Moselle: Middle Moselle round trip

Make your own way to the romantic twin town of Bernkastel-Kues. Spend the afternoon taking your first stroll through the historic old town with its lovingly restored half-timbered houses, the market square, and the narrow alleys. High above the town, the Landshut Castle ruins tower over the landscape, offering a beautiful view of the Moselle Valley.

To kick off your cycling trip, you’ll leave Bernkastel-Kues on the Moselle Cycle Route and follow the river through the charming wine-growing region of the Middle Moselle. Passing through Graach and Zeltingen-Rachtig, you’ll ride past well-known vineyards and small wine-growing villages. The Zeltingen sundial makes for a particularly beautiful photo opportunity.
Alternatively, in Bernkastel-Kues, follow the left bank of the Moselle to Machern Abbey and switch here to the right bank of the Moselle toward Zeltingen.
Afterward, you can alternate between the Moselle Cycle Path near the river and—if you prefer—the quiet side paths through the vineyards. In Lösnich, you’ll switch riverbanks; your route then continues via Kinheim, Kröv, and Traben-Trarbach toward Reil. This historic wine-growing village, picturesquely situated between the Moselle and steep vineyard slopes, is today’s destination.

Today, a particularly charming stage awaits you through the heart of the Moselle wine region. From Reil, follow the left bank of the Moselle below Marienburg Castle along the vineyards to Zell-Kaimt. Passing through Alf and Sankt Aldegund, you’ll reach Bremm. Here, the Bremmer Calmont awaits you - one of the scenic highlights of the trip. Below Europe’s steepest vineyard, you’ll cycle past vineyards through Ellenz-Poltersorf and Ernst to Cochem. Even from a distance, you can see the imposing Reichsburg, which towers high above the historic old town. A stroll through the winding alleys, across the market square, or along the Moselle promenade offers the perfect way to conclude this eventful stage.

Look forward to a varied stage through the romantic wine country of the Moselle. From Cochem, you’ll first cycle upstream along the Moselle, following the river through idyllic wine-growing villages and along the Moselle’s meanders, which are lined with vineyards. You’ll soon reach Beilstein, the picturesque “Sleeping Beauty of the Moselle.” The narrow alleys, historic half-timbered houses, and the Metternich castle ruins towering high above the town make this small wine-growing village a special highlight of the stage. After exploring Beilstein, you’ll cycle along the right bank of the Moselle through Senheim and past the Stuben monastery ruins to Bullay. You’ll soon reach the charming wine town of Zell. It is best known for the world-famous “Zeller Schwarze Katz” vineyard, whose name still shapes the town’s skyline today. It’s worth taking a break here on the Moselle promenade. Afterward, you’ll follow the Moselle Cycle Route upstream again toward the historic wine village of Burg. The route continues to Enkirch, one of the most beautiful half-timbered towns in the Middle Moselle region. The numerous lovingly restored half-timbered houses make a detour into the town center particularly worthwhile. Afterward, follow the Moselle Cycle Route all the way to Traben-Trarbach. This historic Art Nouveau town welcomes you with magnificent villas, historic wine cellars, and the striking bridge gate.

Today, a particularly varied day awaits you along the Moselle. In the morning, you’ll board a sightseeing boat in Traben-Trarbach and enjoy the cruise through the romantic Moselle Valley. At 11:15am, it’s “Cast off!”—passing steep vineyards, idyllic Moselle villages, and the river bends typical of the region. After about two hours, you’ll arrive in Bernkastel-Kues at 1:10pm.
Once you arrive in Bernkastel-Kues, you have a choice: bike through the side valleys of the Middle Moselle wine region, take a bike tour along the Moselle to Piesport, or enjoy the special atmosphere of Bernkastel-Kues on your own exploration. You have the following options:

Option 1: “Wehlener Plateau” Moselle Bike Tour, approx. 20 km
This varied loop tour first takes you along the Moselle to Wehlen. From here, the route climbs up to the Wehlener Plateau, where magnificent views of the Moselle Valley and the vineyards unfold. Passing the famous Wehlen sundial, the route leads through the vineyard landscape down toward Lieser and back to Bernkastel-Kues via the Maare-Mosel Bike Path and the Moselle Bike Path. The loop is about 20 km long and includes a steeper climb.

Option 2: “Moselhöhenradweg – The Monastic Route” approx. 22 km
This scenic loop tour connects vineyards, former railroad tracks, and idyllic Moselle villages. From Kues, the route first follows a former railroad track toward the vineyards. A special highlight is the “Heldensicht” viewpoint, which offers a sweeping view of the Moselle Valley. Passing through Siebenborn Abbey, Lieser, and Mülheim, the route eventually follows the Moselle and passes through Andel on the way back to Bernkastel-Kues. The route is approximately 22 km long and, due to the elevation gain, is particularly suitable for e-bikes, but also for athletic touring cyclists.

Option 3: Circular Bike Tour to Piesport, approx. 45 km'
Discover the Middle Moselle on a varied round-trip bike tour from Bernkastel-Kues to Piesport and back, which takes you along both sides of the river through one of the region’s most beautiful wine-growing landscapes. The route combines leisurely cycling along the official Moselle Bike Path with charming views of vineyards, Moselle meanders, and idyllic wine-growing villages. From Bernkastel-Kues, you’ll first cycle upstream along the Moselle. The route passes through Mülheim and Brauneberg, whose famous vineyards dominate the landscape. The ride continues through Wintrich to Piesport, one of the most historic wine-growing villages on the Moselle. Along the way, you’ll be accompanied by the Moselle, steep vineyard slopes, and frequent stunning views of the valley. Piesport is a great place to take a break before crossing the Moselle bridge to the other side of the river. The return route then takes you along the opposite bank of the Moselle through the wine-growing landscape, via Kesten and Lieser (Lieser Castle), back toward Bernkastel-Kues. This way, you’ll experience the Moselle Valley from a completely different perspective and enjoy ever-changing views of the towns and vineyards on the opposite bank.

Option 4: Or simply enjoy Bernkastel-Kues
If you’d rather spend the day at a leisurely pace, you can explore Bernkastel-Kues on your own. Stroll through the winding alleys of the historic old town, admire the picturesque half-timbered houses around the market square, or stop by one of the many cafés and wine bars.
High above the town stand the ruins of Landshut Castle - another worthwhile destination for anyone who wants to round out the day with a beautiful panoramic view of the Moselle Valley.

After eventful days filled with panoramic views of the Moselle, idyllic wine villages, and enjoyable bike rides, it’s time to say goodbye today. Depending on your individual departure time, take one last moment to enjoy the special atmosphere of Bernkastel-Kues before heading home.