13 Best Things to Do in the Moselle Valley on A Germany Cruise

Best Things to See and Do in the Moselle Valley, Germany

Step Back in Time in Historic Trier – Germany’s Oldest City

No visit to the Moselle Valley is complete without exploring Trier, widely recognized as Germany’s oldest city. A guided tour of Trier immerses you in its Roman imperial past, showcasing no fewer than eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The most iconic is the Porta Nigra, a towering Roman city gate that still dominates the town’s skyline.

Don’t miss the Aula Palatina (Basilica of Constantine), built during the reign of Emperor Constantine. Today, it stands as one of the best-preserved Roman buildings outside Italy and showcases an awe-inspiring imperial throne room.

Wander the Old Town and Architectural Landmarks

Trier’s charming Altstadt (Old Town) is a joy to explore on foot. Hauptmarkt, the city’s central market square, is surrounded by medieval townhouses, lively cafés, and boutique shops. Look out for the Steipe Building, with its intricate façade and Gothic detailing.

For those interested in political history, a stop at the Karl Marx House Museum is essential. Located in the philosopher’s birthplace, the museum traces his life, revolutionary ideas, and global legacy.

Kick Back in Koblenz – Where the Moselle and Rhine Rivers Meet

Perched at the scenic confluence of the Moselle and Rhine Rivers, Koblenz is one of Germany’s oldest and most picturesque cities. With a history stretching back over 2,000 years, this riverside gem offers the perfect blend of cultural heritage, relaxed charm, and panoramic views – a highlight of any Moselle River cruise itinerary.

Strolling through Koblenz’s historic city center reveals a patchwork of cobbled lanes, elegant town squares, and lovingly restored Renaissance and Baroque façades. The pace here mirrors the gentle rhythm of life on the river – unhurried, peaceful, and endlessly photogenic.

Discover German Corner and Architectural Gems

A short walk from the Old Town leads you to the iconic Deutsches Eck (German Corner), the symbolic meeting point of the Rhine and Moselle rivers. This dramatic headland is crowned by an equestrian statue of Emperor Wilhelm I and offers one of the best photo ops in Koblenz.

Just steps away is the Basilica of St. Castor (Kastorkirche), the oldest church in the city. Dating back to the 9th century, this Romanesque landmark features vaulted ceilings, centuries-old frescoes, and a quiet courtyard perfect for a reflective pause.

Ride the Cable Car to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress

For unforgettable views over the Upper Middle Rhine Valley, hop aboard the Koblenz cable car and ascend to the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress – one of Europe’s largest hilltop fortifications. Overlooking the river junction from high above, the fortress offers panoramic views, historical exhibitions, and a unique perspective on the UNESCO-listed Rhine Gorge.

Whether you’re enjoying a slow travel experience on a Rhine-Moselle river cruise or visiting Koblenz independently, this charming city invites you to relax, explore, and soak in the natural and historical richness of the region.

Visit the Fairy-Tale Eltz Castle – A Hidden Gem of the Moselle Valley

Tucked within the dense forests above the Moselle River, Burg Eltz (Eltz Castle) is a must-see for lovers of medieval history and fairy-tale architecture. Just a 30-minute drive from Koblenz, this remarkably preserved 12th-century castle has been owned by the same family for over 850 years – an extraordinary feat in European aristocratic history.

Unlike many castles in Germany, Eltz Castle survived untouched by war, leaving its 800-year-old interiors, antique furniture, medieval armory, and treasure-filled vaults perfectly intact. Guided castle tours (about 40 minutes) provide fascinating insight into feudal life, and English-speaking tours are readily available. If you’re looking to avoid the crowds, plan your visit before 11:00 AM or after 3:00 PM.

Hike Through Eltz Forest – Romantic or Adventurous Trails

The castle is surrounded by the enchanting Eltz Forest, part of a designated nature reserve ideal for walkers and photographers. You can access several well-marked trails:

• The Romantic Route: A scenic 35-minute trek through lush greenery with castle views.
• The Dream Path (Traumpfad Eltzer Burgpanorama): A more ambitious 5-hour hike offering panoramic vistas, woodland charm, and the sense of a journey back in time.

Both routes offer a peaceful contrast to the busier towns along the river, making them ideal for slow travel enthusiasts.

Go Wine Tasting in Bernkastel – The Heart of Moselle Wine Country

No trip to the Moselle Valley is complete without a visit to Bernkastel-Kues, the crown jewel of Germany’s Riesling wine region. Set along a picturesque bend in the river, this twin town is surrounded by steep, vineyard-clad hills where grape cultivation dates back to Roman times. The slate-rich soil and temperate climate make this area ideal for producing crisp, aromatic Moselle Rieslings. 

If you visit in late August or early September, don’t miss the Bernkastel-Kues Wine Festival – one of Germany’s oldest and most beloved wine events, complete with parades, fireworks, and endless tastings.

Explore the Medieval Charm of Bernkastel-Kues

Aside from wine, Bernkastel-Kues is steeped in storybook charm and historic architecture. Top things to see include:

• The Pointed House (Spitzhäuschen): Built in 1416 by a wine merchant, this half-timbered wonder is the most photographed building in town and even houses a cozy wine tavern.
• St. Michael’s Church: A 14th-century Gothic church perched dramatically above the Moselle River, with a quiet, contemplative interior.
• St. Nicholas' Hospital and Library (Cusanusstift): Located across the bridge in Kues, this 15th-century complex, founded by Nicholas of Cusa houses one of the world’s most valuable collections of medieval manuscripts. Subjects range from theology and astronomy to medicine and law.

Be Captivated by Cochem – The Romantic Heart of the Moselle Valley

Perched on one of the most scenic stretches of the Moselle Valley, Cochem is a charming riverside town long celebrated as the traditional hub of the Moselle wine trade. Its postcard-perfect streets are lined with pastel-colored half-timbered houses, medieval fortifications, boutique shops, and family-run wine taverns. At the heart of the Altstadt (Old Town) lies the picturesque marketplace, where the historic Rathaus (Town Hall) adds to the fairy-tale charm.

Explore Reichsburg Castle – A Neo-Gothic Masterpiece

Cochem’s crown jewel is undoubtedly Reichsburg Castle, a hilltop fortress towering above the town. With origins dating back over 1,000 years, the castle has endured sieges, conquests, and near destruction before being lovingly restored in the 19th-century Romantic style.

Visitors can explore the richly decorated Knights’ Hall, the ornate Trophy Room, and the castle courtyards on a 40-minute guided tour. English-language group tours run hourly during the summer season, starting at 10:30 AM. A convenient shuttle bus makes the steep journey from the town center easy, though the walk rewards you with breathtaking views of the Moselle River and surrounding vineyards.

Discover Traben-Trarbach – The Jewel of Central Moselle

Straddling both banks of the Moselle, Traben-Trarbach is often referred to as the jewel of the Central Moselle. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, it was one of the world’s most important wine trading centers, rivaling Bordeaux in reputation. Today, its historic wine cellars are still in use, with a magical twist: every December they are transformed into the Traben-Trarbach Underground Christmas Market, a unique winter wonderland of crafts, mulled wine, and festive cheer.

Stroll Through Art Nouveau Streets and Historic Landmarks

The town is also a delight for lovers of Art Nouveau (Jugendstil) architecture, with elegant villas and merchant houses designed by acclaimed Berlin architect Bruno Möhring. Among the highlights are:

• Brückentor (Bridge Gate): a striking city gate spanning the Moselle, blending medieval flair with Jugendstil design.
• Böcking House (Haus Böcking): an 18th-century baroque mansion turned museum, once frequented by Prussian kings and literary giant Johann Wolfgang von Goethe.