The Mosel River Valley offers great exploring of cute villages, great food and wine, and some impressive historic towns and strongholds. Along the Mosel River in Germany, between Trier and Koblenz, you’ll find a huge number of ancient castles along Mosel River Valley that are worth stopping for. I’m here to explain what to see, and how to get there.
As always, I included other practical tips to make your visit as effortless as possible.
Over the past years, I took several road trips from the Netherlands to the Mosel River area. As it is so close to the Netherlands, it makes for a perfect weekend getaway. This post about the 8 top castles of the Mosel River Valley combines several of those experiences.
Note about the blog: I paid for everything in full myself. I was not paid or sponsored. All my opinions and experiences are my own.
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Mosel River Valley – Germany
For this post, I focus on the Mosel River in Germany. The Mosel River originates in France, called the Moselle, and ends in the Rhine River at Koblenz, Germany.
The Mosel River is 545 km / 339 miles long and the whole river is a beautiful area to explore. For this post, I focus on the Mosel Valley between Trier and Koblenz and the different castles and ruins you can see along the river in Germany.
Why does the Mosel River have so many castles?
During the Middle Ages, the Mosel River was vital in everyday life. The river was used for trade and transport, originating many towns and settlements on its banks.
To protect these new towns and the wealth of its inhabitants, castles, watchtowers, and keeps were built for protection. And to show off how wealthy and powerful the town’s lord was.
In the 17th century, many castles were destroyed (by the French), but luckily for us, in the late 19th century and 20th century, restoration work and protection of these great ruins were put in place. This results in great ruins and castles for us to visit today!
Top Castles along Mosel River Valley worth to visit
I’ll list the castle down steam from Trier to Koblenz and not in order of importance or ‘worthiness’ of seeing. I hope this makes things easier for you to plan if you’re road-tripping around the area or really love visiting the Mosel River castles.
1. Burg Landshut near Bernkastel-Kues
50 km from Trier, you’ll find the great town of Bernkastel-Kues. The town is divided into 2 parts, one on each bank of the river.
What is there to see?
The ruins of Burg Landshut or Landshut Castle offer amazing views of the Mosel River and the village of Bernkastel-Kues. They restored the ruin fabulously and it has solid walkways around it.
There is a small terrace where you can enjoy a refreshment or you can climb the keep for a couple of euros (coins only)
How to get there?
It is a very steep and long climb up to Landshut Castle from Bernkastel-Kues, so it really is better to go by car. There are a few parking places right next to Burg Landshut, but more free parking spaces are not far away and it is an easy walk.
Where to stay?
Closest to the Castle of Landshut you’ll find a few smaller accommodations, Haus am Hang and Casa Elisa. Although it is nice to sleep so close to the castle, you’d need to make your way down to Bernkastel-Kues for anything else.
I’d recommend to stay in town, for example at Burgblickhotel. Which, as the name suggests, offers views of the castle!
2. Grevenburg Castle in Traben-Trarbach
25 km along the Mosel River from Bernkastel-Kues, you’ll find another 2-parter village. Traben on one side of the river, Trarbach on the other.
What is there to see?
From afar, you can see the ruined tower sticking out high above the Mosel River. There is not much left of the Grevenburg Castle in Traben-Trarbach. But with all the castles along the Mosel River, the view is its best feature and worth going up there.
Besides enjoying the view, you can also enjoy a drink and snack up there, and roam around the castle gardens.
How to get there?
It is best to park your car at the street level in town. From there, it is quite a steep, but short hike up to the ruined castle. There is a small car park at the end of a winding road, but I can’t verify if it is really still accessible by car.
Where to stay?
There isn’t really any accommodation on the hill near the castle, so the best place to stay is really in the village of Traben-Trarbach. For a really relaxing experience, book at the Moselschlösschen Spa & Resort.
On the same side of the river as the castle, you’ll find Hotel Goldene Traube, with a sleek design and stellar location.
3. Burg Metternich in Beilstein
If you follow the Mosel River for another 40 km, you’ll arrive in picturesque Beilstein.
Metternich Castle is also known as Beilstein Castle, after the village, it is located in. Going back to at least 1268 (or even further back to 1129) the castle first belonged to the Winneburg family.
In 1652 it came to the hands of the Lords of Metternich, after which it holds its name today.
The troops of King Louis the 14th ransacked the castle and burned it to the ground in 1689. It remained in ruins ever since.
What is there to see?
You can visit Metternich Castle for 2,50€ per person. They have maps and information in several languages.
Metternich Castle is a bit bigger, as it has the big keep still standing tall, but also plenty of other defense works and viewpoints.
There is also a small cafe and a washroom. Climb the stairs to the top of the keep for even more spectacular sweeping views of the Mosel River.
How to get there?
It is best to park your car at the base of the hill of the castle. From there, it is a short but steep climb up. Otherwise, go on foot and approach the castle from the village.
Where to stay?
There is also a hotel on the grounds, Hotel Burgfrieden. For guests of the hotel, the entrance to the Castle is free. Check for bookings and rates here.
Otherwise, stay at the central village square, in Hotel Gute Quelle (depicted below). This is a cute small hotel in a typical wood-timber framed style.
4. Burg Cochem in Cochem
Only 10 km by car or by bike, you can easily reach Cochem from Beilstein.
The Reichsburg Cochem is located south of the city of Cochem and is the first thing you’ll spot if you arrive from Beilstein.
The Imperial Castle of Cochem sits proudly above the town of Cochem. First built in 1130, King Konrad 3rd called it his royal castle. The castle was used to rule the traffic on the River Mosel (and collect taxes to pass Cochem).
The castle was overrun and destroyed by French troops in 1688. 180 years it sat in ruins, until a businessman from Berlin, bought Cochem Castle in 1868. He fixed it up and redecorated it in the Gothic Revival Style. Nowadays, the town of Cochem has ownership of the castle.
What is there to see?
You can visit the outer grounds of the castle, admire the tower and golden mosaic of the walls, and take in the view of the river for free. If you want to visit the castle grounds, you have to take a tour.
Tickets for the tour are only on sale at the gift shop of the castle and are 8€ per person. Every 15 minutes a tour starts in German and nearly every hour, there is an English tour. The tours last around 45 minutes to an hour.
You don’t get to see the whole castle and because it is quite big, you don’t have a lot of time in all the rooms. But the tour offers a great feel of the castle.
And the information from the guide really brings the place to life. I especially loved the little balcony on the Mosel River with framed views of the river.
How to get there?
I visited the castle several times. I once walked from the village which was quite an intense walk but it is manageable if you’re fit.
Another time, I took the shuttle bus that ran from the city center to the base of the castle. From there, you still need to walk up the ramparts, but this is a gradual incline and you can take all the time in the world.
From Koblenz, regular direct trains run to Cochem in 35 to 50 min. If you’re traveling from Trier, catch a direct train and arrive within 50 to 65 minutes in Cochem.
Where to stay?
Cochem is a popular place along the Mosel River and thus has plenty of accommodation and facilities. It is also booked full early in the season, so book ahead when possible.
There are no accommodations near Cochem Castle, so you’ll have to stay in town and make your way up the hill to the castle. For all accommodations in Cochem, click here.
Very popular because of its central location is the Hotel am Markt, which means the hotel is located directly at the main market square of Cochem (super cute). They offer car parking for a small fee.
5. Burg Eltz near Moselkern
Moselkern is another of those cute Mosel River villages. It is located 18.5 km from Cochem.
Although Moselkern itself isn’t spectacular, it is particularly famous as a jump-off point to explore Burg Eltz. Eltz Castle is located in the forest area, away from the Mosel River. Tucked away in the thick forest, surrounded by the smaller Eltzbach River the castle is hidden for intruders.
It is one of the few Mosel castles, that had never been ransacked or captured. Since the 12th century, it belonged to the Eltz family, even today!
What is there to see?
Located on a rocky spur, surrounded by the river, the Eltz Castle looks like a fairy tale. You can drive up to the car park from where it is a steep walk to the castle, but there are shuttle buses too.
You can only visit the interior of the castle of Eltz with a guided tour. For €14 you can visit the castle and treasury. The tour is really nice but the exterior and location of the castle is the main draw. So walking around the castle is not a bad thing if tours are sold out.
The Castle grounds offer a nice area to sit and relax and enjoy the view of the castle and get some famous German food, like currywurst (or beer).
How to get there?
From Moselkern it is a 10km drive to the parking spots at Burg Eltz. From there it is a 1km, quite steep climb up (and down a bit). On my first visit, we got the shuttle bus from the parking lot to the castle and walked back, which was a longer walk but was more gradual.
On my 2nd visit, I visited with my mother-in-law who walks with a cane and both times, we took the shuttle bus.
If you’re traveling from Koblenz, take the train to the village of Hatzenport. From there, take a local bus that will bring you within 25 minutes to the car park of Burg Eltz. From there you can walk or take the shuttle bus.
Where to stay?
Staying close to Burg Eltz is impossible. Your best option is to stay in Moselkern, which is really small and only has a few guesthouses. From there, it is a 10-minute drive to the parking lot. Check out hotels in Moselkern here.
6. Ehrenburg Castle near Brodenbach
15 km along the river from Moselkern, you’ll arrive at a place called Brodenbach.
Ehrenburg Castle is situated 230m above sea level and lies 5km inland from Brodenbach. A ruin of the 1161 spur castle, the Ehrenburg Castle is hidden in the forest.
Captured and partially blown up by French troops in 1688, the castle ruins are now preserved by the friends of Ehrenburg.
What is there to see?
We visited Ehrenburg Castle on a Sunday when numerous activities were going on. There was a medieval cafe for food and drinks and medieval craftsmen displayed their trade.
We roamed the ruins and halls and eventually made it all the way to the top of the tower.
For children, there is a super fun treasure hunt, with clues scattered around the castle grounds. On the days of the “Lively Castle Ehrenburg,” you pay a couple of Euros entrance fee (cash only).
How to get there?
Ehrenburg Castle is not situated along the Mosel River but is hidden, 5km from Brodenbach.
You can park your car not far from the castle for free and from there, it’s a short walk (downhill, but you need to climb back up again on your way back) to the castle.
Where to stay?
Did you know you can even sleep at Ehrenburg Castle? Check out rooms and prices here.
There are several smaller holiday homes to let, not far from the castle. For example Ferienwohnung ‘Unter der Burg’ or Ferienhaus Ehrbachklamm. Both in exquisite Mosel-style and very comfortable.
7. Burg Thurant near Alken
Less than 3.5 km from Brodenbach, you’ll find the small village of Alken. Alken is home to the stunning Burg Thurant.
What is there to see?
Originating in the 12th century, Burg Thurant today can be visited to explore the different buildings around its courtyard. The two towers, the Cologne Tower and the Trier Tower go up to 20 meters.
Only the Kölner Turm can be visited but offers exceptional views of the Mosel River Valley from the castle. Enjoy the view with a glass of wine and be transported back to the Middle Ages.
The price for adults is €5 (cash only)
How to get there?
There is a small parking lot that fills up quickly, but you can park your car at the base and walk through the vineyards to the castle.
Where to stay?
Burg Thurant also has a holiday home where you can stay at the castle! The minimum stay is 5 days but check their options and rates here.
Otherwise, stay in the village of Alken, which has a few holiday homes and rooms to rent. Check your options here.
8. Ehrenbreitstein Fortress in Koblenz
Technically not a castle, but a fortress, I do feel this spectacular fort in Koblenz should be on the list. 30 Odd km from Alten, Koblenz is the end of the Mosel River Valley as the Mosel River confluence with the Rhine River.
What is there to see?
The Ehrenbreitstein Fortress is the 2nd largest fortress in Europe and it is massive. One room after another, you can go up the fortifications, down the halls, and into the Landes Museum.
But the main attraction must be the view from the fortress walls of the city of Koblenz, the amazing point where the Mosel River and the Rhine River join forces, and the spectacular views across the water.
After roaming around the different rooms and lanes inside the fortress (and getting lost), we mostly enjoyed the view from the terrace which had the worst service ever, but the best views. (restaurant is cash only)
They do offer 1-hour guided tours, which is a great way to learn everything about the history of Ehrenbreitstein Fortress.
How to get there?
Ehrenbreitstein Fortress is located on the other side of the city center of Koblenz. You can take a cable car from the one side, across the river, up to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress.
The single entry to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress is €8 but you can buy combi-tickets for a return journey on the cable car and entrance to the fortress for €19.
If you’re already at the other side of Koblenz, you can also take a funicular from Ehrenbreitstein up to the Fortress.
Where to stay?
You can’t stay inside the fortress. The closest option would be to stay on the other side of the river and then take the funicular up to the fortress.
More options for great accommodations are available in the city of Koblenz. Consider the Altstadt Hotel Koblenz, a charming hotel right in the center of the old town.
Mosel River castles
As you can see, the Mosel River valley not only offers great river views, cute villages, and good views but also a ton load of history with its ruins and castles.
I hope I was able to give you some insight into my top 8 castles along the Mosel River and how to visit them.
Let me know if you have any specific questions or need help planning your own trip. If you thought this post was helpful or fun to read, let me know in the comment section below. Or share it with your friends or on social media! And make sure to come back for more travel stories next time.
