Cochem

Cochem is known primarily for its castles and wineries along the banks of the winding Mosel River. The river provides life to the region and has for centuries. Some of the castles along the river date back over 1000 years and the wineries are famous for making the best Riesling in the world.

It is absolutely worth visiting Cochem. It’s one of the most beautiful and charming places in all of Germany. It’s by far the most underrated part of the country and it’s far less visited than locations along the Rhine River, meaning you get a much more intimate experience when exploring the Mosel Valley.

The most famous castle in Cochem is Reichsburg Cochem, as it is the only fully standing castle in the town of Cochem. The most famous castle in the Mosel Valley is definitely Burg Eltz though. Burg Eltz is one of the most picturesque castles in all of Europe and a must-see when visiting Cochem.

The Mosel Valley is best in the late spring, summer, and fall. Between mid April and the end of October, ideally. As it’s off the radar for most people when they visit Germany, it doesn’t get overcrowded in the summer months. It is a popular domestic destination for Germans, though, so summer is definitely more busy than spring and fall.