Moselle Valley – 4 wonderful days between vineyards and castles
The Moselle Valley – one of the most beautiful wine regions in Germany. We went on a holiday along the Moselle at the end of September and experienced four wonderful days between vineyards and castles.
Along the Moselle you can look forward to picturesque wine-growing villages. Half-timbered houses with opulent flower decorations and cobblestone alleys are characterizing the region. Also it should be of interest to wine lovers since this is the oldest wine region in Germany.
Accommodation & Home Base
In general there are countless possibilities to stay along the Moselle Valley, so there are accommodations for every budget. However, I recommend choosing a homebase and exploring the region from this starting point. Our choice was an AirBnB accommodation in Münstermaifeld, which we chose mainly because of the proximity to Eltz Castle. However, the 35€ per night also played into our cards financially.
Here are the accommodation options for your holiday along the Moselle Valley in the summary:
- Camping places : Along the Moselle there are countless camping sites, some of them can be even found directly along the river. So you can enjoy the whole idyll of the region.
- AirBnB or Apartments: There are many offers and at really fair prices via the relevant portals. For me, above all, the connection to the hosts is a great advantage. This way you get to addresses that may be hidden from other tourists.
- Hotels: Many holidaymakers of the Moselle region probably prefer this variant of the overnight stay – especially since the average age of the travelers in the region is probably above 60. However the advantage of hotels is, that many day trips are organized and you are picked up directly at the front door.
Let's start - Explore the Moselle Valley - Places not to miss while roadtripping this beautiful german region!
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Sightseeing & Landmarks
Among the countless towns that romp along the Moselle valley there are great destinations, which you should not miss under any circumstances. In addition, the Moselle winds in countless loops along the course of the river, so that one finds a breathtaking landscape, which knows how to impress at every corner.
Cochem City & the Reichsburg Castle
Cochem is one of the most famous cities along the Moselle, so you can also meet all sorts of tourists here. However, if you overlook the kitschy souvenir shops, you will find picturesque alleys, colourful wooden houses and slate roofs in the city centre. The beautiful market square is the heart of the town.
Another highlight is the Reichsburg castle, which towers high on an imposing rock above the city. You can climb it either on foot (10-15min quite steep ascent) or take a shuttle bus. Cars are not allowed to operate here.
By the way: Up to the forecourt of the castle you can go without paying any fees and you are able to enjoy a wonderful panoramic view over the city. If you are interested in a visit to the Reichsburg, you can take part in guided tours between March and November for 7€/person.
Moselle Loop In Bremm
I’m honest. We only came here because I had seen a photo. However, we had no idea how adventurous the way to this place will be.
We chosed the parking lot directly in the village and followed the signs and hiking trails. After endless trudging through vineyards whithout reaching any destination we eventually asked for the way and were greeted with a judgemental smile.
In a dress and without sturdy footwear, the ascent is definitely not doable. When we finally got the tip to enter the address of the Römerkreuz in the direction of Römische Tempel in our navigation system, we were more than grateful.
You park on a gravel road near the L106 and walk down the dirty path from here. Arriving at the Römerkreuz it is a short descent and finally you can enjoy the full extent of the Moselle loop between the treetops. Definitely worth an experience!
Eltz Castle
Without question the most photographed castle of the region, but definitely value any photo. Without a picture of Eltz Castle, you definitely can’t return from your holiday along the Moselle Valley.
The Eltz castle is not located directly in the Moselle valley, but more like in a forest like area, which gives a fairytale charm to the building. The castle itself dates back to the 12th century and is one of the best preserved castles in the world. Every year around 250,000 tourists from all over the world come here – so it really isn’t an insider tip.
Nevertheless, there are ways to bypass the flow of visitors, as the area of the castle is accessible 24 hours a day. So, especially early in the morning or in the evening after closing hour, you will find great photo spots where the beauty of the castle can be captured without people.
By the way: The castle is of course an absolute highlight, especially from the outside, but don’t miss a guided tour. It is also wonderfully preserved from the inside and is still family-owned today. However, I would recommend the first tour in the morning, otherwise you will have to wait really long to get in!
Bernkastel Kues
Bernkastel Kues impresses with a picturesque old town. Red-and-white painted half-timbered houses, cobbled alleyands and countless cafés & restaurants – that’s what makes this small town so charming. Above all, the town hall, which dates back to the Renaissance, is candy for the eye.
A very special house in one of the side alleys ofs of the market square deserves to be mentioned here. The Spitzhäuschen stands out due to its extremely unusual construction. Somehow it doesn’t stand straight, but is packed with a lot of romance and a cute, pointed roof. It is one of the most popular photo motifs in the region and now houses a wine bar.
By the way: The view from the other side of the Moselle is also worth a pictures. Here you can walk along the water and enjoy the panorama of Bernkastel Kues!
Beilstein
Beilstein could really come from a picture book. The village invites you to stroll and impresses similarly to Bernkastel Kues with great half-timbered houses and narrow streets. Wine bars, café, restaurants – here you will find everything your heart desires.
Many Moselle visitors deem Beilstein to be the most beautiful and romantic Moselle town. Also Beilstein has served as the backdrop for many popular feature films.
The market square is worth a visit. Also the monastery staircase, which leads up a hill to the baroque church of St. Joseph, is a great place to explore.
Once in Beilstein you can also hike up to the ruins of Metternich Castle. Upstairs there is a great restaurant and an even better view of the Moselle valley to enjoy.
Trier
Cathedral and Liebfrauenkirche (Church)
Trier was the last stop on our journey through the Moselle valley and can almost be described as a metropolis compared to the many small villages in the region. Here you should definitely plan a whole day, since it really has a lot to offer. Unfortunately we only had a few hours in Trier, but we used the time well.
Above all, the cathedral is to mention here. It is located directly on the main market and is a historic building that impresses from the inside as well as from the outside. Going in and be amazed is the motto here. Once in, one should not miss the Liebfrauenkirche near by. It is one of the oldest Gothic churches in Germany and is, like the cathedral, a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986.
Porta Nigra & Electoral Palace
As a landmark of the city, the Porta Nigra definitely belongs on the to-do list of your Trier visit. The never-completed “Black Gate” is located on the north side of the city and can even be climbed for 4€ per person. Incidentally, it is only one of the city’s 4 gates, which are located along the four cardinal directions. Be prepared – it can get quite crowded at peak times. Therefore a visit in the early morning or in the evening is recommended.
Trier is also great for shopping, as the city has several marketplaces. At the main market, all the main roads come together so it marks the best starting point for strolling through Trier. In addition, the historical core of the city is really beautiful to look at.
A last stop on our little day trip was the Electoral Palace. With a delicate, pink coat of paint, it is one of the most beautiful Rococo castles in the world. Here you will not only find a beautiful designed building, but also a magnificent palace garden. Unfortunately, visits are only possible to a limited extent, as the castle is now used as an administrative building.
I hope this blog post about “Moselle Valley – 4 wonderful days between vineyards and castles” was helpful and you’ll leave the region with beautiful photos and lasting memories. To save the blogpost for later, just pin it to your favorite Pinterest board!
Visiting the Moselle Valley is not enough? There are more great places here!
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