Food & Wine
Mosel Valley wine: Riesling, river towns and where to stay
The Mosel means steep slate slopes, Riesling in every style and small half-timbered towns along the river. Here is our guide to a Mosel wine trip, with the hotels we would stay in.
The river loops through the valley in great curves, and on both sides the vines climb slate slopes so steep it is hard to imagine anyone working them. Down by the water lie small towns of half-timbered houses, church spires and wine taverns pouring this year’s Riesling. The Mosel is one of Germany’s most beautiful wine regions and a perfect long weekend.
Mosel Riesling is known for low alcohol, bright acidity and a freshness that suits both food and a sunny afternoon on a terrace. Here is how to plan your trip, and the hotels we recommend.
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How to plan a Mosel wine trip
Cochem: the Reichsburg castle and a lively riverside promenade.
Traben-Trarbach: art nouveau architecture and old wine cellars.
Bernkastel-Kues: the half-timbered market square and steep vineyards.
Trier: Roman monuments and Germany’s oldest city.
Bike or boat: the riverside cycle path and the river boats are lovely ways to travel between towns.
Traben-Trarbach: art nouveau and wine cellars
Traben-Trarbach has a surprising amount of art nouveau architecture from the days when it was a major wine trading centre. Old wine cellars lie beneath the town, and several producers welcome visitors for tastings.
Romantik Jugendstilhotel Bellevue: on the river
The Bellevue stands on the riverbank in Traben-Trarbach, in a beautiful art nouveau building with a tower. Its restaurant has a large list of Mosel wines.
A hotel for staying in the architecture the town is famous for, with the river right outside.
Book your wine trip: See rooms at Romantik Jugendstilhotel Bellevue
Trabener Hof
Central Traben-Trarbach
Trabener Hof: central Traben
Trabener Hof is in the centre of Traben-Trarbach, a short walk from the river and the wine taverns. It is a simple, modern hotel.
A good choice for a more affordable base in the wine town.
Book your wine trip: See rooms at Trabener Hof
Cochem: the castle above the river
Cochem is one of the most visited towns on the Mosel, with the Reichsburg castle high above the old town and a promenade along the water. It is also a short trip from Burg Eltz, one of Germany’s most famous castles.
Moselromantik Hotel Kessler-Meyer
On the promenade in Cochem
Moselromantik Hotel Kessler-Meyer: on the promenade
Kessler-Meyer stands on the riverside promenade in Cochem, with views of the Mosel and the castle. It has a spa and a pool.
For combining wine tastings with castle visits and evening walks along the water.
Book your wine trip: See rooms at Hotel Kessler-Meyer
Bernkastel-Kues and Trier
Bernkastel-Kues has one of the Mosel’s prettiest squares, framed by crooked half-timbered houses, with vineyards rising right behind the town. Trier, further upriver, has Roman monuments such as the Porta Nigra gate and makes a good place to start or end your trip.
When is the best time to visit the Mosel?
Late summer and autumn are high season, with wine festivals in many towns and the harvest in September and October. Spring is green and quiet. In winter some taverns have shorter hours, but the Christmas markets make December cosy.
When should you book your hotel?
Autumn wine festivals: popular, so book early.
Summer weekends: lots of cyclists and river cruise passengers.
Flexible rates: choose a cancellable room if you are planning far ahead.
Frequently asked questions about the Mosel Valley
What is the Mosel Valley known for?
The Mosel is known for Riesling from steep slate slopes along the river, small towns with half-timbered houses and castles such as the Reichsburg in Cochem and Burg Eltz.
Which town should you stay in on the Mosel?
Cochem is lively and has the castle, Traben-Trarbach has art nouveau architecture and wine cellars, and Bernkastel-Kues has one of the prettiest squares. All make good bases.
When is the best time to visit the Mosel?
Late summer and autumn are best, with wine festivals and the harvest in September and October. Spring is also lovely, with fewer visitors.
How do you get around the Mosel Valley?
The riverside cycle path and the river boats are popular. A car makes it easy to move between towns, but bring a driver if you plan to taste wine.
Where should you stay in the Mosel Valley?
Romantik Jugendstilhotel Bellevue and Trabener Hof are in Traben-Trarbach, and Moselromantik Hotel Kessler-Meyer is on the riverside promenade in Cochem.