Summary
There may not be a more picturesque setting in Germany than the town of Cochem, nestled within the steep, vine-covered slopes of the Moselle Valley.
This town, characterized by its half-timbered houses, bustling streets, and medieval gates, is situated along a bend in the river, under the vigilant gaze of the Romantic Reichsburg castle.
The Moselle River flows through two hiker’s paradises, the Eifel and Hunsrück mountain ranges, while a trail meanders through the valley past vineyards and medieval castles, leading toward Koblenz or Trier.
Alternatively, one can relax and enjoy local Riesling in the town’s charming half-timbered squares or embark on a scenic cruise along the Moselle.
Let us explore the most notable attractions in Cochem:
1. Reichsburg Cochem
Cochem’s crowning feature is a medieval toll castle, reconstructed in a fairytale style during the 1870s.
Regardless of your route into Cochem, your attention will be captured by this enchanting sight, with its prominent four-storey octagonal tower rising above the river.
The castle dates back to the early 12th century.
Remnants of the medieval structure can be observed in the surrounding ring wall, octagonal tower, “Hexenturm” witch’s gate, and the building that houses the great hall (Rittersaal). Most of the existing architecture reflects the Neo-Renaissance style, attributed to the restoration by Berlin banker Louis Frédéric Jacques Ravené, who updated the property in line with the Romantic sensibilities of the 19th century.
A guided tour of the castle lasts approximately 40 minutes, showcasing tapestries, exquisite wood paneling, Louis XIV-style furnishings, Baroque artwork, stained glass windows, and armor.
2. Altstadt
Situated against the Moselle and framed by soaring valley walls, Cochem’s old town possesses an undeniable allure.
The sloped alleys are lined with gabled, half-timbered houses, several stories high and adorned with Moselle slate roofs.
The most splendid collection can be found in Marktplatz, where the sophisticated Baroque town hall from 1739 provides an attractive dining backdrop for outdoor meals.
A significant portion of the city walls remains intact, including three out of the four 14th-century gates, reflecting its storied history as an Imperial Estate.
Much of the old town’s features will be highlighted in this discussion; however, be sure to view the mosaic of Cochem’s noble family tree located on the bridge adjacent to the tourist office, as well as the Fuchsloch (fox hole), a narrow passage leading to the Moselle promenade and the city’s smallest gate.
3. Cochemer Sesselbahn
From mid-March to November, visitors can access this gondola chairlift from the lower station in the Endert Valley to the Pinnerkreuz lookout point.
At a height of 255 meters, one can enjoy stunning views of the loop in the Moselle, the steep, vine-covered valley walls, and Cochem itself.
This chairlift opened its doors in 1955 and boasts a height difference of 155 meters.
The steepest gradient is an impressive 65%. At the upper station, a café with a terrace invites visitors to spend additional time in this remarkable spot, or the cable car can serve as a starting point for a hike through the vineyards overlooking the Moselle.
4. Bundesbank Bunker Cochem
During the Cold War, the Federal Republic of Germany recognized the heightened risk of conflict between NATO and Warsaw Pact states.
To circumvent the hyperinflation that could arise from warfare, the German Federal Bank established concealed currency reserves throughout the nation.
The Cochem facility is located in an underground bunker, which, between 1964 and 1988, housed up to 15 billion Deutschmarks.
Notably, the bunker’s entrance is cleverly disguised as two ordinary residential houses.
Guided tours exhibit the expansive vault where the currency was stored, explaining how, with the aid of a deep well, sand-filtered air supply, and diesel generators, 100 individuals could sustain themselves for two weeks in the event of a nuclear war.
5. Enderttor
The largest of Cochem’s three medieval city gates was constructed in 1332 at the northern entry point to the city.
This imposing defensive structure, with an attached guard house, regulated traffic into Cochem along the valley of the Endert, a left tributary of the Moselle.
For centuries, this gate served as a landmark for long-distance travelers navigating stagecoaches en route to Cologne or Frankfurt.
Like many historical gates, the Enderttor once functioned as Cochem’s city prison and now contributes a significant measure of medieval charm to explorations of the old town.
Restaurants and bars with outdoor seating are conveniently located adjacent to the gate.
6. Moselland Museum
Located five kilometers up the Moselle Valley in Ernst, this museum, which opened in 2017, is dedicated to the cultural history of the region. The setting is a former hotel established in 1959, and across four floors, visitors can explore rural life in the Moselle Valley during the 1950s and 1960s.
Attractions include a reconstructed blacksmith’s forge, an authentic schoolhouse, a traditional wine tavern, and a winery.
The museum houses a significant collection of agricultural equipment, featuring 20 restored Fendt and Bautz brand tractors from this period, all in excellent working condition.
7. Burgruine Winneburg
Prominently located above the Endert Valley to the west of Cochem are the ruins of another castle, the Winneburg, erected at the beginning of the 14th century.
This castle perches on a steep promontory, 80 meters above the river, and was owned by the Lords of Winneburg until their lineage terminated in the 17th century.
In 1689, during the Nine Years’ War, the castle was besieged, captured, and demolished by the French Army, and it has remained untouched for the last 330 years.
After a physically rewarding hike from the valley, visitors can explore the remnants of the outer bailey, ring walls, residential structures, and the most impressive feature, a circular keep that stands 22 meters tall and 8.5 meters wide.
8. Moselpromenade
The Moselle Valley in Cochem is a breathtaking landscape well worth contemplating from the town’s riverbanks.
Adjacent to the upper part of the old town, the riverside walkway expands into a park, and just before reaching the Skagerrak-Brücke (bridge), alongside the quay for tour boats, another viewpoint offers the quintessential vista of Cochem Castle on its elevated perch.
The bridge itself serves as an additional excellent observation point. Meanwhile, the northern left bank features widespread lawns perfect for picnics, allowing one to enjoy views of the vineyards, leisurely river traffic, and the dramatic valley slopes.
9. Historische Senfmühle
This mustard mill has been producing Cochem’s beloved condiment since 1810 and invites visitors for half-hour guided tours throughout the week.
Under the supervision of the lead mustard “miller,” attendees can witness traditional mustard-making techniques, honed over more than 200 years, utilizing a recipe passed down through generations.
Guests have the opportunity to sample the various condiments crafted here, including honey mustard, Riesling-infused mustard, curry mustard, and a selection of fruit preserves infused with mustard.
These can be tasted individually or paired with bratwurst to enhance the aromatic flavors.
10. Martinstor
The historic southern gateway to Cochem is fortified by the Martinstor, which was constructed shortly after the Enderttor, around 1352. Together with the nearby Reichsburg, Martinstor functioned as a toll gate, employing a chain on the Moselle’s bank beside the gate to halt vessels and ensure duty payments.
Martinstor retains its medieval battlements on two levels, and immediately after passing through this gate, visitors begin their ascent towards the castle.
This winding path was designed by Ravené during the castle’s reconstruction in the 1870s.
11. Moselhöhenweg
The Roman poet Ausonius celebrated the beauty of the winding Moselle Valley in the 4th century, and you can tread the same path 1,600 years later.
The Moselhöhenweg is a hiking trail featuring two arms, one on either side of the river, stretching from Trier to Koblenz.
This trail has been established for over 100 years and is clearly marked with a white “M” on a green background.
The trail does not consistently follow the river’s edge, instead taking several detours to lead to breathtaking viewpoints.
For those seeking a more significant challenge, a hike upriver to Alf takes roughly six hours, followed by a quick 10-minute train ride back to Cochem.
12. St. Castor (Karden)
A few minutes along the river in Karden lies the Romanesque former collegiate church.
St. Castor is the premier religious structure situated between Trier and Koblenz, often referred to as the Moseldom (Moselle Cathedral). St.
Castor was established as a basilica in the 8th or 9th century at the latest and subsequently extended with a West Tower, a Romanesque choir, and nave during the 12th and 13th centuries.
The interior features several highlights, including a Late-Gothic altarpiece from 1420 depicting the Adoration of the Magi constructed from local clay, along with a Baroque organ installed by renowned organ builder Johann Michael Stumm in 1728.
13. Wine
The vineyards in the hills above Cochem predominantly cultivate Riesling grapes, which account for approximately 60% of the Moselle wine region’s production.
The effective drainage provided by the steep slopes, combined with the slate soils and prolonged exposure to sunlight, creates ideal conditions for Riesling, which ripens late in the season and yields fruity wines with complex flavors.
To immerse oneself in Cochem’s wine culture, aim to visit during late May or early June for the Cochem-Wein-Woche when 12 local vintners set up stalls at Endertplatz, showcasing their Riesling and sekt sparkling wines.
This event includes live music, dancing, and a fireworks display on the Friday evening.
14. Erlebnisweg Tal der Wilden Endert
You will likely have room for more of the invigorating scenery present in the Moselle Valley.
If that is the case, head to the town of Ulmen to commence a 20-kilometer hike descending through the southeastern Eifel region back to Cochem.
The trek begins beautifully at the ruins of Ulmen Castle, positioned above the eponymous lake.
As you journey onward, you will traverse forests, pass a seven-meter waterfall, and descend onto the Endert Valley.
Historically, the Endert powered 28 grain mills, many of which have continued to exist into the 21st century.
Eventually, the valley opens wide, leading you back to the gates of Cochem once again.
15. Boat Trips
The Moselle is among Europe’s busiest inland waterways and ranks as the second most frequented shipping route in Germany.
While resting along the promenade, you may be amazed by the volume of barges and cruise ships navigating by, and you can partake in this experience with one of the many cruises available from Cochem.
The principal cruise operator on the Moselle is the family-owned Gebrüder Kolb, managing 14 vessels.
The largest of these is the Wappen von Cochem, featuring a spacious upper deck perfect for enjoying the scenic beauty of the Moselle as it flows by.
If you prefer a lengthier experience, you have the option to travel upriver to Traben-Trarbach over several hours, or take an all-day voyage to Trier.
Half of the experience includes witnessing how the captain skillfully navigates the multiple locks along the route, with meals and Moselle valley wines served onboard.
