Nahe (Nava, Latin, derived from Celtic, meaning wild river) is a left tributary to the Rhine. Celts and Romans alike seemed to have had an appreciation for pretty and warm places back when Germany was just an insignificant part of the huge Roman Empire.
The Roman museum of Bad Kreuznach offers an impressive exhibition of archeological findings including original floor mosaics, statues, everyday stuff, weapons, tombs and much more, all of this showing that the Romans used to live large. Alas taking pictures was not permitted.
We had Italian lunch in the old city core called Salt Market before we moved on to a unique rock formation.
Rotenfels, which translates to Red Rock at 200m height and 1200m length is in fact the largest rock formation of its kind between the Alps and Scandinavia. Hiking along the edge offers spectacular albeit a bit hazy views overlooking the Nahe valley.
Later the day we camp-parked in a vineyard's backyard, where we were offered a spontaneous wine tasting. The region is very popular for its white wines, and this specific winery is famous for its ecologically farmed produce. Needless to say, we took some of their bottles home.
Next day we visited the highest mountain of Rhineland-Palatinate: Donnersberg (thunder mountain). At 687m rather a hill, this massif used to be an important Celtic homestead. The only visible proof today are the remains of a former hill fort.
We made it to the peak of Donnersberg, it's all downhill from there.
