Family Travel Ideas in Trier

Trier family travel has much to offer. Trier is located on the banks of the Mosel River in the Mosel wine region, and is one of the oldest cities in Germany. Located near the border of Luxemburg, it is one of the largest cities in the state, and has its own university.

See the Roman Ruins

There are some excellent Roman ruins that can be explored. There is still a portion of the Roman city wall, which is actually the largest Roman gate found in the world. This is the Black Gate, known as "Porta Nigra." There are guided tours available, or you can pick up a map and explore the site for yourself. Be sure to see the Roman Bridge, amphitheater, Imperial Baths, and Basilica.

Fantastic Museums

If you have small children, you must make a stop at Spielzeug museum, the toy museum. Germany is known for its toy making. This is a great museum that has some of the best toys and exhibits of how the toys were made. There is a large collection of mechanical toys, stuffed animals, tin soldiers and dolls.

Just outside the city is the Open Air Museum, which has exhibits of many of the different folk cultures. You can see how linen is made, learn about wine-making and blacksmith works, and even see how semi precious stones were turned into jewelry. This spot is quite unique, as it is where German, French and Luxemburg culture all met and merged.

The Stadtisches Museum, or City Museum, is near the Roman gate, and has some excellent exhibits of Coptic textiles, medieval artifacts, a model of the city from the 1800s, the original market cross, Renaissance paintings, and portraits of Egyptian mummies. There is a great video that shows how the city has been transformed since the Romans occupied the area.

Market Square

The market square is 400 years old, and has a lovely fountain in the center. There is also an Obelisk. Off the square is St. Gangolf’s Church. The church is beautiful, and was actually a rival for the Bishops Cathedral in the town. This area is a great place to stop for lunch, as you can get fresh food as you decide what you want to do next with your day.

Jew’s Alley

Jews came to the city during the 1st century A.D., and the Judengasse, or Jewish Alley, takes you to the medieval Jewish section. There are four cellars from Jewish houses that were built in the 13th century, and while the current community is small, there is still a synagogue.