Cultural Experience at the Mosel
Discover history, culture and UNESCO World Heritage sites
The Moselle, with its tributaries the Saar and the Ruwer, is an ancient cultural landscape shaped by its eventful history. Towns and villages with picturesque historic centres line the winding riverbanks – dominated by imposing castles. Here you’ll find treasures from every era, from prehistory through the Roman period and the Middle Ages right up to modern times. Foremost among them: our impressive UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Mosel is famous for this:
Landscape, culture and culinary delights form a unique symbiosis along the Mosel. Since Roman times, viticulture has shaped the lives of the people here, and this is reflected in the historic architecture as well as in customs and traditions. Steep, terraced vineyards criss-cross the valley, giving it its characteristic appearance. The wines grown on these steep slopes form the basis for a culture of wine appreciation that is deeply rooted in the region. Traditional wine festivals and vintners’ fairs are particular highlights of the year. During Advent, Christmas markets bring a touch of magic to the historic town and village centres.
The most beautiful sights along the Mosel
From antiquity to the modern era, the Mosel has much to offer. Roman monuments bear witness to a glorious era when Trier was still an ancient metropolis and imperial residence, and the Mosel Valley experienced its first heyday as a wine-growing region. Beautiful churches tell the story of the people’s deep faith over the centuries. And they do so with splendour and glory! Majestic castles tower over the vineyards, a testament to the power and self-confidence of their lords in days gone by. Who knows – perhaps the ghost of a knight or two still haunts those ancient walls to this day?
Museums are always worth a visit
The urge to collect is simply part of human nature. And so is the joy of discovering one’s own history in the process. This is what has given rise to the most magnificent museums. Be sure to visit the museums and treasure chambers associated with the UNESCO World Heritage Site in Trier: the Rheinisches Landesmuseum, the Museum am Dom, the treasure chamber of the Scientific Library and the treasure chamber in the cathedral. Don’t miss Karl Marx’s birthplace in Trier or the museums in Koblenz! And there’s plenty more that’s really worth seeing...
5 tips on what you absolutely must do at the Mosel
Strolling through historic town and city centres
Climb up to a castle along romantic paths
Take a trip on the Moselle aboard the ‘Römerweinschiff’
Attend a concert at the Mosel Music Festival
Enjoy wine at a winery with particularly beautiful architecture
Urban culture and a love of the countryside
Our tour recommendations for your cultural experience:
Konz
Konz is a modern town with ancient roots, situated right on the confluence of the Saar and Moselle rivers.
There’s plenty to see and do here!
Saarburg
The town of Saarburg is truly unique: a wide stream flows right through the heart of the old town and plunges down into the valley in a magnificent waterfall. But the waterfall isn’t the only reason you should visit Saarburg.
As the name suggests, this historic town lies on the River Saar, which winds its way through a first-class wine-growing region. World-famous Riesling wines are grown on the steep slopes, and the magnificent architecture of the vineyards bears witness to the economic success of the estate owners. The region also has plenty to offer culturally. Some sights can even be viewed in their former glory using augmented reality. All you need to do is download the ARGO FreeApp onto your smartphone.
Trier
Trier, the metropolis at the Mosel, is best known for its ancient UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its landmark is the Porta Nigra, a monumental Roman city gate. The pedestrianised area, with its many historic buildings, is a great place to stroll and shop. Trier is also a university and higher education city, home to many young and young-at-heart creative minds!
There’s plenty to discover on the culinary front: the modern cuisine is inspired by neighbouring Luxembourg and France. Naturally, you’ll also find first-class wines from the world-famous Mosel wine-growing region here.
Bernkastel-Kues
Bernkastel-Kues is the hotspot of the Middle Mosel, renowned for its outstanding vineyards and its beautiful half-timbered architecture. But that’s by no means all! It’s also well worth taking trips into the surrounding countryside, discovering the culinary delights of the outstanding local restaurants, enjoying a traditional regional operetta in the open air, or cruising down the Moselle on a Roman-style boat. So you should make sure to allow plenty of time.
Traben-Trarbach
You really must visit the wine town of Traben-Trarbach. For one thing, it boasts magnificent Art Nouveau buildings and other stately homes. For another, it is criss-crossed by vast wine cellars – the so-called ‘Traben-Trarbach Underworld’ – which you can explore on a guided tour. In the 19th century, the town was arguably the world’s largest wine-trading centre alongside Bordeaux, and you can still see evidence of that today.
You’ll love our tip if you’re a fan of distinctive architecture and enjoy drinking excellent wine!
Cochem
Whenever people read or hear the name ‘Mosel’, they often think of Cochem straight away. And so many people can’t be wrong. But, as we all know, tastes vary: some visitors only feel at home when there’s plenty going on, whilst others are looking for peace and tranquillity. With our recommendation, you’ll find both. What’s more, in this recommendation we’re focusing on the wine, culinary and cultural aspects of Cochem. Let us also inspire you to go on excursions into the surrounding countryside, which has plenty of charming attractions to offer.
Koblenz
When people hear the name ‘Koblenz’, their first thoughts are usually of the Deutsches Eck and Ehrenbreitstein Fortress – in other words, monumental and historic sights. But the city has so much more to offer! It’s lovely that the old town is directly connected to the newly designed, spacious riverside promenade. And what is still a distant dream for many major German cities, Koblenz has already made a reality: the modern cable car across the Rhine has been an integral part of the local public transport network between the Deutsches Eck and Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, as well as the hillside districts, ever since the 2011 Federal Horticultural Show! The vast fortress plateau has also benefited enormously from this, not to mention the fortress itself, which has since been transformed into a cultural centre.
There’s always something to celebrate and enjoy here!
The people of the Mosel are said to have a distinct penchant for celebrating. They also love concerts spanning a wide range of genres – from light music performed by local bands to classical piano recitals featuring star pianists. A glance at our calendar of events confirms this:
wine festivals, wine events, the Mosel Music Festival, Christmas markets...
Go ahead and mark your favourite events in red on your calendar and come and celebrate with us!
