Mosel Valley

The Mosel River meets the Rhine at Koblenz, and meanders southwest to Trier. True, the Mosel lacks the myths and legends of the mighty Rhine, but as a river valley it is even more charming, minus all the heavy industry. From lush hillside forests to vineyard-covered slopes, the 125-mile (200 km) drive along the Mosel between Koblenz and Trier is arguably the most scenic in Germany. You have a choice: drive in your rented car or take one of the numerous river cruises from mid-May to mid-October. Allow at least 3 days for this itinerary, with an overnight stopover in Bernkastel-Kues, plus another night in Trier. Trier, with its many monuments, ...

The Mosel River meets the Rhine at Koblenz, and meanders southwest to Trier. True, the Mosel lacks the myths and legends of the mighty Rhine, but as a river valley it is even more charming, minus all the heavy industry. From lush hillside forests to vineyard-covered slopes, the 125-mile (200 km) drive along the Mosel between Koblenz and Trier is arguably the most scenic in Germany. You have a choice: drive in your rented car or take one of the numerous river cruises from mid-May to mid-October. Allow at least 3 days for this itinerary, with an overnight stopover in Bernkastel-Kues, plus another night in Trier. Trier, with its many monuments, is a destination unto itself, but other highlights along the Mosel Valley include the medieval town of Cochem, with its 1,000-year-old castle complete with ramparts, turrets, and towers. A combination of two villages, Bernkastel-Kues is the most visited village along the river, a medieval town of great Old World charm with a local wine, Bernkasteler Doktor, that enjoys international fame. The prettiest town is Zell, distinguished by its red-roofed houses and ruins of 15th-century fortifications.

About the Expert

Darwin Porter and Danforth Prince have written many guidebooks for Frommer's, including Frommer's France and Frommer's Germany.