Moselle River
Moselle Valley, Germany
A tributary of the Rhine that originates in the Vosges Mountains and flows through France, Luxembourg, and Germany, the Moselle River—known as the “Mosel” in German—snakes through some of Europe’s finest scenery. Its steep slopes make it one of Germany’s highlight wine regions, celebrated in particular for its world-class riesling.
The basics
The Moselle River’s banks are home to instantly recognizable terraced vineyards—some of which are among the steepest on Earth. Since Roman times, the area has been celebrated as a beauty spot, with banks now dotted by castles, crumbling ruins, and half-timbered houses. As dry riesling has increasingly regained favor across the wine world, the region has also welcomed ever-larger groups of visiting oenophiles seeking out top producers; in addition to riesling, müller-thurgau, elbling, and, increasingly, pinot noir (known locally as spätburgunder) grapes are cultivated.
One of the most popular ways to explore the region is by river boat, which offers a relaxed way to travel and also an unbeatable perspective on the river’s vertiginous slopes. Independent-minded wine drinkers can also make their own way to the area’s favored producers.
Things to know before you go
- Like to travel on two wheels? The Moselle Cycle Route follows the length of the river, and is a popular option for adventurous cyclists.
- The Moselle Trail (Moselsteig) is a 24-day hiking trail that stretches from the French border to Koblenz, and offers another way to travel.
- To discover one of the river’s most photogenic spots, head to the Moselscheife in Bremm: the horseshoe-shaped section of the river is a photographer’s dream.
- Enjoy sweet wine? Look out for the late-harvest wines of the region made with noble rot—though they might cost a pretty penny.
How to get there
As the Moselle flows some 338 miles (624 kilometers), there are innumerable options for exploring the river. The Lower Moselle section of the river is particularly accessible, given that it meets its confluence with the Rhine in Koblenz; from Frankfurt, it is just an hour and a half by car or by train to Koblenz. River boat tours provide the best way to tour the waterway.
When to get there
The best time to explore the Moselle River by boat is in the high season, roughly from April to October. If wine is your interest, time your visit with September or October to see the region at its harvest season peak (and to enjoy the fall foliage en route).
Highlight Villages Along the Moselle
For many visitors to the region, the scenic villages along the way are as enchanting as the wine on offer. There are a number of worthy stops en route; popular options include Trier (the oldest city in Germany, and home to Roman ruins), Bernkastel-Kues (home to a ruined castle and medieval town square), Traben-Trarbach (famed for its art nouveau architecture), and Bremm (where some of the steepest vineyards in the world are found).
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