Down the Moselle by motorhome: castles, cycle paths and wine villages

This is where your trip begins. From Cologne, it takes a good two hours via the Eifel motorway to reach Trier.

The black city gate from Roman times is Trier's landmark and over 1800 years old. Kids can climb through the dark passages and levels and imagine the guards who once stood watch here. A great first impression of the Roman city.

A site close to the centre, right on the Moselle, from where you can reach the old town on foot or by bike via the riverside paths. Handy for the first evening, letting you explore the town without the car.

The Roman amphitheatre once held space for thousands of spectators. The vaulted cellars beneath the arena make it easy to explain how fights and games were prepared here. A vivid spot for curious children.

The lively market square, with its colourful townhouses, market cross and fountain, is the heart of the old town. On market days you'll find regional produce, cheese and baked goods to try. A good spot for a relaxed lunch break.

Germany's oldest cathedral combines Roman walls with later additions and feels grand and cool inside. The tour is short and easy for children to manage. Right next door stands the delicate Liebfrauenkirche.

The site sits right on the Moselle, just a few minutes from the picturesque market square. From here you set off on bike rides along the river, and reach the old town easily on foot via the bridge.

After the short drive to the site, you take your bikes for a leisurely riverside stretch on the well-signposted Moselle Cycle Path. The route runs largely flat and traffic-free along the water, passing vineyards and small winemaking villages. Perfect for getting your daughter into cycling without any climbs.

The market square, with its crooked half-timbered houses and the tiny Spitzhäuschen, is one of the prettiest along the Moselle. Children find the wonky facades fascinating, and there are ice cream parlours and cafés all around. A great way to finish the cycling day.

The ruins of Burg Landshut sit high above Bernkastel and offer sweeping views over the Moselle bend and the vineyards. The walk up takes about 30 minutes and is well worth it for the panorama. There's a café at the top for a rest.

The short trail through the steep vineyards clearly explains how wine grows along the Moselle. Children will find viewpoints and plenty to discover among the rows of vines. A relaxed loop for the afternoon.

A peaceful site on the Moselle riverbank in the Art Nouveau town of Traben-Trarbach. From here you can reach both parts of town via the bridge and set off on bike rides right along the river.

One of the loveliest cycling stages leads through the tight Moselle bends, with vineyards on both banks. The route stays flat and well signposted, with winemaking villages along the way inviting you to stop. Around 24 kilometres, comfortably manageable for families.

The ruins of Grevenburg sit on a rocky spur high above Trarbach, offering a wonderful view over the Moselle valley. The short climb is especially worthwhile in the late afternoon, when the light falls warmly over the vineyards. Free admission.

A site right on the Moselle riverbank in the wine town of Zell, known for the Zeller Schwarze Katz. From here the cycle path continues downstream, and the riverside promenade is lovely for an evening stroll.

The stage passes through quiet wine villages such as Reil and Pünderich along the flat Moselle riverbank. Along the way there are plenty of shady rest spots and views of steep vineyards. A relaxed route of around 20 kilometres, ideal for families.

The small old town of Zell revolves around the famous Zeller Schwarze Katz wine, whose fountain is a popular photo spot. For children, the story of the black cat on the wine barrel makes a nice tale. There are cosy places to eat all around.

A site near the Moselle riverbank, from where you can reach Cochem's old town on foot. A good base for exploring the famous Reichsburg and the narrow lanes.

The Reichsburg towers high above Cochem, its turrets looking as if straight out of a storybook. On the guided tour, visitors young and old learn how life on a medieval castle looked. The walk up takes about 15 minutes and offers lovely views over the town.

The narrow old town, with its half-timbered houses, historic town hall and market square, invites you to wander. There are ice cream parlours, small shops and cafés for a break. Down by the river you can watch the excursion boats.

Burg Eltz is considered one of Germany's most beautiful castles, tucked away in a wooded side valley. It has never been destroyed and remains family-owned to this day, which makes the guided tour especially lively. Children love the little towers and the treasury.

At the Deutsches Eck, the Moselle flows into the Rhine, overlooked by the mighty Kaiser-Wilhelm-Denkmal. The wide square with its riverside promenade makes a fitting end to your Moselle trip. From here a cable car runs up to the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, with far-reaching views.

A centrally located motorhome harbour near the old town and the Deutsches Eck. This is where your trip winds down at the confluence of the Moselle and Rhine, with a short walk into the old town for a farewell meal.