Towns and Cities of the Moselle river

Known for its vineyards, romantic castles and historic towns and cities, the Moselle river is a wonderland for lovers of wine, history and culture. Perhaps most closely associated with Germany, the Moselle actually runs through France and Luxembourg for much of its meandering 545 km course.  Wherever it goes, there is beauty. Picturesque villages nestle in horseshoe bends, castle ruins frame dramatic valley views, and vine-covered terraces tumble down steep sunlit hillsides. The Riesling tastes good too!  

Here is our guide to the places you can explore on a Moselle valley road trip. 

Driving to the Moselle river valley

You can drive the Moselle valley from either direction, but a popular route is to start at Koblenz and work your way south through Germany, then Luxembourg and France. Driving from Calais to Koblenz takes only 5 hours 20 minutes. There are no tolls on this route, and you will be driving through northern France, Belgium and a small part of the Netherlands. Why not stop on your way? Ghent and Aachen are beautiful cities which will more than get you in the mood for exploring the historic towns and cities of the Moselle valley. 

Germany

Koblenz

Your Moselle tour starts in the city of Koblenz, strategically important in history for being situated where ‘father Rhine’ meets ‘mother Moselle’. The Deutsches Eck (‘German Corner’) marks this spot with an equestrian statue of Emperor Kaiser-Wilhelm, and this pointed headland is the ideal way to begin a tour of the Altstadt of Koblenz, taking in the Basilica of St Castor, the contemporary art of the Ludwig Museum, the twin-towered Liebfrauenkirche and the Schängel fountain. A little further out from the city centre, Stolzenfels Castle looks out from a forested hillside over the Rhine. A ruin for several centuries, this castle was rebuilt in the 19th century and guided tours are available. 

Cochem

The impossibly romantic setting of Cochem

The small walled town of Cochem is one of the Moselle’s medieval gems. The most stunning feature is its magnificent castle, sitting on a hilltop as if plucked straight out of a gothic mystery. In autumn the colours of the wooded castle hill are almost as radiant as the town’s buildings on the waterfront. The town is a German classic of cobblestone alleys, half-timbered houses and colourful gables. It's a popular stop for Moselle river boat cruises, so the streets are often busy. Take the Cochem chairlift for panoramic views. There are guided tours of the castle in German throughout the year, with some in English during the summer months. 

Cochem is around 45 minutes drive from Koblenz. 

Traben-Trarbach

Nestled in a horseshoe bend of the Moselle about 40 minutes drive from Cochem, you’ll discover the enchanting town of Traben-Trarbach. Welcoming visitors through the fairy tale-like Brückentor gate, there are plenty of interesting things to do here. You can explore the huge underground wine cellars (‘Unterwelt’), testament to the town’s historic importance in the wine trade, which now double as an underground Christmas market! Or why not walk up to the ruined Grevenburg Castle, where there is a restaurant and an incredible view as reward for your climb? With vineyards all around it can be tricky choosing one to tour, but Weingut Richard Böcking, on the steep slopes overlooking the town, is always popular. 

Bernkastel-Kues

The fairy tale lanes of Bernkastel-Kues.

Your next stop is only 25 minutes drive away along the river-hugging 53 and L47 roads. Like many Moselle towns, Bernkastel-Kues is split by the river, and historically was two separate settlements. The old town of Bernkastel is where you’ll want to be for historic charm, red and white timbered buildings, cosy shops, bars and restaurants and the beautiful Marktplatz, a quintessential German town square. Look out for the Spitzhäuschen (the ‘Pointed House’) and the Rathaus. As has now become familiar on your Moselle valley wanderings in Germany, there is a ruined castle, Landshut, which can be reached in about half an hour through some steep vineyards. 

Trier

The Porta Nigra, Trier

Perhaps the most famous of all the Moselle towns and cities, Trier was founded by the Romans and can claim to be Germany’s oldest city. From the incredibly well preserved Porta Nigra to the Imperial bath complex, Trier’s Roman heritage is one of the city’s biggest attractions. Trier was also the birthplace of Karl Marx, and the house where he was born is now a museum dedicated to exploring his life and ideas. Elsewhere in the city you’ll find some fantastic restaurants and charming beer houses, not to mention all manner of wine bars, shops and cellars. Take the Trier Wine Culture Trail and learn all about the art of Moselle winemaking, with a tavern tasting at the end. 

Trier is around a 45 minute drive from Bernkastel-Kues, and 1 hour 20 minutes from Koblenz. 

Luxembourg

Remich

As you leave Trier behind, the Moselle flows as the border between Germany and Luxembourg. Remich is one of the larger towns on the Luxembourg side, and is most well known for its vineyards and the long cherry tree-lined esplanade that runs along the river bank. This is a great chance to indulge yourself in some viticulture, with a wide array of wineries to explore. Remich also holds several wine festivals during the year, when the area’s winemakers hold open days, tastings, tours and cultural events. 

Remich is around 40 minutes driving time from Trier. 

Schengen

You may have heard of Schengen, an agreement that allows the free movement of EU citizens across numerous European borders. Schengen was chosen as the place where it was signed, because it is the meeting point of three countries – Luxembourg, France and Germany. Schengen the village is a quiet outpost on the river, but still more than worth a stop. The best vineyard near Schengen is Domaine Henri Ruppert, which offers cellar tours and tastings of its Riesling, Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris wines.  

French cities

Metz

Temple Neuf, Metz

Metz marks the point where the Moselle meets the Seille river. The city is dominated by its Gothic and Renaissance cathedral, known as the ‘Good Lord’s lantern’ for having a greater expanse of stained glass than any other cathedral in the world. Other notable historic landmarks include the medieval Porte des Allemands (‘the German gate’); Temple Neuf, a church on an island on the Moselle; and the Musée La Cour d’Or, housing the city’s artistic riches and Roman antiquities. If visiting in December, you’re in luck – Metz has one of the most celebrated of France’s Christmas markets, held across the city at multiple locations. 

Metz is 50 minutes drive from Remich on the A31 motorway. There may be tolls on this route. 

Nancy

Not actually on the Moselle – the river swings to the west a few miles upstream – the Lorraine city of Nancy is the last major city in the Moselle region. It is definitely a highlight of any Moselle road trip. It is best known for its Baroque and Art Nouveau architecture – the Place Stanislas, laid out in the 18th century, has UNESCO World Heritage status; complete with gilded gates at every corner and a triumphal arch, it is one of the finest squares in Europe. Try and find time to see the Art Nouveau area in the city centre, and the Notre-Dame Cathedral.

Nancy is just over 50 minutes drive from Metz; again there could be tolls to pay on this route. 

Planning your road trip along the Moselle river valley

Catch some beautiful sunsets on your way down the Moselle.

Whichever way you do the Moselle valley, you are going to be driving in five different countries: France, Luxembourg, Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium. Luckily there is not much difference between them all, apart from slight variations in speed limits. The most important things to remember are your driving licence, motor insurance certificate, V5 logbook, UK windscreen sticker, warning triangle, hi-vis jacket, first aid kit and headlamp converters. 

In terms of the length of your trip, it is only 3 hours 15 minutes to drive the whole route from Koblenz to Nancy. You could take a leisurely 4-5 days, staying overnight in a couple of the German and French towns and cities. Alternatively, if time is short it is possible to cover the whole of the Moselle valley in a couple of days, perhaps stopping overnight in Trier.