These two states did not emerge in their present form until after World War II. The Rhineland-Palatinate was created from the previously independent Bavarian Palatinate and the southern part of the Central Rhineland, making it a true jigsaw puzzle of territories. The Saarland was under French rule until 1956 and today forms a bridge between France and Germany, the two driving forces of European unity.

Together the states make up one of Germany’s most romantic regions. The picturesque Mosel valley is lined with grand medieval fortresses, such as Burg Eltz, while Worms on the Rhine is the setting for most of the Nibelungen legend as well as the residence of the mythical king of Burgundy, Gunther. The Deutsches Eck (“German Corner”) in Koblenz is the strategic spot where the Mosel flows into the Rhine, and Koblenz also marks the beginning of the romantic Rhine valley. A boat trip upriver, justifiably popular with visitors, will pass some spectacular rocky scenery, including the Lorelei Rock and countless castles set among vineyards on either side of the river.