The Moselle meanders through one of Germany’s most picturesque river valleys as it goes through Trier and Koblenz like a blue ribbon. Since the Romans initially farmed it, the Moselle runs through an area that man has shaped for more than 2,000 years.
The terraced vines often appear almost to touch the sky. The river’s banks are lined with many castles guarding picturesque wine villages.
Two must-see locations on the Moselle are Traben-Trarbach, with its spectacular art-nouveau architecture, and Bernkastel-Kues, with its attractive market square.
Mosel Valley Attractions
The Moselle Valley has every element needed for a romantic holiday in abundance. With the help of this list containing the top Mosel Valley attractions, you can discover the greatest locations to visit in this lovely part of Moselle River Germany.
1. Koblenz: Where the Rhine and the Mosel Converge
The huge Rhine and the magnificent Mosel, two of Europe’s most beautiful rivers, flow through Koblenz.
The city’s Municipal Archives and Library, housed in the 12th-century Medieval Castle known as the Alte Burg, is another significant structure. It’s a lot of fun to take the Koblenz cable car (Seilbahn Koblenz) up to the stunning Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, a fine example of military architecture from the early 19th century, from the Rhine riverbank.
It is among Germany’s top tourist destinations along the Moselle River. Koblenz is a great site to start exploring the Moselle Valley, another gorgeous river region.
With these adjustable one-day passes, you can board and exit these beautiful riverboats whenever and anywhere you please, giving you plenty of opportunities to take in the breathtaking scenery of this most picturesque area of Germany.
2. Traben Trarbach and the Middle Mosel Museum
The quaint tiny village of Traben Trarbach is located midway down the Mosel Valley, straddling the Mosel River. This picturesque location is well known for its numerous historic half-timbered structures and elegant aristocratic homes.
By crossing along the Moselle River over a bridge, the two former towns of Traben and Trarbach have united to form a single municipality (Traben Trarbach ). Things to do in Traben Trarbach include climbing the Grevenburg Castle, exploring the lovely Brückentor city gate, and visiting the Mittelmosel Museum to learn more about the area’s past.
The most significant of these historic homes is the Middle Mosel Museum, which is presently housed in the Baroque Böcking House, which was once frequented by people like Goethe and the Prussian kings. Take a tour of the interior of the building to get a close-up look at the beautiful ancient furnishings and décor.
If you’re in town during the winter, make sure to check out the well-known Traben Trarbach Christmas Market, which is unique in that it’s the only one of its kind in the nation that is hosted entirely underground.
The ideal location to begin your tour is by exploring the Old Town’s market (Hauptmarkt). It is among Germany’s top tourist destinations along the Moselle River.
3. Trier: A Roman-Influenced City of Moselle River Germany
Trier, which is located right in the middle of the Mosel Valley’s most scenic section, is home to a number of impressively preserved Roman landmarks.
The impressive defensive gate of Porta Nigra, a UNESCO World Heritage monument constructed in the second century and still largely in its original form during Roman times, is by far the most well-known of these.
Porta Nigra name, which literally translates to “black gate,” comes from the dark hue of its stones, but due to filth and exhaust pollution, it is even darker now.
The Rheinisches Landesmuseum, which has the greatest trove of gold coins of the Romans in the world as well as beautiful Roman mosaics, is another entertaining place to visit in Trier.
4. Beilstein
A little, charming town that resembles something out of a medieval fairy tale. It’s the ideal location to take a break from routine and enjoy some nature and family fun because it is surrounded by rolling hills covered with vines.
Things to do in Beilstein :
- Witnessing the river and the vineyards below can be enjoyed from the Metternich Castle, which is accessible through a short climb. Even though it is now in ruins, the excursion is still beautiful and worthwhile.
- The 2015-built Geierlay Suspension Bridge, which was influenced by a Nepalese suspension bridge, will give you a burst of adrenaline. From Beilstein, you may drive there in about 20 minutes and access a variety of hiking trails.
- To embark on the Karmeliterkirche of St. Josef, which sits on a low hill above the settlement and serves as Beilstein’s only real landmark along with the castle.
It is one of the best places to visit in Moselle River Germany.
5. Cochem: Location of Cochem castle along Moselle River Germany
One of Germany’s most beautiful villages in the Mosel Valley is Cochem, with its ancient castle towering above. Walking tours in the historic portion of the city is among the most well-liked activities here.
Reichsburg Cochem, however, is the main attraction. The biggest fortress in the Mosel Valley, the enormous hilltop castle “Cochem castle,” originally protected this section of the river.
Additionally, a nearby restaurant offers kid-friendly themed meal packages. There are also guided tours, events, and entertaining-themed tours available. It is one of the best places to visit in Moselle River Germany.
The Moselland Museum, a cutting-edge museum that opened in 2017 and is located close to Cochem, will teach you everything you need to know about earlier agricultural practices.
That was made possible by a local family’s private collection of tractors and farm equipment that was intended to honour the rural lifestyle of the Moselle Valley.
6. Bernkastel Kues
This delightful ancient town in Bernkastel-Kues has many things for the interested tourists that it’s easy to squander hours walking around. On the right bank of the river, begin at the quaint Mittelalterlicher Marktplatz in Bernkastel.
Early Gothic St. Michael’s Church is situated not far from the Mosel riverbanks. It is the only 14th-century building in the vicinity that hasn’t been renovated and boasts exquisite original furnishings.
To find additional old buildings, keep going to Kues and cross the Mosel Bridge. In the fourteenth century, cardinal and scholar Nicolaus Cusanus founded St. Nicholas’s Hospital among them. It is among Germany’s top tourist destinations along the Moselle River.
7. Piesport and Neumagen-Dhron
The enormous Roman Empire placed great attention on the Mosel, just like it did on the powerful Rhine, and there is still much evidence of their conquest of the area across the Mosel Valley.
Across the river from Bernkastel Kues, near the town of Piesport, is one of the best representations of the local Roman past. The biggest remaining Roman grape press is located here.
Four kilometers distant, in the nearby town of Neumagen-Dhron, is a cast of the well-known Roman ship engraving discovered here. It is one of the best places to visit in Moselle River Germany.
The cities of Piesport and Neumagen are conveniently located between Trier and Koblenz and are frequently visited as part of excursions to the region’s well-known archaeological loop.
8. Wierschem : Location of Eltz Castle
The little hamlet of Wierschem, which is situated about 36 kilometres southwest of Koblenz, is home to the Eltz Castle (Burg Eltz), a Mosel must-see.
The Eltz Castle Panorama Trail is the most popular hiking trail to explore. It is renowned for both its easy access to the Elzbach river’s woodlands and meadows and its breath-taking vistas from the Mosel plateau. Along the Moselle River, it is one of the most popular tourist sites in Germany.
Visitors to Frankfurt who wish to spend the entire day exploring this lovely area should take an Eltz Castle Tour and a dining trip along the Rhine River.
9. Kobern-Gondorf: Beautiful town in the Moselle River Germany
Kobern-Gondorf is another lovely village in the Mosel Valley that is worth visiting. This area, created from the union of two ancient villages, also the early Gothic chapel built in 1235, is situated here.
At least four castles, including two from the thirteenth century, are also located in Kobern-Gondorf. Wasserschloss, an interesting castle which you can see here has a beautiful long road through it.
Things to do in Kobern-Gondorf :
- Climb up to the Niederburg; otherwise, take in the view and the trail flowing through the neighbourhood vineyards if you’re a fan of medieval ruins.
- Visit the Matthiaskapelle, a picturesque Romanic chapel that overlooks the town and is frequently used by residents for weddings.
- Visit the Church of St. Lubetius, constructed in 1828 from Mayen basalt, a native stone. Its features include the baroque baptismal font and the wooden ceiling with the zodiac signs.
- Take a stroll through the Old Town and take in the lovely Market Square with its numerous authentic restaurants and beautifully restored medieval structures. Also take some time to carefully observe the Tatzelwurmbrunnen, a fountain that depicts a local mythical beast.
10. Alken and Burg Thurant
The numerous charming towns that cling to its riverbanks are what make the Mosel Valley famous. Alken is one of the most attractive of these. It is one of the best places to visit in Moselle River Germany.
11. Zell and the Zeller Hamm: The Twin Village of Moselle River Germany
On Marienburg’s peak, one of the best locations to take pictures of the stunning Mosel Valley. The 12-kilometer Zeller Hamm, one of the river’s most beautiful loops, is gloriously visible from this high hill.
Find the remains of the ancient monastery, which was demolished in 1806 for the best views. A prominent tourist attraction, Zell, is located at the southernmost point of the Zeller Hamm far bank.
12. Winningen: Gold Award Village in Moselle River Germany
In the national and federal competition “our village has a future,” Winningen, one of the most picturesque settlements, won gold awards.
While strolling through the winding, tiny lanes, one comes upon a surviving horn gate, a reminder of the market square and the six previous city gates.
The oldest wine festival in Germany is undoubtedly taking place here. It is one of the best places to visit in Moselle River Germany.
13. Ruppertsklamm
A brief yet stunning gorge. It’s challenging because it may get quite steep in spots. It’s a hit among kids. The shelter and benches at the end make a great place to rest and have a picnic. The return trip is much simpler and offers stunning views of Burg Lahneck and the Lahn river.
Always wear durable, grippy shoes. When wet, slate and stones can become extremely slick. It is one of the best places to visit in Moselle River Germany.
Directly outside the gorge’s entrance is a parking lot. You may only access this parking by heading west (from Bad Ems towards Niederlahnstein).
You can do a U-turn around 800 meters farther down the road at an exit leading to a campground if you are approaching from the opposite way.
14. Bremm: Best TrekkingSite along Moselle River Germany
Along the Moselle river, the Moselle valley between Trier and Koblenz is a hidden gem. It is worth the trek because it is surrounded by stunning slopes and vineyards. But I did not anticipate Bremm’s breathtaking view.
The Moselle and its loop might be found on the Calmont Klettersteig route. Numerous books and images have this vista duplicated, but few mention the location from which you may see it. You may take in the view of the loop and farther away from the hill’s summit.
You can drive to the top and then take a path through the trees with no slope to climb if you’re not prepared for the hike. Before Bremm, take the route that is on the left. Definitely worthwhile!!! It is one of the best places to visit in Moselle River Germany.
Final Remark
Moselle River Germany flows through the most picturesque and serene countryside in the world.
No matter what your travel preferences are, you are sure to find a place along the river that meets your needs. From wine country to forests to medieval castles, there is something for everyone to enjoy on a Moselle river cruise.
