Burg Eltz

Burg Eltz is one of the most beautiful and best preserved castles in Germany. For more than 800 years is was home to a noble family and is still owned by a descendant of that family. The castle dates back to the middle ages.

... Burg Eltz

The interior of the Rübenbacher lower room is decorated with Flemish tapestry.

Through a fortunate coincidence Burg Eltz was saved from the predaceous raids of Louis XIV. Almost all towns and castles in the area felt prey to the devastating wars of the radiant Sun King.

... Burg Eltz

Unlike other castles along the Mosel, Burg Eltz is not a knight's castle but a residential castle. Today it is still the residence of the Count of Eltz.

The compartments show us the living culture of the medieval noble.

... Burg Eltz

In the year 1268 Burg Eltz was split among three descendants in order to avoid a heritage conflict. So it was reconstructed as a common residence for the three of them. In the course of time each branch of the family infuenced the building style. That is why so many towers, compartments and other elements have emerged.

Cochem

The Reichsburg Castle overlooks Cochem. It is a magnificent building in a splendid setting. With its outline displaying a great variety of shapes it is an enrichment to the landscape.

In 1689 the castle was destroyed by French troops. On the basis of plans from 1576 it was entirely reconstructed and is now common property.

... Cochem

Cochem has interesting shops, selling everything from wine to jewelry and art. And, of course, there is an abundance of wine taverns. With its old houses, ramparts, magnificent buildings and narrow streets, Cochem became a Mecca for tourists from all over the world.

Along the Obergasse one finds remarkably beautiful craftsmen's houses dating back to the 17th and 18th century. Here you can relax with a crisp glass of the region's famous riesling wine.

... Cochem

Right in the center of the Market Place stand the pleasing Market Wells.

The baroque townhall was built in 1739 and is surrounded by charming houses.

Along the banks of the Mosel

The scenery as you cruise alongside the river is pretty staggering. We cruised the most scenic stretch of the river and passed hill-top castles, pretty wine towns and terraced vineyards.

From the grape to the wine

Riesling originated in Germany on the banks of the Mosel and Rhine rivers where records show it was first cultivated around 1400.

The many meanders are characteristic for the Mosel. For the viticulture this means that vineyards switch from one bank to another. That is because they must be oriented towards the south.

Beilstein

A bend in the river hugs the scenic village of Beilstein, the Sleeping Beauty of the Mosel. Its castle ruins, just a short hike up from the village, now guard a romantic terrace from where one can enjoy great views on the Mosel Valley.

Every corner of Beilstein is worthwhile. It is a seldom and true idyll, in which one can experience the romanticism of the Mosel.

... Beilstein

Narrow streets with romantic buildings invite for a stoll. Among the most attractive sights are the Klostertreppe and the Carmelite cloister with its baroque church. The village as a whole is now under conservation of monuments and historic buildings.

... Beilstein

The church of the Carmelite cloister on the Josefs mountain is a baroque building with gothic elements.

... Beilstein

The three large ships of the church are equipped with ornaments from the first half of the 18th century. They are very well preserved. Next to the church stands the staff residence, built from 1732 to 1736.

Among the treasures of the church is a statue of the black Madonna.

... Beilstein

Wine and viticulture determine the lives of the people of the Mosel Valley for 2000 years now. Bacchus and Sucellus are the Roman and Celtic goddesses that even today symbolize the two faces of the winegrowers' lives : while Bacchus is more present at festivities the Celtic Sucellus, with his more serious expression, outshines the rest of the year.

Bernkastel-Kues

Bernkastel-Kues is in the heart of the central Mosel Valley. Its cellars store more than 17 million gallons of wine. This lovely town is noted for its half-timbered homes, market square, and the artistic weather vanes that grace the gables of its houses. The marketplace of Bernkastel-Kues has become a symbol of the beautiful Mosel region.