HAARDT MOUNTAINS

also called Hardt Mountains, mountain range in Rheinland-Pfalz Land (state), southwestern Germany. They comprise the eastern part of the Pflzer Forest Mountains and lie west of the Rhine River basin, extending from the French border to a point about 20 miles (30 km) south of Mainz. Their densely forested slopes rise to 2,208 feet (673 m) in Mount Kalmit. Geologically the Haardt Mountains are a continuation of the Vosges Mountains to the south. With many vineyards and orchards, the region is a centre for winemaking and tourism. Cities include Neustadt an der Weinstrasse and Bad Drkheim.