Moselle Valley
The Moselle Valley runs through Luxembourg, Germany and France. Go for the river loops, the wine towns and Trier on the German stretch.
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The Moselle Valley follows the Moselle river through eastern Luxembourg, south-western Germany and north-eastern France. The valley is known for quality white wine, promoted since the 19th century. Wine is made in Luxembourg, the German Mosel and, on a smaller scale, France. Tourism is strongest in the German and Luxembourgish parts.
The German part, the Moseltal, lies entirely within Rhineland-Palatinate and runs from Konz to Müden. Between Bernkastel-Kues and St. Aldegund the river makes large loops, and the Cochem Krampen is a meander between St. Aldegund and Cochem. Trier, an independent city with Roman monuments, lies on the Moselle, and its stretch of the river runs from Konz to Schweich. Towns along the German stretch include Saarburg, Traben-Trarbach, Zell and Cochem. Luxembourg's side has no large towns; its main settlements are Grevenmacher, Mondorf-les-Bains, Remich and Wasserbillig.
Moselle Valley in five
- Pick one stretch, not the whole riverThe valley is long and winding. The most visited stretch runs between Cochem and Bernkastel-Kues, which suits 2 to 3 days.
- Ride the Koblenz to Trier train for the viewThe regional train runs along the river and stops at Cochem and several smaller towns. Sit on the river side for the best view. Check for rail replacement buses on works weekends.Koblenz travel guide
- Cycle the Moselle path for flat ridingA signed cycle path follows the river with gentle gradients. Rent a bike in Cochem or Bernkastel and use the train to return.
- Visit Burg Eltz by planned routeThe castle is reached from a nearby village by a short walk or shuttle. Check opening hours, the season and whether the shuttle runs before you go.
- Time your trip for the harvestLate September and October bring grape harvest and new wine. Rooms fill early on weekends, so book ahead.German Wine Route
Things to do in Moselle Valley
See all attractions in Moselle Valley
Need to know
- Airport
- Frankfurt (FRA), about 2 hours by train to Koblenz; Luxembourg (LUX) for Trier
- Getting there
- Regional train from Koblenz: Cochem about 1 hr, Trier about 2 hrs
- Getting around
- Regional trains, buses, river boats and a cycle path
- Best base
- Cochem, Bernkastel-Kues or Traben-Trarbach
- Time needed
- 2 to 3 days; 5 for a cycle trip
Weather by month
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Poor
- JanuaryCold, quiet
- FebruaryCold, quiet
- MarchCool, spring
- AprilMild, blossom
- MayWarm, long days
- JuneWarm, boats
- JulyWarm, wine fests
- AugustWarm, busy
- SeptemberHarvest, new wine
- OctoberAutumn color
- NovemberCold, fog
- DecemberChristmas market
Right now in Moselle Valley
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
5
- Feels like
- 4°
- Humidity
- 82%
- Wind
- 7 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 4%
Moselle Valley
09:47 PM
Monday, November 2
- Today8°3°4%Monday: Cloudy. High 8°, Low 3°. Chance of rain 4%.
- Tue7°0°2%Tuesday: Cloudy. High 7°, Low 0°. Chance of rain 2%.
- Wed9°0°0%Wednesday: Cloudy. High 9°, Low 0°. Chance of rain 0%.
- Thu9°2°0%Thursday: Clear. High 9°, Low 2°. Chance of rain 0%.
- Fri10°0°0%Friday: Clear. High 10°, Low 0°. Chance of rain 0%.
- Sat9°0°6%Saturday: Cloudy. High 9°, Low 0°. Chance of rain 6%.
- Sun10°3°10%Sunday: Fog. High 10°, Low 3°. Chance of rain 10%.
Updated 06:24 PM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Every year
- JunRock am RingKoblenz, a day trip
- Sep–OctInternational Beethoven Festival BonnBonn, a day trip
Day trips by train
- Cochemabout 1 hour by train from KoblenzReichsburg castle and a half-timbered riverfront.
- Trierabout 2 hours by train from KoblenzRoman gate, baths and cathedral.Read the guide
- Burg Eltzabout 1 hour from Koblenz plus a walkA medieval castle in a forested side valley.
Before you go to Moselle Valley
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Rules for Moselle Valley, checked
- Germany, France and Luxembourg are Schengen countries. Most non-EU visitors can stay up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Check the rules before you book.Source
- Dial 112 for police, fire or an ambulance in Germany, France and Luxembourg.
- Non-EU travelers should check the customs allowances for wine and spirits before taking bottles home.
- Germany's drink-driving limits apply after wine tastings too. Plan a driver or use the trains between the towns.
Plan around Moselle Valley
Cities, castles and wine regions
Read the guideKoblenzGateway to the lower Moselle
Read the guideTrierRoman city at the upper end
Read the guideRhine ValleyCastles and vineyards on the Rhine
Read the guideGerman Wine RoutePalatinate villages and festivals
Read the guideIs a Eurail pass worth it?Regional trains or a pass
Read the guideMoselle Valley FAQ
Where is the prettiest part of the Moselle?
Between Cochem and Bernkastel-Kues, where the river makes tight bends and the vineyards are steep. Zell and Traben-Trarbach are good stops.
Can you visit the Moselle without a car?
Yes. Regional trains serve Cochem, Zell and other towns, and boats run on some stretches. Use buses to reach villages off the railway, such as Bernkastel-Kues.
How many days do you need on the Moselle?
Two to three days for a stretch between Cochem and Bernkastel-Kues. Add Trier for a fourth day, or Koblenz for the start.
When is the best time to visit the Moselle?
May to October. September and October bring harvest, new wine and golden slopes. July and August are warm but busy.
Is the Moselle or the Rhine better?
The Rhine has more castles and more traffic. The Moselle is slower, steeper and quieter. Many trips combine them via Koblenz.