Cochem & Burg Eltz Castle Travel Guide - Exploring Germany’s Moselle Valley

Discover the beauty of the Moselle Valley as you journey through Cochem and Burg Eltz, with its captivating landscapes, medieval castles, and the charm of the region.

The Moselle Valley is one of those places that instantly captures your attention — with its winding river, vineyard-covered slopes, and hilltop castles, it reminded me of the Dordogne Valley in France, where I spent childhood holidays exploring medieval towns and riverside villages. I first visited the Moselle in 2018 while living in Frankfurt, and its peaceful charm left a lasting impression. Last summer, Rafael and I returned — this time with his mom — which made the trip even more special. After a few days in the nearby Rhine Valley (you can read about that here), we set out to explore more of what the Moselle had to offer.

The Moselle Valley has many beautiful places to visit, but this post focuses on its two most famous spots: Cochem and Burg Eltz. In Cochem, you can walk through pretty streets lined with half-timbered houses, enjoy the riverside views, and visit a castle overlooking the town. Not far from there, Burg Eltz sits hidden in the forest — a real fairytale castle that has stayed almost unchanged for centuries. These two places show the best of what the Moselle Valley has to offer: history, nature, and local charm.

THE MOSELLE VALLEY

Located in western Germany, the Moselle Valley stretches between Trier and Koblenz, following the winding course of the Moselle River. Less well-known and less visited than its bigger sister, the Rhine Valley, the Moselle is one of the true hidden gems of western Germany — home to some of the country’s most beautiful river landscapes. Steep vineyards line the hillsides, medieval castles overlook the valley, and half-timbered villages sit quietly along the banks. The region is especially famous for its excellent Riesling wines, produced on terraced slopes that have been cultivated for centuries. While it doesn’t carry UNESCO status like the Upper Middle Rhine, the Moselle Valley offers a quieter, more relaxed way to discover the beauty, culture, and charm of the German countryside.

The Moselle Valley has a long and rich history that stretches back over 2,000 years. The Romans were the first to recognize the region’s potential, founding the city of Trier, which is now considered the oldest city in Germany. They introduced wine cultivation to the steep riverbanks of the Moselle river — a tradition that still defines the area today. Many Roman landmarks, such as the Porta Nigra in Trier, remain standing and offer a glimpse into the valley’s ancient past.

During the Middle Ages, the Moselle became a key trade route, and towns flourished along the river. Noble families and religious orders built castles to defend their territories and assert their influence — among the best preserved are Burg Eltz and Reichsburg Cochem, which still tower over the valley. Monasteries and churches also played a major role in shaping the cultural and economic life of the region. Despite centuries of wars and shifting borders, the Moselle Valley has preserved its heritage. Today, its vineyards, old towns, and historic buildings invite visitors to explore a landscape where history and tradition remain very much alive.

GETTING THERE

While not directly served by an airport, Cochem can still be reached relatively conveniently from several nearby hubs. The closest major airports are Frankfurt am Main and Cologne/Bonn, both of which offer frequent international flights and on-site car rentals. From either airport, the drive to Cochem takes around 1.5 to 2 hours. If you're flying with a low-cost airline, Frankfurt Hahn Airport is the nearest option — just 45 minutes away by car — though its flight connections are more limited and seasonal. Renting a car is generally the most flexible way to continue your journey into the Moselle Valley.

Cochem is well-connected to the German rail network, with direct regional trains from Koblenz (about 50 minutes) and Trier (roughly 1.5 hours). If you're coming from Frankfurt or Cologne, expect to make one transfer — usually in Koblenz — with total travel time ranging from 2 to 3 hours depending on the route. Tickets can be booked via bahn.com. The train journey is especially scenic as you pass through the winding Moselle Valley. Note: there is no train station at Burg Eltz. The closest stations are Moselkern or Hatzenport, from where you can hike or take a taxi to the castle, but connections can be infrequent.

Driving is the most flexible and time-efficient way to explore the region, especially if you're planning to visit both Cochem and Burg Eltz. From Frankfurt or Cologne, the drive to Cochem takes 1.5 to 2 hours, following scenic routes through rolling hills, vineyards, and the Moselle River valley. Burg Eltz is about a 30-minute drive from Cochem, with parking available at the Burg Eltz Parkplatz. From there, you can either take a shuttle bus (seasonal) or enjoy a 15-20-minute forested walk to the castle entrance.

PRACTICAL TIPS

We'd say that the best time to visit the Moselle Valley stretches from late spring to early fall, more precisely between May and September. During these months, the weather is pleasant, making it perfect for exploring the beautiful landscapes and charming towns. The vineyards are at their best, and you can enjoy local festivals, outdoor activities, and wine tastings. Summer offers a vibrant and lively atmosphere, though it can be more crowded. Early autumn is also a great time, with the grape harvest season adding a festive touch. For a quieter experience, consider visiting in late spring or early autumn when there are fewer tourists, but the region is just as beautiful!

We visited Cochem and Burg Eltz all in one day. While it was a nice experience, it might feel a bit rushed! We recommend spending a whole weekend in the region to really enjoy everything. This way, you can take your time exploring Cochem’s lovely streets, admiring Burg Eltz, tasting local food and wine, and even visiting other quaint villages nearby. A weekend trip allows you to fully experience the charm and beauty of this wonderful part of Germany.

Cochem is an excellent base for exploring the Moselle Valley. Not only does it provide easy access to Burg Eltz, but it also makes it simple to visit other lovely towns like Beilstein, Monreal, or Bernkastel-Kues (though we don’t cover them in this post). With a range of accommodation options from guesthouses to hotels, Cochem offers a convenient place to stay. Its central location ensures you can easily explore more of the region’s sights and picturesque landscapes.

The Moselle Valley offers a diverse range of activities to suit every traveler's interests:

• Exploring Castles: Step back in time by exploring Cochem Castle (Reichsburg), Burg Eltz, or Burg Thurant. Take a guided tour to learn about their fascinating history and admire the medieval architecture.
• Wine Tasting: Sample the famous Riesling wines at local vineyards. Join a tasting to discover the unique flavors of the region and learn about the winemaking process.
• Scenic Boat Cruises: Enjoy a relaxing boat ride along the Moselle River, passing scenic vineyards, charming villages, and impressive castles lining the riverbanks.
• Hiking and Cycling: Discover scenic trails through forests, vineyards, and historic towns. The region is perfect for both casual walks and bike rides with stunning views.
• Cable Car Rides: Take the Cochem Cable Car for breathtaking views over the valley, river, and surrounding hills.
• Cultural Experiences: Explore towns like Beilstein and Bernkastel with their quaint streets, cozy cafés, and historic buildings. Experience local traditions by attending festivals and events.

Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or cultural discoveries, the Moselle Valley has plenty to offer!

COCHEM

Cochem is one of the prettiest towns in the Moselle Valley. Surrounded by hills covered in vineyards and sitting right along the river, it looks like something out of a storybook. At the top of the hill, you’ll see Cochem Castle, which gives the town its fairytale feel. The old town is full of narrow streets, colorful houses, and cozy wine bars. It’s a relaxing place to walk around, enjoy the views, and try some of the local Riesling wines. We really enjoyed spending time here — it’s a great spot to discover what makes the Moselle Valley so special.

Cochem’s old town is a lovely place full of charm and history. The main square, called the Marktplatz, is a great spot to start exploring. It’s surrounded by colorful old houses with timber frames and has a lively, welcoming feel. In the middle of the square, you’ll see the Martinsbrunnen — a fountain with a statue of Saint Martin on a horse, sharing his coat with a poor man. Next to the square is St. Martin’s Church, a peaceful place with a long history, and just across from it stands the town hall, or Rathaus, which was built in 1739. Around the square, there are plenty of little cafés and bakeries where you can sit outside and enjoy a slice of cake or a coffee. It’s a perfect place to relax and take in the atmosphere of this beautiful riverside town.

After exploring Cochem's charming old town, we headed toward the riverbank and crossed the bridge to enjoy a leisurely stroll along the Moselle River. This scenic riverside walk offers lovely views of the sparkling water, the colorful town, and the lush vineyards on the surrounding hills. It's a peaceful way to experience the natural beauty of the Moselle Valley. For the best views of Cochem, don't forget to cross the Skagerak-Brücke bridge to the other side of the river. Additionally, you can hop on one of the boat cruises on the Moselle River for a relaxing ride with breathtaking views and insights into the region's history and culture.

BURG ELTZ

Located in the forest, Burg Eltz is a castle that seems straight out of a fairy tale! Despite not being located directly along the Moselle River, it's conveniently just a 30-minute drive from Cochem. For many travelers, Burg Eltz is a must-see destination that holds a magical allure. Dating back approximately 900 years, this impressive castle is still owned by the Eltz family. With its eight towers, each once occupied by different branches of the family, Burg Eltz has a rich history. To avoid lengthy waits at the ticket office, we recommended to visit Burg Eltz in the morning, as it is a very popular tourist destination.

| Timetable |

daily from 9.30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Apr. to Nov.)

| Admission - 14 EUR |

Burg Eltz, initially built during Roman times, transformed from a simple house into a sturdy castle under the Eltz family's ownership. Dating back to the 12th century, it has been owned by the Eltz family for over 850 years. Rudolf von Eltz originally owned the castle, which was later divided into three parts among his descendants: Eltz-Kempenich, Eltz-Rübenach, and Eltz-Rodendorf. Over the next 500 years, these branches of the Eltz family continued to expand the castle, mostly upwards. Unlike many other castles in the area, Burg Eltz survived without damage from wars or violence. The only time it faced military conflict was from 1331 to 1336 when regional lords opposed Balduin von Trier's territorial policies. Seeking peace from 1331, the Eltz family finally secured it in 1336. Throughout subsequent major conflicts in Germany, Burg Eltz remained unharmed due to the diplomatic efforts of the Eltz family. Today, it stands as a cherished testament to its enduring history, still owned and cherished by the Eltz family.

There are various ways for visitors to reach Burg Eltz. From the parking lot, shuttle buses are available to bring visitors to the castle during its opening hours. These shuttles run every 10 minutes, providing a convenient way to access the castle grounds. Alternatively, hiking is a scenic and enjoyable way to explore the surroundings and see unique perspectives of the castle. The hiking path and an asphalted path both lead to the castle in approximately 15 to 20 minutes. It's worth noting that the asphalted path offers the best views along the way. For a varied experience, we recommend taking the shuttle bus one way and hiking the other. The descent from the parking area to the castle offers stunning views and a leisurely stroll, while the return hike provides a rewarding uphill journey.

At Burg Eltz, visitors are invited to explore the castle's interior on guided tours included in the entrance ticket. It's important to note that visitors cannot freely wander inside the castle; guided tours are compulsory. The interior has well-preserved rooms adorned with original furniture, décor, and artwork, providing an immersive journey into the past. Tours, scheduled every 10 to 15 minutes, offer comprehensive insights into the castle's rich history and architectural details. While the majority of tours are conducted in German, English-guided tours are available approximately once per hour. These tours typically last 35 to 45 minutes, guiding visitors through the most important rooms such as the Rübenach Lower Hall and the Knight’s Hall, while highlighting fascinating historical anecdotes and architectural features. It's important to mention that taking photos inside the castle is not allowed.

FINAL THOUGHTS

In short, a trip to the Moselle Valley is a chance to enjoy beautiful nature and rich history. Walking through Cochem’s old town and visiting Burg Eltz castle lets you experience the charm and stories of the region. Take your time to explore, relax, and soak in the peaceful surroundings. Both Cochem and Burg Eltz are special places that bring together culture, history, and stunning views — making them must-see spots on any visit to the Moselle Valley.

And now it's your turn to let us know your impressions, thoughts and also tips to visit this region of Germany. Have you already visited the Moselle Valley? We look forward to reading your comments in the section below.

Tags: Germany