Virtual offers – Digital museum visits and more
You can enjoy museum visits, wine tastings and music events in the Romantic Cities from the comfort of your own home. Our overview gives you information on upcoming events.
There is one thing they probably know more about in Idar-Oberstein than anywhere else in the world – sparkling gemstones. These have been a feature of the town for centuries and are still one of the reasons Idar-Oberstein is still so popular today, and not only among jewellery lovers. But the little city on the Nahe is still an insider tip among destinations for city breaks in Rhineland-Palatinate.
The gemstone city also scores well in other areas. As well as precious stones, it also boasts lots of fine wines, which go beautifully with the city’s signature dish. But more about that later. There are lots of premium walking routes that are just perfect for exploring the area. So it can be tricky to get everything done within a day. But let’s start at the beginning …
Charming Idar-Oberstein
As you arrive at the market square, you can enjoy a wonderful view of the Felsenkirche church towering high above the city. Built into the rocky cliffs in the 14th century, it is still the city’s most famous landmark. Down below, the half-timbered houses line up one next to the other. Amongst all the brightly-coloured houses are lots of restaurants and cafés. You can either note them down now for future reference or stop for a hearty breakfast to set you up for the day.
Then your tour of Idar-Oberstein can begin. The German Mineral Museum and the Jakob Bengal Industrial Monument are just a few minutes’ walk away and take you on a little trip back in time. The authentically restored rooms are fitted with a range of original relics from bygone centuries, giving an interesting insight into the city’s varied history. Experience the old days with all your senses.
The German Mineral Museum and the Felsenkirche church in Idar-Oberstein, Nahe
Sparkling Idar-Oberstein
The German Gemstone Museum is around three kilometres from the market square. The decorated façade of the amazing Gründerzeit building is a clue to the heavyweights within. As well as the gorgeous precious stones in all shapes and colours, there are also replicas of some famous historical diamonds. The German Gemstone Museum has set up a special cellar vault to showcase changing yearly exhibitions, some of which are linked to the history of Idar-Oberstein. As a general rule, there is often a close connection to Idar-Oberstein, as most of the pieces of jewellery were made in the city’s workshops.
Gemstone necklace from the Jakob Bengel Industrial Monument, Idar-Oberstein
From the German Gemstone Museum, it is just a short drive to the only mineral mines in the whole of Europe that are open to the public, the Gemstone Mines in Steinkaulenberg. The 400-metre visitor tunnel is fascinating for all ages. Visitors young and old can dig for their own minerals with a pickaxe and a spade, and take home what they find..
The first agate polishing workshop was founded in 1634, around 1.5 kilometres east of Steinkaulenberg, and it is still in existence today as a museum, the Historic "Weiherschleife“ Cutting Mill. Until just 100 years ago, the agate polishers worked at the last water-wheel driven gemstone mill on the Idarbach river, conjuring real jewels from the rough gemstones. A guided tour gives you an insight into the back-breaking work and tough conditions at the mill back in those days, while the gemstone exhibition and multimedia show shed light on how the gemstones are formed.
The ornate façade of the German Gemstone Museum in Idar-Oberstein, Nahe
At work in the Historic ‘Weiherschleife’ Cutting Mill in Idar-Oberstein, Nahe
Idar-Oberstein also boasts stunning scenery, with a picturesque uplands setting right next to the river Nahe. The lovely ‘Rund um die Kama’, ‘Edelsteinschlaiferweg’ and ‘Nahe-Felsen-Weg’ loops provide something for all tastes and are a real treat for all keen walkers.
Last but not least, it is time for that Oberstein speciality: spit roasts cooked over open beech fires, including the rolled ‘Obersteiner Gerollter’ and the swinging ‘Idarer Schwenkerbraten’. You can try the tasty ‘national dish’ in virtually any of the cosy pubs.
View of Wildenburg Castle and the Hunsrück-Hochwald National Park, Nahe
At a glance: 24 hours in Idar-Oberstein
- Idar-Oberstein market square
- Felsenkirche church
- German Mineral Museum
- German Gemstone Museum
- Gemstone Mines in Steinkaulenberg
- Historic ‘Weiherschleife’ Cutting Mill
- Hunsrück-Hochwald National Park
