Discover the Mosel Valley's Top Attractions
The Mosel River, known as "Moselle" in French, stretches 545 kilometers and serves as a border between Germany and Luxembourg. The river is divided into three sections: the Upper Mosel from Perl to Trier, the Middle Mosel from Trier to Bullay, and the Lower Mosel from Bullay to Koblenz. The most picturesque part lies between Trier and Koblenz, where the river winds through the Rhenish Uplands and into the Rhine Valley.
This region is renowned for its stunning landscapes, historic castles, and charming towns like Bernkastel-Kues and Cochem.
1. Trier: A City of Roman Influences
Trier, settled for around 16,000 years, is rich in Roman history. The city's most iconic Roman structure is the Porta Nigra, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Other Roman sites include the Aula Palatina and the Roman Imperial Baths. The Archeological Museum is also a must-visit. Beyond Roman relics, Trier's Old Town marketplace (Hauptmarkt) is a bustling hub of activity surrounded by historic architecture.
2. Koblenz: Where the Mosel Meets the Rhine
Koblenz, at the confluence of the Rhine and Mosel rivers, is an ideal starting point for exploring the Mosel Valley. Notable attractions include the Old Town, the Deutsches Eck, and the Alte Burg. The Koblenz cable car offers a ride to the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress. Cruises on the Rhine are also popular from Koblenz.
3. Elegant Eltz Castle
Eltz Castle (Burg Eltz), near Koblenz, is a medieval fortress still owned by the original family. Visitors can explore its architecture, furnishings, and artifacts. The surrounding Eltz Forest offers scenic hiking trails.
4. A River Runs through It: Bernkastel-Kues
Bernkastel-Kues is a picturesque town with a historic marketplace and the Early Gothic St. Michael's Church. Across the river in Kues, St. Nicholas's Hospital and its library are worth visiting.
5. Reichsburg Cochem
Cochem is known for its towering imperial castle, Reichsburg Cochem, and its charming old town. The castle offers guided tours and themed events.
6. The Village of Alken and Burg Thurant
Alken is a small village with medieval walls and the impressive Thurant Castle, which provides stunning views of the Mosel.
7. The Twin Villages of Kobern-Gondorf
Kobern-Gondorf features the Early Gothic chapel of St. Matthias and several castles, including the unique Wasserschloss.
8. The Churches of Treis-Karden
Treis-Karden is known for its bridge over the Mosel and the 12th-century Church of St. Castor with its Romanesque cloister.
9. Zell and the Zeller Hamm
Zell is a popular tourist destination with historic sites and the famous Zell Black Cat (Zeller Schwarze Katz) fountain.
10. Traben-Trarbach and the Middle Mosel Museum
Traben-Trarbach is celebrated for its half-timbered buildings and the Middle Mosel Museum housed in the Baroque Böcking House.
11. Piesport and Neumagen-Dhron: The Archaeological Loop
Piesport and Neumagen-Dhron showcase the region's Roman heritage, including the largest surviving Roman grape press and a cast of a Roman ship.
