Cochem, located in the western German state of Rhineland-Palatinate, is a small town with vineyards, ancient castles and colorful old streets, nestled between the picturesque valley of the Moselle River.
If we want to find a place away from the hustle and bustle and full of medieval atmosphere, this is undoubtedly a great choice.
How to get to Cochem
We can choose from the following ways to reach Cochem:
- Train: From Frankfurt, take the Deutsche Bahn via Koblenz and transfer to Cochem Bahnhof (Cochem Train Station) in about 2 hours and 15 minutes.
- Self-driving: It takes about 2 hours from Cologne or Frankfurt, driving along the A61 or A48 highways.
- River Cruise: In summer (May to October), you can take a Moselle River cruise from Trier or Koblenz, which is perfect for relaxing scenery viewing.
Must-see attraction: Reichsburg Cochem
This medieval castle located on a hill is the landmark of Cochem, overlooking the entire Moselle Valley, with a very stunning visual effect.
- Ticket price: about $8 (7 euros) for adults, about $4 (4 euros) for children (6-17 years old), free for children under 6 years old
- Opening hours: Open daily from mid-March to mid-November, 9:00-17:00, the last guided tour is usually at 16:00
- Guided tour method: You must follow the guided tour (German and English guided tours are available), one every 40 minutes
- Tips: You can walk up the mountain (about 15-20 minutes), or choose to take a shuttle bus (arranged in the city center)
Old Town Style: Colorful Buildings and Vineyard Alleys
Cochem’s Altstadt (Old Town) is full of medieval style. We can:
- Walk through the cobblestone streets and admire the colorful timber-framed houses
- Explore the historic St. Martin’s Hall
- Enjoy a drink at sunset on the trail along the Moselle River
- Photograph and check in at Marktplatz (Market Square) and Baroque Town Hall (Baroque Town Hall)
Taste Mosel flavors and local cuisine
Cochem is famous for its fresh fruits and honey.
Recommended family-friendly tastings:
Local orchard juice tasting – Sip crisp pear and grape juices from Mosel-grown fruits.
Honey sampling at a beekeeping farm – Pair artisanal honeys with fresh bread or fruit.
Vineyard nature walks – Scenic strolls through the vines (some offer kid-friendly tours).
Cost: Around $5–$10 per person (some farms include free samples with purchase).
- Recommended food: Try Moselle-style grilled fish (Moselforelle), slow-cooked lamb tongue, and the traditional dessert "Zwiebelkuchen" (onion cake).
Experience on the Moselle River: Cruise and Cycling
Moselle Cruise:
- Time: Mid-April to mid-October, running every day
- Price: Short-line tour is about $12 (1-hour loop), long-line to Beilstein or Traben-Trarbach is about $20-$30
- Starting point: Cochem Pier (within walking distance)
Bike rental:
- We can rent a bike in the old town for about $15/day. The cycling route is flat and paved along both sides of the Moselle River. There are many scenic spots to stop at.
Best time to travel: Spring and autumn are the best
Best season:
- May-June: vineyards are green, the climate is mild, and there are moderate tourists
- September-October: grapes are ripe, the harvest festival is lively, the mountains are golden, and the scenery is beautiful
- Avoid peak season: July-August is the summer vacation period in Germany, with the most tourists and more expensive accommodation
- Festival activities: The "Cochem Harvest Festival" in September is an event not to be missed.
Accommodation recommendation: from castles to family hotels
Cochem has a wide range of accommodation options:
- Hotel Germania: located on the riverside, with excellent views, prices are about $120-$150/night
- Hotel am Hafen: modern facilities, high-quality breakfast, about $100/night
- Pension Haus Andreas: Affordable family hotels, about $60–$80/night, suitable for backpackers
- Recommendations: Book rooms in advance during holidays and autumn, many hotels are closed in winter
Practical tips
1. Wear comfortable shoes: The old town and the road to the castle are mostly ramps and stone slabs
2. Bring cash: Some small shops do not accept credit cards
3. Check the weather in advance: The weather in the valley area changes quickly
4. Stay an extra day: You can visit nearby Beilstein or Trier
In the fairy tale by the Moselle River, come with us to Cochem!
Although Cochem is small, it can accommodate all our imaginations of the German Middle Ages, local flavors, beautiful scenery, and tranquility. This is an ideal place for slow travel—no rush, no crowds, just a relaxing drink, a river, and a memory.
The next stop, why don’t we go to Cochem together and send a postcard with the words "Life can be so beautiful".
Cochem Germany ! The Most Beautiful Town in Mosel Germany ! bsest places to visit in Cochen Germany
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