Weekend getaways in Germany are some of my favourites. From fairy-tale towns and castles to modern vibrant cities, there is something for everyone. If you’re coming from the Netherlands, Belgium, eastern France or Luxembourg, the Mosel Valley tour is an easy to get to day trip or weekend getaway.
Best Places to Visit on a Mosel Valley Tour
Although Burg Eltz is straight out of a fairy tale, make sure that you also see the magnificent Cochem Castle. The original castle, built around 1100, served to collect tolls from passing ships on the Mosel River below. In 1151, King Konrad III lay siege to the castle and declared it a Reichsburg, which meant that it was subject to imperial authority. Over the centuries several kings claimed ownership of the castle, but it was finally destroyed by the French in 1688 when they invaded the Rhine and Mosel regions of the Palatinate, which included Cochem and its castle. For 180 years, all that remained of the castle were its ruins, until wealthy Berlin businessman Louis Ravené decided to buy and renovate it.
Traben-Trarbach is another jewel in the Mosel River Valley. Once upon a time, it was the second largest wine trading town in Europe, which meant that it was very wealthy at the end of the 19th century. The beautiful art nouveau villas and large wine cellars dotted around the town still attest to this. More on the wine cellars and visiting them below.
Tania’s tip: the most beautiful time to visit would either be spring or autumn, but if you’re in the area during the advent period at the end of November/most of December, they do an underground Christmas market in the former wine cellars of the town. Unique in Germany, you will be charmed by the smell of the mulled wine and roasted almonds in the mystic, dimly-lit wine cellars. Do you need any more convincing?
My final recommendation for the perfect finish to your weekend getaway is definitely Bernkastel-Kues. It has a magnificent medieval marketplace with timbre-framed houses from the 17th century. Be sure to walk around and see its most famous building, the Spitzhäuschen, or “Pointed House”. Do not miss their annual wine festival, “Weinfest der Mittelmosel”, on the first weekend of September. Not only is there plenty of wine tasting going on, but they also organise a parade and fireworks.
Have a Drink in:
As I already mentioned, this is a famous wine-growing area so don’t leave until you’ve done a wine tasting or two. I would recommend the Caspari Eggert Winery in Traben-Trarbach. They have a great selection of white wines, rosés, and red wines which are reasonably priced.
Eat in:
The great thing about visiting the wine cellars in this area, is that many of them have their own restaurants or at least serve their own food. The Casperi Eggert winery I mentioned above, is one such place.
For a hearty German meal head over to the Gaststätte Noss in Cochem. Although it can get rather busy, the portions are very generous and they are known to have some of the best schnitzel in town. Another interesting fact is that the owner’s daughter, Antonia, was the Cochem Wine Princess from 2011 until 2013 and the Mosel Wine Princess between 2013 and 2014. How many of you can say the same?
For a more fine-dining experience reserve a table at Die Graifen in Traben-Trarbach. With a variety of dishes changing depending on the season and its products, this predominantly Italian/Mediterranean restaurant is proud to serve only the freshest and carefully selected products. With a view over the Mosel River, and the town of Traben-Trarbach, this will be an experience you won’t forget anytime soon.
Sleep in:
Zur goldenen Traube in Traben-Trarbach. We loved our stay in this sleek hotel in the centre of this charming town. They offer different packages such as Winter Time, Lazy Sundays, and Nice to Meet You so there is sure to be something for every taste. If that weren’t enough, they serve a deliciously healthy breakfast every morning too. Book your room now!