THE RHINE & MOSELLE VALLEYS
This is a land of fairytale castles, steep, vine-covered slopes, and ancient history. Following two of Europe’s great rivers, this guide will help you discover a UNESCO World Heritage landscape, world-class Rieslings, and charming medieval towns in Germany’s heartland.
Why Visit The Rhine & Moselle Valleys?
Castle-Studded Scenery: Cruise through the legendary Rhine Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage site dotted with over 40 medieval castles and fortresses.
World-Class Wine: Explore the steep, terraced vineyards of the Moselle Valley, the home of Germany’s globally celebrated Riesling white wine.
Ancient Roman Legacy: Walk through Trier, Germany’s oldest city, and see the spectacular Roman ruins like the Porta Nigra and Imperial Baths.
Smart Travel
Shoulder Season (Late April-May, September-October): This is the prime time to visit. The weather is pleasant for hiking, vineyards are in bloom or harvest, and you can enjoy many local wine festivals with fewer crowds than in summer.
Deep Off-Season (November-March): Avoid this period for general sightseeing as many attractions and river cruise schedules are limited. An exception is late November/December for the beautiful Christmas Markets.
Peak Season (June-August): The weather is warm and sunny, making it ideal for cruising and cycling. Be prepared for higher prices and more crowded tourist towns, especially on weekends.
Main Areas & Places to Explore
The Romantic Rhine (Middle Rhine Valley)
This breathtaking stretch of the Rhine between Bingen and Koblenz is where the river runs through its most dramatic gorge. Key stops include the charming, half-timbered towns of Bacharach and Boppard, and the formidable Marksburg Castle.
Your Smart Tip: Don’t just cruise. Hike part of the Rheinsteig Trail for spectacular elevated views of the river, vineyards, and castles that you can’t get from the water.
Koblenz & Deutsches Eck
Koblenz sits at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers, a landmark known as the Deutsches Eck (“German Corner”). The city boasts the impressive Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, accessible by cable car, which offers stunning panoramic views of the two valleys.
Your Smart Tip: Take the cable car up to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress late in the afternoon. The views at sunset, especially of the rivers and the city below, are absolutely unforgettable.
Trier & Roman History
Germany’s oldest city, Trier, was once a great Roman capital and its legacy is visible everywhere. Highlights include the massive Roman gate Porta Nigra, the Imperial Baths, and the Roman bridge, making it a living history lesson.
Your Smart Tip: Buy a combination ticket for the Roman monuments to save money and get fast-track access. Start your day early at the Porta Nigra to beat the tour groups.
Handy Tips
Weather & Climate
The climate is temperate. Summers (June–August) are warm with average highs around to ( to ). Winters (December–February) are cold and damp, with averages near freezing. The Moselle Valley is generally warmer than the Rhine, which has more wind and rain.
Local Customs And Etiquette
Language: The official language is German. English is widely understood in tourist areas, but learning a few phrases like Guten Tag and Danke is appreciated.
Punctuality: Germans value punctuality. Be on time for tours, reservations, and meetings.
Toasting: When toasting with beer (Prost!) or wine (Zum Wohl!), it is customary to make eye contact with everyone.
Tipping: Tipping in restaurants is customary, usually 5-10% of the bill, or by rounding up to a convenient amount.
Budgeting For Your Trip
Accommodation: Hostels ($25–$50), mid-range hotels/Guesthouses ($80–$140), luxury ($160+). Prices are higher in main cities like Koblenz and during wine festivals.
Food: Lunch special/stand food ($10–$15), dinner at a mid-range restaurant ($30–$55 per person), fine dining ($70+).
Transport: Local train/bus ticket ($3–$6), car rental ($40/day), short river cruise ($20–$35).
Activities: Castle tour ($8–$15), wine tasting flight ($15–$30).
Daily Budget:
- Budget: $70–$100 (Hostels, street food, public transport).
- Mid-range: $120–$180 (Hotels/Guesthouses, restaurants, attractions).
- Luxury: $200+ (Boutique hotels, gourmet meals, private tours/transfers).
Getting Around
By Car: A car offers maximum flexibility to explore small wine villages and castles on both the Rhine and Moselle, but parking in old town centers can be challenging.
By Train: The train network is excellent, offering scenic routes right along the riverbanks, especially on the Rhine. Regional tickets can offer good value.
By River Cruise/Ferry: For the ultimate experience, take a river cruise. This is the best way to see the sheer density of castles in the Middle Rhine Gorge.
Must-Try Food
Himmel un Ääd: Literally “Heaven and Earth.” A hearty dish of mashed potatoes (earth) and apple compote (heaven), often served with black pudding (Blutwurst).
Saumagen: A regional specialty from the Palatinate (Pfalz), a savory dish made from a mix of pork, potatoes, and spices, often served sliced and pan-fried.
Döppekooche: A potato casserole with bacon and onions, traditionally served with apple sauce.
Spundekäs: A creamy, seasoned cheese spread (often with paprika and onions) from the Mainz region, typically eaten with pretzels or bread.
Zwiebelkuchen: A savory onion tart, often enjoyed in the autumn with Federweißer (new wine).
Leberknödel: Large, savory liver dumplings, often served in a clear beef broth or with sauerkraut.
Reibekuchen: Crispy potato fritters, served hot from a market stall with apple sauce.
Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte: The classic Black Forest Cherry Cake, a layered cake with chocolate, cream, and sour cherries soaked in Kirschwasser (cherry liqueur).
Dampfnudeln: Sweet, fluffy steamed yeast dumplings, served with a sweet vanilla or wine sauce.
Quetschekuche: A plum cake, especially popular in late summer/early autumn when the plums are ripe.
Must-Try Drinks
Riesling: The king of the region, especially the mineral, acidic, and often off-dry or sweet styles from the Moselle Valley. Try an Auslese (late harvest) for a treat.
Pinot Noir (Spätburgunder): Excellent red wines are produced in the cooler northern German climate, especially on the Rhine.
Kolsch Beer: A pale, top-fermented beer native to Cologne (further north on the Rhine), served in small, slender glasses called Stangen.
Federweißer: A young, cloudy, partially fermented white wine, only available during the autumn harvest season.
Dornfelder: A popular red grape, making deep-colored, fruity, and often dry wines in the Palatinate region.
Apfelwein (Äppler): A traditional, tart hard cider, especially popular around the city of Frankfurt (near the Rhine).
Sekt: German sparkling wine, much of which is made using the traditional method, often from Riesling grapes.
Kirschwasser: A clear, colorless fruit brandy made from double-distilled sour cherries.