometimes be overrun by Alte Thorschenke moderate
Traditional German food is served
com/en/fascination/bmw-ring-taxi.html; visitors. From the town, a 15-minu te in this atmospheric restaurant.
children must be at least 12 years old and sign posted walk leads up to the Brückenstrasse 3, 56812; 02671 70 59;
taller than 150 cm/5 ft). Otherwise, visit town’s main landmark, the Reichsburg www.castle-thorschenke.com
the visitor centre Ring Werk (open (mid-Mar–Nov: open daily). A turreted
daily; call ahead: 02691 302 6607), with medie val-style castle built in 1877,
high-tech racing simulators, films and albeit on 11th-century foundations,
exhibits that will keep children busy. its antique-filled interior can be
ª Return to the B258 and continue explored. Take the chairlift, Cochemer
on it. Turn right on to the B262 to Sesselbahn (mid-Mar–mid-Nov: open
Naunheim. From here, turn right again daily), to the summit of Pinnerkreuz
on to a minor road signed “Burg Eltz” hill. Located along Endertstrasse, the
to reach the castle car park. main road through the town, the
chairlift offers great valley views as
5 Burg Eltz well as a chance to walk downhill
Rhineland-Palatinate; 56294 between vineyards back into town.
Tucked in a hidden valley, Burg Eltz ª Continue eastward on the B49,
(02672 950 500; late Mar–Oct: open daily) which becomes the B53, to follow the
is one of Germany’s most attractive Mosel. At Traben-Trarbach follow signs
castles. The construction of its cluster to Bernkastel-Kues, taking the B50 and
of archetypal turrets on a knuckle of the B53 to park beside the Mosel bridge.
Eat and Drink: inexpensive, under €20; moderate, €20–€40; expensive, over €40

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