Tucked away in the far west of Germany is the charming medieval village of Cochem along the Mosel River. There’s a castle on a hill, beautiful houses with traditional German architecture, and more Riesling than you can shake a stick at.
Is this a fairy tale? No, but it’s pretty damn close. I visited Cochem as often as I could while living in Amsterdam. It’s impossible not to love this place.
There are endless amazing things to do and see in Cochem and in this post we will go through everything you need to know for a perfect trip to this underrated region of Europe!
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Cochem, Germany – What You Need to Know
Where is Cochem and the Mosel Valley?
The Mosel Valley stretches along the Mosel River from Koblenz to Trier in western Germany. Cochem is about halfway between the two along the Mosel River, a bit closer to Koblenz.
The village is about 90 minutes south of Cologne and 2 hours west of Frankfurt. The stretch of river within about a 30 mile radius of Cochem is arguably the most beautiful part, and that’s where you’ll want to base yourself.
How to get to Cochem
The nearest major airport is Frankfurt. With flights to almost every city in the world, Frankfurt is one of the most connected airports in Europe. But Cochem is also within a 5 hour drive of many major European cities, such as Brussels, Amsterdam, and Munich. So don’t feel like you have to start in Frankfurt.
Renting a car and driving is the quickest and most convenient way to get to Cochem. For renting cars in Europe we use Rentalcars.com. You can find a great deal on a car rental from Frankfurt (or anywhere else) using the search bar below.
It’s also easy to get there on the train, albeit a bit slower. Koblenz is along many major Deutsche Bahn domestic and international routes (the German train system). From there, a regional DB train runs along the Mosel River stopping at nearly every village on the way.
Even if you’re driving to Cochem, the train can be a great asset to quickly get between villages if you’ve had a few glasses of wine (though note that the train skips multiple villages just south of Cochem).
What is Cochem known for?
Cochem and the Mosel Valley are known for extensive vineyards along the steep slopes of the Mosel River and exquisite castles perched atop hills. The region is most particularly known for producing the world’s finest Riesling wine.
How to get around the Mosel Valley
A car is the best way, but as mentioned above the train is also an excellent option. The freedom the car provides is essentially in my mind though. Getting to some of the castles is not possible on public transportation so you’d need to take a taxi.
In my three trips to Cochem I rented a car every time. Another reason to have a car is that you might not just be going to Cochem. The Mosel Valley is a great stop on any road trip around Germany.
Weather and when to visit
The weather along the river varies greatly by season. Summers are full of blue skies and sunny days, whereas spring, fall and winter can be surprisingly cloudy for a region that is known for wine. The climate is very mild and it rarely gets hot, with average summer highs are the mid 70s (23 C). Winters can be cold and often nights are below freezing.
The ideal time to visit Mosel is in the summer. As it’s not nearly as overrun with tourists as many other European destinations, it won’t feel too crowded. If you visit on the first weekend of September you’ll be treated to the annual Mosel Wine Festival. More on that later. It’s also possible to visit in Spring and Fall, but I would not recommend a visit in the winter.
Where to stay in Cochem
Ideally you’ll want to base yourself in Cochem itself. There are some lovely places to stay in the town along the river. For an amazing view of Cochem Castle, consider Hotel am Hafen. Some other superb properties to stay at in Cochem are Hotel Cochemer Jung, Hotel Villa Tummelchen, and Hotel Zehnthof. Or check out the full list of accommodation options in Cochem on Booking.com.
If you want to stay in a smaller village along the river, hotel and lodging prices are considerably cheaper just a few miles away. You can also look at properties in Ernst, Bruttig-Fankel, Klotten, or even as far as Treis-Karden or Moselkern. The villages are all well connected and you’ll still be able to have dinner in Cochem and get back to your hotel.
How long to spend in Cochem and the Mosel Valley
Two nights is the minimum you’ll want for your visit to the Mosel Valley. With so many amazing things to do in Cochem and the region you’ll want at least a full two days. Three nights would be better. A week is a bit overkill. Should you wish to spend a week in the region, then I’d suggest starting in Koblenz and working your way down the Mosel and ending in Trier.
Language
While the Mosel Valley is becoming more popular with international tourists, it’s still super German. You should not expect everyone to speak English here.
In Cochem most restaurants will have English menus, but if you’re eating in one of the smaller villages along the river you can reasonably expect to have to whip out your Google Translate app to know what you’re ordering.
Money
Germany is on the euro, and while it might surprise you, cash is still king in many parts of the country. One such part is the Mosel Valley. You will need cash, and you should take out a decent amount. If you’re in one of the surrounding villages, it’s likely there won’t be a single ATM in the entire town while at the same time all the restaurants are cash only.
In terms of cost, this region is still very affordable. You can get a bottle of amazing wine at a winery shop for less than 10 euros. Accommodation prices are creeping up every year, but it’s still possible to get a decent German Pension for under $100/night if you book well in advance.
Food and Restaurants
The Mosel Valley is known for its wine more than its food. You’ll find all the traditional German dishes at the German restaurants in Cochem, but it’s not quite the same as eating in Berlin or Dusseldorf. Don’t set high food expectations.
Also be aware that many restaurants outside of central Cochem close by 8:00 PM, the complete opposite of Italy or Spain. Don’t be looking for food around 7:30, as many kitchens will be closed already. You must eat dinner early along the Mosel, a lesson I learned the hard way.
Mosel Valley Wine
The Mosel Valley is famous for one type of wine in particular and that is its Riesling. Check the label of any good Riesling you’ll get at a restaurant or wine store around the world and chances are it’s from the Mosel Valley.
The grapes are high in sugar due to the summer sun, which is high in the sky for most of the spring and summer. You’ll also find a variety of other whites and reds, but Riesling is king here.
Travel insurance
Before any trip to Germany, it’s necessary to have travel insurance so that you’re protected for the unexpected. We use World Nomads and have had good experiences with them. World Nomads provides coverage to travelers in over 100 countries. You can search for a coverage plan using the link below.
A Quick History of Cochem
The earliest recordings of Cochem date back to the 9th century. Although it’s believed that settlements were present along the Mosel River during Roman times. Cochem became an incorporated town in 1334 and soon after construction began on its various fortifications, the most famous being the Reichsburg Cochem (see section below on castles).
Like many European cities, Cochem has had a tumultuous history. It survived the plague, numerous wars, and various occupiers. Much of the town center was destroyed during WW2 and painstakingly rebuilt.
In 1946 Cochem was incorporated into the new German state of Rhineland-Palatinate, where it retains the seat of the Cochem-Zell district. Today Cochem’s main industries are wine and tourism.
Wineries and Wine Tasting
Perhaps the most popular of all the things to do in Cochem is to experience the amazing wine of the region. While Germany might be more known for beer, you’re in wine country in the Mosel Valley. Any fan of wine will not be disappointed by the fine Riesling produced in the vineyards along the Mosel River.
The Mosel River winds like a snake through the German countryside. From the banks of the river, steep hills rise to the plateau above. The vast majority of vineyards in this region are located along the hills of the river valley. The photo below describes it a little better than words.
Most of the wine made along the banks of the Mosel is Riesling. These Rieslings are typically on the sweeter side. High in sugar and a bit low on alcohol (usually between 8-12% ABV), a nice Mosel Riesling will quench your thirst on a sunny, summer day. The high sugar content of the grapes is a direct result of the steep hills leaving the vineyards drenched in sun in the summer months.
Visiting the Mosel Valley Wineries
This might come as a surprise, but you can’t really visit most of the wineries themselves in the Mosel Valley. Instead of offering vineyard tours in the beautiful vineyards like Tuscany, the wineries operate shops in the villages.
If you have an image of a beautiful building on 100 acres of land surrounded by sprawling vineyards, this isn’t really the place for that. The river is loaded with vineyards left and right, but most are not open to the public.
Don’t fret though. If you want beautiful photos of you in a steep vineyard overlooking the river you can still get that. Many of the vineyards are essentially free to access with various walking trails between the vines. One such place to walk through vineyards is on the way to Burg Thurant. Stop by this spot for an amazing view of vineyards and the river below.
If you’re looking for Mosel Valley wine as part of an organized tour, GetYourGuide offers a full-day biking, cruising, and wine tasting tour from Cochem. You can check out a few other tours in and around Cochem using the tool below.
Wine Tasting
Just because the vineyards themselves are not open for tours does not mean there is any shortage of wine tasting available in Cochem and the Mosel Valley. Quite to the contrary actually.
Just about every winemaker has a local shop in one of the villages where you can taste their wines. Think of it like a brewery that has an offsite brewpub in the city center. Except instead of a city center it’s a little village on the most beautiful river in Europe.
Cochem is loaded with wine shops and tasting rooms. But outside of Cochem is where you’ll find the best wine tasting. Head down the Mosel to Valwig, Ernst, or Bruttif-Fankel for a taste of some of the best local wines in the region.
Many wineries here have restaurants and some even have hotels along the river. Wherever you stop you’re bound to try some amazing wine. And as a bonus, German wine glasses usually come in 200-250ml (8-10oz) pours. What a deal!
Now it should be said that some of the wineries – especially south of Cochem towards Trier or closer to Koblenz – do offer special experiences at their vineyards. Note that most of them are a good ways from Cochem though.
The Mosel Wine Festival
If you visit the Mosel Valley during the first weekend in September, like I was lucky enough to do in 2016, you’re in for a real treat. The annual Mosel wine festival occurs on this weekend (it’s a long weekend to say the least) and it’s a sight to behold.
The wine festival means that every village along the river essentially has a miniature wine Oktoberfest. Tents are set up with food trucks. Currywurst is everywhere. Wineries have stands selling bottles for cheaper than you can get a glass of crappy wine in New York City. There are parades and everyone just has a jolly good time. It’s a celebration of wine!
The festivities last throughout the day but continue into the night as all the locals gather to drink wine and celebrate another successful harvest. After you attend a Mosel Valley wine festival you’ll be craving for German Riesling the rest of your life!
Castles along the Mosel River
Perhaps no region of Germany features more castles per capita than the Mosel Valley. Visiting the amazing castles is definitely one of the top things to do while you’re in Cochem. Medieval castles dot the banks of the Mosel River.
You can imagine being a watchman in the middle ages, looking out for enemy ships on the river. While there are too many castles to name, the ones below are the best to visit. Note that castle in German is “burg”.
Reichsburg Cochem
The main landmark of Cochem is Reichsburg Cochem, more commonly known as Cochem Castle. Sitting atop a steep hill just south of the town center, the view from the castle is superb. There’s also a restaurant should you wish to enjoy the view a bit longer. For an awesome view of the castle itself from the river, stand on the L98 bridge over the Mosel and look south.
A guided tour of the inside costs only 7 euros per adult and the castle is open daily from 9:00-17:00. No one is entirely sure when the castle was first constructed, but it dates back to at least the year 1151, making Cochem Castle about 900 years old. Though as typical with medieval castles, it was added to and refurbished numerous times over the centuries.
There are a few routes to walk to the castle from the town below. You can start from the town center and just head straight up Schlossstrabe (that’s the street name). Or you can start here and take a more scenic walk along a footpath, passing a few chapels along the way. If you don’t feel like walking there is also a parking lot near the top.
Burg Eltz
Burg Eltz is one of the most instagrammable castles in the world. You’ve likely seen photos of this beautiful castle before. Whereas nearly all German castles are perched atop a hill, Burg Eltz is hidden in a valley surrounded by dense forest. And it’s not along the river like the other castles in the region. Its location gives it an eerie draw, especially on a misty day.
From the parking lot (4 euros to park) you’ll get a nice little walk through the forest to get to the castle. There’s a quiet footpath (about 1.3 km) or the castle access road (about 800m). Both walks are nice and you get some gorgeous views of the castle on the way.
If you don’t want to walk, there is the option to take a shuttle for an additional 2 euros per person each way. The walk to the castle is downhill thus uphill back to the parking lot.
The castle has been privately owned by the Eltz family since its construction in the 12th century. A tour of the equisiette castle will set you back 12 euros and it’s open from 9:30-17:30 daily between April and October. You can still visit the castle in the winter, you just can’t tour the inside. There’s a shop and a restaurant on site as well.
Ehrenburg
Like a few other castles along the river, Ehrenburg offers you the unique opportunity to spend a night in a medieval castle. The 12th century castle is mostly in ruins, but the lower portion has been preserved and turned into a small hotel. So if you want the experience of staying in a castle in the Mosel Valley, a night in Ehrenburg is just what you’re looking for!
If you’re not looking to spend the night, the castle is open for visitors between 11:00-17:00 daily and costs only 3.50 EUR. This fee is mainly for the castle grounds though, as the inside is part of the private hotel. As usual, there is also a restaurant on site with the same opening hours.
Burg Thurant
A bit out of the way from Cochem (closer to Koblenz) is Burg Thurant (no English webpage). The hill below the castle is covered in vineyards that are free to walk around. If you want a little hike you can walk through the vineyard to the castle instead of driving to the parking lot.
The castle even sells wine from the vineyard and you’re free to explore the castle grounds with a glass of wine in hand! The view of the valley and river below from the castle is to die for.
The castle grounds are not huge, but they are delightfully manicured with vegetation and plants. Entrance is only 4.50 euros and operating hours vary by season. Consult their website linked above for seasonal operating hours.
Burg Metternich
A bit south of Cochem, right on a steep vineyard-clad hill coming out of the river is Burg Metternich. Metternich also features a hotel as well as a restaurant. If you’re just visiting, entry is only 2.50 euros. The grounds are small and it takes no more than 30 minutes to properly explore. As usual, views from the top are superb.
Burg Metternich sits above the village of Beilstein. This village is home to only about 150 people, but it’s arguably the most charming of all the villages along the Mosel. Stop for lunch in the town square and you’ll be surrounded by beautiful German architecture. You’ll feel you’re part of a fairy tale!
Other Things to do in Cochem
For a small town, Cochem is blessed with endless things to do. Wandering the cute little streets and along the Mosel Promenade should be your first goal. The town is small and you can walk around the whole thing in less than an hour.
Marktplatz
Marktplatz is the main square of Cochem. Lined with old buildings with traditional German architecture, it’s charming in a way that only an old German village can be. Restaurants and cafes along the square are definitely more on the overpriced and low quality side, but sitting to enjoy a glass of wine in the square is a must-do for any visitor to Cochem
Enderttor
Enderttor is the main medieval gate to the city, one of three that have survived to this day. Built in 1332, it still has part of the original medieval town wall connected to it. The town is no longer surrounded by a wall.
If you want to experience a German town with its medieval wall still intact, consider adding Rothenburg ob der Tauber to your itinerary (about 3.5 hours away by car).
Mosel River Cruise
Another cool thing to do in Cochem is to take a Mosel river cruise. The standard river cruise takes you down and back the Mosel for about an hour total. The cruise is pretty affordable at only 12 euros per person. This doesn’t include snacks and drinks, which are available for purchase on the boats.
Hiking and Biking
Cochem is blessed with some wonderful hiking and mountain biking trails. The region is extremely hilly, so you’ll definitely be getting some exercise out on the trails. Many hikes start right from the town itself or from parking lots nearby.
My personal recommendation is to hike to the ruins of Burgruine Winneburg. It’s a nice, but steep, walk through the forest up to the top of a hill where the ruins of a 14th century castle lay in disarray. Park at Moselromantik Hotel WeinBmuhle and it’s a few kilometers to the top from there. Bring a bottle of wine and enjoy it from the top in the abandoned castle.
Cochemer Sesselbahn
If hiking is not your thing and you still want to get to the top of the hills, then Cochemer Sesselbahn is for you. The chairlift quickly takes you from the town to the top of the massive hill to the north of town. From the top you get an incredible view of Cochem and the river.
If you want to enjoy the view with a glass of wine or a coffee there is a café at the top. The trip on the chairlift costs about 7 euros round trip. Note that you can also walk to the top. It’s super steep, but not even 1 km each way.
Museums
Cochem isn’t known for its museums, but there are a few you might want to consider if you’re a fan of museums. A unique one is the Mustard Mill Museum, where you can see how traditional German mustard is made. There’s also a museum dedicated to gemstones and even a Cold War era bunker that was designed to survive a nuclear war.
Surrounding Villages
No trip to Cochem is complete without visiting a few of the surrounding medieval villages along the river. If you’ve done proper wine tasting and castle touring, you’ll have gotten out of Cochem into the other villages. If you haven’t, then you’ll want to make sure to stop in a few of the other villages at least for a meal or a glass of wine.
Some of the most picturesque villages are Beilstein, Bernkastel-Kues, Traben-Trarbach, Zell, and Hatzenport. These just scratch the surface though. For a more in-depth list check out the Mosel Inside website.
Cochem – Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cochem, Germany known for?
Cochem is known primarily for its castles and wineries along the banks of the winding Mosel River. The river provides life to the region and has for centuries. Some of the castles along the river date back over 1000 years and the wineries are famous for making the best Riesling in the world.
Is it worth visiting Cochem?
It is absolutely worth visiting Cochem. It’s one of the most beautiful and charming places in all of Germany. It’s by far the most underrated part of the country and it’s far less visited than locations along the Rhine River, meaning you get a much more intimate experience when exploring the Mosel Valley.
What is the famous castle in Cochem?
The most famous castle in Cochem is Reichsburg Cochem, as it is the only fully standing castle in the town of Cochem. The most famous castle in the Mosel Valley is definitely Burg Eltz though. Burg Eltz is one of the most picturesque castles in all of Europe and a must-see when visiting Cochem.
When should I visit the Mosel Valley?
The Mosel Valley is best in the late spring, summer, and fall. Between mid April and the end of October, ideally. As it’s off the radar for most people when they visit Germany, it doesn’t get overcrowded in the summer months. It is a popular domestic destination for Germans, though, so summer is definitely more busy than spring and fall.
Which river in Germany has the most castles?
While there are many beautiful castles along the Mosel River, the Rhine River takes the prize when it comes to the river with the most castles along it in Germany. The Rhine is an important shipping route, however, and not as stunningly beautiful as the Mosel, in this author’s opinion.
Final Word
Cochem is one of the most beautiful towns in all of Europe. While unknown to most Americans, the Mosel Valley is becoming more popular every year. So better get there while it’s still a hidden gem!
The wine, the hills, the castles… it’s just a dream come true. No one leaves Cochem and the Mosel Valley disappointed. But hopefully you’ll leave with a few bottles of that famous German Riesling!
3 comments
[…] in a country full of fairy tale villages lies on the banks of the Mosel River in western Germany. Cochem is the de-facto capital of Germany’s gorgeous wine region, which produces some of the best […]
[…] fairytale castles, it’s hard not to think of Burg Eltz in Germany. Nestled in the hills of the Mosel Valley in Western Germany, the castle has been privately owned by the Eltz family since it was first built […]
[…] hundreds of kilometers through southwest Germany, you’ll want to base yourself in or around the town of Cochem. Full of beautiful vineyards and medieval castles, the Mosel Valley is the perfect weekend […]