Kaiserslautern (Palatine: Lautre) is a major city, industrial center, and university town located on the northwestern edge of the Palatinate Forest in the south of Rhineland-Palatinate. It serves as the seat of the district administration for the Kaiserslautern district.
Kaiserslautern has been a royal court since Carolingian times. The settlement flourished in the mid-12th century when Frederick I Barbarossa expanded the castle built around 1100 into a palatinate. During the Thirty Years' War, the city was successively captured by the Spaniards, Swedes, and Imperial forces. In the War of the Palatine Succession and the War of the Spanish Succession, the French occupied the city and destroyed Barbarossa's castle as well as the palace built by Johann Casimir in the 16th century. By the mid-19th century, the city, which had become part of the Kingdom of Bavaria, was the center of the Palatine uprising; at the same time, it developed into the most significant industrial site in the Palatinate due to numerous companies being founded in the textile industry, metalworking, and mechanical engineering, alongside Ludwigshafen am Rhein. The city gained international recognition primarily through its football club, 1. FC Kaiserslautern.
As of December 31, 2022, the city had a population of 101,228, making it the fifth-largest city in Rhineland-Palatinate. In terms of area, Kaiserslautern is the largest city in the state.
The Kaiserslautern Military Community, with around 40,000 military personnel and civilians, forms the largest U.S. military base outside the United States. Residents of Kaiserslautern who are part of the Military Community are not included in the population count.
(Source: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaiserslautern)
Shopping Center K in Lautern and Pedestrian Zone Kaiserslautern
Shop and enjoy in the center of Kaiserslautern. The K shopping mall in Lautern, located in the city center, invites visitors to stroll and linger over approximately 20,900 square meters with around 100 stores, numerous cafes, and a large food court, along with the adjacent pedestrian zone directly connected to the mall.
Old Town Kaiserslautern
The old town, as the heart of Kaiserslautern, offers a fantastic opportunity to step back in time. Enjoy its unique charm and spend cozy hours in the many bars, pubs, and cafes it has to offer.
Fruchthalle Kaiserslautern
Designed by August von Voit in the style of the Italian early Renaissance, the Fruchthalle Kaiserslautern will definitely make your heart race, whether it's with top-notch symphonic concerts, jazz performances, or international concert highlights! The concerts in Kaiserslautern are among the musical highlights in Rhineland-Palatinate!
Pfalztheater Kaiserslautern
The Pfalztheater Kaiserslautern offers a diverse and engaging program. Opera? Musical? Young theater? Decide for yourself and indulge in some cultural enjoyment!
Theodor-Zink-Museum Kaiserslautern
The Theodor-Zink-Museum is one of the most well-known museums in Kaiserslautern. Founded in 1934 by Theodor Zink and named after him, the museum features a permanent exhibition on the city's history as well as changing exhibits.
Cultural Center Kammgarn
Opened in 1988, the Cultural Center Kammgarn is located in the buildings of the Kammgarn spinning mill, which went bankrupt in 1981, directly next to the garden show. The center hosts concerts as well as numerous cabaret performances and many other exciting events.
Garden Show and Brauhaus Restaurant at the Garden Show Kaiserslautern
The Garden Show is a leisure park in Kaiserslautern that is open during the summer months. With many exciting events, such as the Festival of Lights and a wonderful restaurant located in front of the park, the Garden Show invites you to spend wonderful hours here.
Japanese Garden Kaiserslautern
The Japanese Garden in Kaiserslautern is one of the largest Japanese gardens in Europe. It was opened in 2000. The garden is not only used as a recreational area but also regularly hosts events like Taiko concerts, traditional festivals, and readings related to Japanese literature.
Fritz-Walter-Stadion Kaiserslautern
The Fritz-Walter-Stadium, formerly known as Betzenberg Stadium and often referred to as Betzenberg or Betze, is the Kaiserslautern football stadium. It serves as the competition venue for 1. FC Kaiserslautern.
Swimming Pools & Sauna Landscape Kaiserslautern
The outdoor pool Waschmühle, along with the warm outdoor pool Kaiserslautern and the leisure pool Monte Mare (with a sauna area), offers a taste of Kaiserslautern's Tuscan charm. Pure relaxation and/or activity!
Gelterswoog Beach Kaiserslautern
In the mood for swimming? Canoeing? Boating? Slacklining? Mini-golf? Then you're in the right place!
K1 Forest Rope Park Kaiserslautern
A beautiful piece of Palatinate Forest, healthy trees, courses, obstacles made of wire ropes, swings, rope bridges, and wooden walkways provide the ultimate fun factor.
Cinema Without Limits
Kaiserslautern and its surroundings offer more than just an evening at the movies. In addition to the UCI Cinema World and Central City Cinema Kaiserslautern, Broadway Cinema in Ramstein-Miesenbach offers a unique cinema experience. Meanwhile, the Union Studio for Film Art in Kaiserslautern provides an alternative film program featuring classic films, special features, and older titles, ensuring something for everyone.
21 – twentyone lounge – café bar – deli-resto
Enjoy something different! The highlight of Kaiserslautern! At 80 meters above the rooftops of the city, the twenty one Lounge resides. Enjoy the sunset high up in the Kaiserslautern City Hall, celebrate the end of the day, or meet friends.
Nightlife in Kaiserslautern
Whether it's a nightclub, cocktail bar, or shisha lounge - Kaiserslautern has plenty to offer in terms of nightlife!
Pure Relaxation at "Just Float" in Kaiserslautern
Indulge yourself in a unique way! With the significant reduction of environmental stimuli, our brains essentially have the chance to "breathe" (figuratively speaking) here!
Action & Fun at the Indoor Karting Track in Kaiserslautern
Indoor Karting Kaiserslautern promises karting fun with the latest generation of electric karts! No exhaust fumes—eco-friendly technology—high safety standards!
More Leisure Activities in Kaiserslautern
Whether 3D blacklight Minigolf, Lasertag, Ninja Warrior trampoline parks or Escape-Rooms, numerous providers in Kaiserslautern ensure that you can make your free time as special as possible!
At the restaurant „Alexandros“ you'll find yourself in a small family-run business that offers what we believe to be the best Greek specialties.
At the restaurant „Lissabon“ you can enjoy the best classic dishes from Portugal. The restaurant offers a variety of affordable, delicious Mediterranean fish dishes and seafood. A visit is worthwhile!
You might not have entered this restaurant without a tip. Admittedly, the exterior isn’t very inviting, but it impresses with excellent sushi at unbeatable prices! Just try it and be surprised at YOSHI in downtown Kaiserslautern. A real insider tip!