Annweiler

In 1219 Annweiler was declared a Free Imperial City by Emperor Friedrich II. Stroll along Wassergasse, Gerbergasse (Tanners' Lane), and Quodgasse to see the half-timber houses and the waterwheels on the Queich River, which is more like a creek. Annweiler is a gateway to the Wasgau, the romantic southern portion of the Palatinate Forest, marked by sandstone cliffs and ancient castles. The forest supported an important timber industry a century ago and is still the source of locally beloved chestnuts, which make their way onto restaurant menus in season.