VISITING IDAR- OBERSTEIN

Idar- Oberstein is easily accessed from Frankfurt or Luxembourg. Most gemstone companies open their studios and showrooms to visitors by appointment.

A must visit is the German Gemstone Museum located in an old villa on the High Street and has an impressive collection of rough and polished gemstones.

The church in Stipshausen with the Munsteiner’s agate art windows and carved quartz crucifix is worth a visit, as is the nearby sculpture garden with his work and a massive amethyst geode.

Wine buffs will be pleasantly surprised to discover that Idar is located within Germany’s celebrated Mosel wine region and a 30-minute car ride takes visitors into the finest wine country. The Bernkastelar Ring Vineyards are recommended and a favourite among residents is the Emrich-schönleber estate, known for outstanding wines.