Kaiserlautern - proud history and bright future
Already Emperor Friedrich Barbarossa was convinced of the advantages of the Kaiserslautern region when he chose to build his imperial palace in the 12th century. Based on those historical roots, the city has developed into a cosmopolitan cluster of science and technology. K-town is considered a prime location by many national and international companies (including Accenture, John Deere, etc.). The Science & Innovation Alliance Kaiserslautern, a network of high-profile research institutes (including German Research Centre for Artificial Intelligence, Fraunhofer Institute for Experimental Software Engineering, Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Mathematics, and Max Planck Institute for Software Systems), provides innovative solutions based on the latest technologies to students, scientists, and partners from industry. The topographic convergence of technology and nature makes the city both a vibrant urban centre and a natural oasis. Getting in touch with nature is particularly easy in Kaiserslautern, where Germany's largest interlinked woodlands are right at your doorstep. The forest of Rhineland-Palatinate is criss-crossed by a network of about 7,500 miles of well-marked hiking trails and a mountain bike park. UNESCO has recognised the exceptional value of the nature reserve as one of the 15 German biosphere reserves.
Kaiserslautern is home to people from over 140 nations who contribute to a diverse and vibrant city life. Most of the 100,000 inhabitants speak English, making it easy to quickly feel at ease. "K-Town" has a very good public transport service including high speed intercity trains that offer quick and comfortable connections to Europe's biggest cities (Brussels, Paris, Berlin etc), airports (FFM), and business centres. Last but not least, "K-Town" is home to "1. FCK" (FC Kaiserslautern) and loves to cheer for its soccer team in its well-known Betzenberg-Stadium.
Landau – Mediterranean flair
More than 46,000 people plus around 9,000 students live in the southern Palatine city between the Rhine River plains and the Palatinate Forest. The region, shaped by viticulture, is also called the "German Tuscany" because of its mild climate with 1,800 hours of sunshine per year.
The Palatinate Forest, the largest forest in Central Europe and part of a transborder biosphere reserve with France, provides excellent possibilities for outdoor activities such as hiking, rock climbing or mountain biking. It is a paradise for nature lovers. Larger cities like Heidelberg or Frankfurt are within easy reach, and France is only 20 km away.