Cochem is a compact medieval town on a bend of the Moselle River in Rhineland-Palatinate, roughly 50 kilometers southwest of Koblenz. The skyline is dominated by Reichsburg Cochem, a hilltop castle rebuilt in neo-Gothic style in the 19th century, while the Altstadt below is lined with half-timbered houses, wine taverns, and the pedestrianized Marktplatz. The surrounding slopes are planted with Riesling and Müller-Thurgau vines that have defined the local economy for centuries.
What is Cochem known for?
Cochem is best known for Reichsburg Cochem, the large hilltop castle visible from across the valley, and for its position at the center of the Moselle wine region, where steep slate-soil vineyards produce Riesling wines recognized across Germany and exported internationally. The town’s half-timbered Altstadt, riverside Bundesstraße 49 promenade, and annual wine festivals draw visitors throughout the warm months. The Marktplatz, anchored by the historic Rathaus, serves as the social and commercial heart of the old town.
Best things to do in Cochem
The single most popular activity is touring Reichsburg Cochem, which offers guided tours inside its furnished medieval halls and panoramic views over the Moselle valley from its battlements. Beyond the castle, visitors explore the Altstadt on foot, take Moselle river cruises departing from the town quay, and cycle the Moselradweg, a well-maintained riverside bike path running along the river. The Bundesgartenschau grounds from 1995, now a public park at the edge of town, provide open green space along the waterfront.
- Guided tour of Reichsburg Cochem castle
- River cruise on the Moselle from the town quay
- Cycling the Moselradweg riverside bike trail
- Wine tasting at local Weingüter in the Altstadt and surrounding villages
- Exploring the Altstadt lanes around Marktplatz and Obergasse
Where to eat and drink in Cochem
Cochem’s dining centers on traditional Moselle cuisine, which means dishes like Sauerbraten, Zwiebelrostbraten, freshwater fish from the Moselle, and Flammkuchen, accompanied by local Riesling and Spätburgunder wines poured in the town’s numerous Weinstuben and riverside restaurants along the Uferstraße promenade. The Marktplatz and the lanes connecting to the Moselle riverfront concentrate the highest density of cafes, wine taverns, and traditional German Gasthäuser. Local wine estates also operate tasting rooms in and around town where visitors can sample estate-bottled Moselle Riesling directly.
- Moselle Riesling and Spätburgunder at Altstadt Weinstuben
- Sauerbraten and Zwiebelrostbraten at riverside Gasthäuser on Uferstraße
- Flammkuchen at wine taverns near Marktplatz
- Freshwater fish dishes at restaurants along the Moselle quay
How to get to Cochem
Cochem is served by the Moselstrecke rail line, with regular regional train services running between Koblenz Hauptbahnhof and Trier Hauptbahnhof stopping at Cochem station, making it reachable in under an hour from Koblenz without a car. Drivers approach via the B49 federal road, which follows the Moselle valley and runs directly through town. Cyclists arrive via the Moselradweg long-distance bike route, and river cruise boats stop at the town quay seasonally between spring and autumn.
- Regional train: Koblenz Hbf to Cochem station, Moselstrecke line
- Regional train: Trier Hbf to Cochem station
- Road: B49 federal road along the Moselle valley
- Moselradweg long-distance cycling route
- Seasonal Moselle river cruise boats at town quay
Where to walk in Cochem
The most rewarding walk in Cochem ascends from the Marktplatz through the Altstadt lanes to Reichsburg Cochem, then continues on marked hiking trails along the Pinnerkreuz ridge for elevated views across the river valley. A flat riverfront walk follows the Moselle promenade from the town quay westward past the old town walls and back along Uferstraße, taking in vineyard slopes on the opposite bank.
Best time to visit Cochem
Late August through October is the optimal period to visit Cochem, when the grape harvest is underway on the surrounding vineyard slopes, temperatures remain mild, and the annual Cochemer Weinfest and other local wine festivals animate the Marktplatz and waterfront. Summer months from June through August bring river cruises, outdoor dining, and long daylight hours, while the Christmas market on Marktplatz makes late November and early December a secondary peak season.
