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Where do I start with Cochem Germany? There are just so many things to gush about this pretty little town that I don’t know where to begin. I’ll start, though, with the fact that Cochem is pretty, picturesque, charming, and a definite traveler’s dream destination. Yep, there’s a lot to love about it.
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About Cochem, Germany
Cochem is a wine village, the largest one, in the Cochem-Zell district in the Rhineland-Palatinate region in Germany. It is located between the villages of Bremm and Klotten, and lies along the Mosel River with its town center lying on Mosel’s left bank.
Cochem is romantic and idyllic with its steep vineyard slopes that produce outstanding wine (the Reisling), a charming medieval Altstadt with its little and narrow alleyways, a bustling promenade along the Mosel river, half-timbered houses, medieval gates, and a fine yacht harbor, all capped off with an enchanting castle, the Schloss Reichsburg.
Are you in love already? My description may not do this darling destination justice, but trust me when I say it’s worth the trip. Here’s what you need to know about visiting the amazing and delightful Cochem Germany.
How to Reach Cochem
You can reach Cochem from any German city by car, train, or bus. The nearest airport is in Frankfurt.
It is an hour and a half from Frankfurt by private vehicle and around 2 hours and 15 minutes by train.
If you’re coming from Dusseldorf, it also takes those same times with the same modes of transport to reach Cochem.
Cologne, though, is closer to Cochem since the journey from there to the latter only takes 1 hour and 14 minutes by private vehicle and just 1 hour and 35 minutes by train.
Exploring Cochem, Germany
Cochem can be explored on foot, although there’s the 30-minute or so Mosel-Wein-Express train for some faster sightseeing, as well as a chairlift to take you to a high point in town for some gorgeous views. Bicycles for rent are also available around town. You can bike along the hills, past vineyards, and to other neighboring towns. Also, regular bus and rail services are available for the same endeavor.
Sights to See in Cochem
1. Reichsburg Cochem
You don’t want to miss visiting Reichsburg Cochem, the town’s majestic medieval castle that goes back to the beginning of the 12th century.
Towering over Cochem, it’s a beacon on a hill that’s quite hard to miss. It can be reached on foot, which takes about 20 minutes of walking along manageable slopes, or you can take a bus ride for less than 10 minutes from town for €2.50, one way.
A visit gets you a guided tour for around 40 minutes along stately rooms with gorgeous wood paneling, beautiful stained glass windows, antique furniture, and more. Picture-taking is allowed.
2. Pinnerkreuz
For a wonderful view of the Mosel valley and Cochem, ride up to Pinnerkreuz (Pinner Cross), a lookout point situated on the top of Pinnerberg mountain. Getting there is via the Sesselbahn (chairlift) that takes you up–fun and exciting! A restaurant can be found in the area.
3. Senfmühle
See one of the oldest mustard mills in Europe, the Senfmühle. Known for producing a wide array of top-notch gourmet mustards, this mustard mill’s history dates back to 1810.
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4. Enderttor
Enderttor is one of Cochem’s three medieval gates and, by far, its largest. It’s a stunning piece of architecture that was built in 1332 and once served as a defense against the town’s attackers, as a prison at some points in the town’s history, and as a landmark for travelers traveling in stagecoaches from various points in Germany back in the day.
5. Moselpromenade
The Moselpromenade along the Mosel river is a sight to behold. This lovely strip with its array of pretty flowers is a charm that is ideal for a walk or a place to soothe your tired feet and just be.
6. Altstadt
Of course, you shouldn’t miss Cochem’s absolutely charming Altstadt or Old Town. With half-timbered buildings lining the market square’s perimeter and an interesting-looking town hall that dates back to the 1700s, it’s a lovely place to be in. The area is brimming with restaurants, cafes, and shops that will keep you happily occupied.
Activities in Cochem Germany
For the best Cochem experience, you can book these guided activities that come with more information. Book them well ahead of your trip to ensure you still have slots available.
Things to Do in Cochem
1. Wine Tasting
Cochem is passionate about wine and several wine tastings are offered at various stands, particularly prevalent in the early fall. Don’t miss getting a taste of their well-known Riesling.
2. Hiking
There are plenty of hiking options to be enjoyed around Cochem, so there’s something for everyone to enjoy. The famous Moselhöhenweg is the hiking trail that spans both sides of the lovely Mosel river and can be hiked on each side going in different directions. These hikes take you past beautiful landscapes, captivating valleys, pretty villages, ancient castles, incredible rock formations, and more.
3. Mosel Cruise
Take a cruise along the Mosel via boats that ply the route and view the picturesque Mosel landscape with its various towns and villages. Some boat rides offer live music and dances.
4. The Mosel-Wein-Express
A great way to see the town is via a ride with the Mosel-Wein-Express, a train that gives a guided tour around the town for almost half an hour. It’s pretty much like Rüdesheim am Rhein’s own cute sightseeing train.
The journey takes you to both sides of the river, past the old town, along panoramic vistas, to areas that are otherwise only accessible after long walks, and amidst scenic vineyards. Ticket prices are reasonable and can be purchased on-site. Plus, capping off the tour is a glass of Mosel wine you’ll be provided at the end.
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What to Eat in Cochem
Cochem is brimming with many restaurants and cafes serving fine dishes and regional fares that you won’t have trouble finding a place to eat. Here are some cuisines we had.
We all had these dishes at Gaststätte Noss along Cochem’s Moselpromenade. It’s easy to find since it’s fronting the river and just in front of the Altstadt. My personal favorite was the potato pancakes or the Latkes. I’m still trying to recreate it successfully these days, heh.
Another restaurant we frequented during our second visit was Weinstube Restaurant Beim Weinbauern, also along the Moselpromenade. We love their delicious dishes, some of which we had are below. On the left is risotto with sea bream, and on the right are cordon bleu and potato balls, I think.
Last, but definitely not least because it’s my number one favorite restaurant in Cochem, is Pizzeria Castello, an Italian restaurant that’s located on one of the inner streets that go uphill, just off the town square. Everything we tried there was just delicious that we ended up eating there most of the time, even getting our to-go food from them many times. And we love the cozy ambiance of their restaurant–quite dreamy and so conducive to enjoying good food!
What to Drink
Whether it’s through wine tasting or having a glass of wine at a restaurant during a meal, don’t miss sampling the wine offered in this region of Germany that’s known for its fine wines.
Where to Stay in Cochem
There are a number of hotels, bed and breakfasts, and places to stay in Cochem Germany–there’s even a hostel.
During our first visit, we stayed in this lovely bed and breakfast that’s just a walk away from the center of town and major sights. See our full coverage of homey Pension Hendricks here.
On our second visit, however, we weren’t so lucky to find something in the center of town, so we ended up in one of these hilly areas that are around a 30 to 40-minute walk to the center. It was some sort of an apartment-type kind of accommodation in a quiet neighborhood, so we were fine with it. Plus, the walk to the center along the Moselpromenade was nice and we found a bakery nearby that served such delicious pastries, so it was a win-win, all in all.
If you want to keep searching for places to stay in Cochem, use this to look for the best deals.
Booking.comShopping in Cochem, Germany
A bottle of wine would be perfect to remember your Cochem trip as well as make a nice gift for loved ones back at home. There are restaurants in Cochem that sell wines from their own vineyard in town so you can get from them too.
Wrap Up
We hope you get to visit Cochem and experience all that it has to offer. If you do, let us know how you like it!
Before you go, don’t forget to PIN this for later reread or to share with others. Happy travels!
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