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Arrival, saddling up, Roman Trier
A relaxed arrival day: take the morning train so there's still time for the old town in the afternoon.
Book bicycle transport on regional trains in good time.
This is where your journey begins. From Köln Hauptbahnhof you'll take the train with your bikes into the Moselle valley, to Trier.
Arrival in Trier, Germany's oldest city. From the station it's just a few minutes' ride by bike to the old town and the Porta Nigra.
This mighty Roman city gate from the 2nd century is Trier's landmark and the best-preserved of its kind north of the Alps. You can climb up and look out over the rooftops of the old town. The black sandstone and massive stone blocks are impressive even from outside.
Centrally located house right by the Porta Nigra with bike-friendly accommodation. From here you can walk to the wine taverns and restaurants of the old town. A good starting point for the tour, with secure storage space for the bikes.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
Roman country life and the first day of cycling
The Villa Borg lies away from the flat Moselle valley; the train detour saves on climbing.
If you'd rather cycle the whole way, skip Borg and enjoy the relaxed first few kilometres from Trier to Schweich (around 20 km, flat).
This fully reconstructed Roman villa estate, with baths, kitchen and manor house, brings ancient country life to life. The journey by bike is hillier than the Moselle valley path, so it's worth taking the train from Trier. If you'd rather skip the climb, you can catch the flat riverside route later.
Small wine town on the right bank of the Moselle, surrounded by steep Riesling vineyards. A good spot for your first stop at a wine grower and a pleasant end to the stage. The riverside promenade is perfect for winding down.
Family-run wine guesthouse with its own vineyard and bike-friendly accommodation. Over dinner you can try wines from the surrounding vineyards. Secure bike storage is available.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
Riesling, half-timbering and Burg Landshut
Stage of around 44 km, entirely flat along the river.
Burg Landshut is well worth the visit; the steep climb is optional and can be swapped for a viewpoint on the vineyard slope.
Germany's oldest wine town, known for the Roman wine ship, a replica of which stands on the riverbank. A lovely stopover with a café and wine estates. The replica of the Neumagen wine ships is a reminder of Roman-era wine trading.
The ruins of Burg Landshut tower high above Bernkastel-Kues, offering one of the finest views over the Moselle bend. The climb is steep but worthwhile; at the top there's a restaurant with a panoramic terrace. If you'd rather avoid the climb, enjoy the view from the viewing platform at the foot of the vineyard.
Traditional house in the picturesque old town on the banks of the Moselle, bike-friendly with a lockable bike room. The famous market square with its half-timbered houses is right on the doorstep. Ideal for an evening stroll through the winding lanes.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
Calmont, wine villages and the great bend
Stage of around 44 km, flat along the river.
The Calmont-Klettersteig is only for those with a sure footing; the lower riverside path offers the same views of the bend without any climbing.
This wine town is famous for the Zeller Schwarze Katz vineyard and its cosy riverside promenade. A good spot for a lunch break with a stop at a wine grower and a glass of Riesling. The Schwarze Katz statue on the market square is a popular photo spot.
At the foot of the Calmont, Europe's steepest vineyard, you can leave your bikes and walk the lower panoramic path. The actual climbing route is secured but demanding, and requires a good head for heights; the flat riverside path also offers great views. From here the famous Bremm bend of the Moselle opens up before you.
Wine estate with guest rooms right below the Calmont, bike-friendly and with its own wines from the steep vineyard slopes. After a day on the river you can stop in with the wine grower and enjoy the view over the Moselle bend. Secure bike storage is available.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
Sleeping Beauty town and fairy-tale castle
Short, relaxed stage of around 25 km, plenty of time for Beilstein and the castle.
Plan the afternoon in Cochem as time to relax.
This tiny, car-free half-timbered town is often called the Sleeping Beauty of the Moselle. Narrow lanes, wine cellars and the ruins of Burg Metternich above the rooftops create the magic. Perfect for a coffee break and a glass of wine in one of the wine taverns.
The neo-Gothic rebuilt Reichsburg towers high above Cochem and is one of the most-visited castles on the Moselle. On a guided tour you'll see the knights' hall, weapons collection and magnificent rooms. The climb up to the castle is steep, so leave your bikes safely stored below and go up on foot.
Well-kept hotel near the Moselle riverbank and the old town of Cochem, bike-friendly with storage available. From here you can reach the riverside promenade and the wine bars on foot. A good base for exploring beneath the Reichsburg.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
Castles, wine villages and the great confluence
Stage of around 50 km, entirely flat along the river.
The return journey to Cologne from Koblenz Hauptbahnhof is straightforward by regional train with bicycle transport (around 60 to 90 minutes); buy a bicycle ticket.
Burg Eltz lies away from the Moselle and requires a short walk or climb; only plan this as an extra excursion if you're feeling fit.
Long cycling stage (58 km) — split it up or allow plenty of breaks.
Small wine village and starting point for nearby Burg Eltz. A good rest stop with a bakery and café along the way. If you have the time and energy, you can walk from here to the famous Burg Eltz; otherwise, continue on at an easy pace.
At the Deutsches Eck, the Moselle and Rhine flow together, overlooked by the mighty equestrian statue of Kaiser Wilhelm I. This is where your Moselle cycle path ends, at one of Germany's most striking landmarks. From the tip of the headland you can look out over both rivers and up to the Festung Ehrenbreitstein.
Family-run hotel right on the banks of the Rhine with river views and bike-friendly accommodation. From here you can easily reach the old town and the station for your journey home. A peaceful end to the cycling trip at the great confluence.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
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