Your cultural experience

The Mosel is an ancient cultural landscape, shaped by its eventful history.

Countless towns and villages with picturesque historic centres line the winding river – overlooked by imposing castles. Here you will find treasures from all periods of history: from the Dark Ages and Roman times through to the Middle Ages and modern times.

First and foremost: our impressive UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

And take some time for music:

Every summer, the moselmusikfestival brings architecture and landscape to life. It is the largest and oldest music festival in Rhineland-Palatinate.

#moselinspires

Winery experiences, exclusive hotels, a refined culinary scene and cultural treasures: modernity and tradition are two opposites that quite simply attract.

Be inspired by our tips!

It’s something you need to have seen!

Frau mit Mantel und schwarzem Rucksack vor Porta Nigra blickt über Schulter zu Mann

Ansicht aus dem Domgarten auf Dom und Liebfrauenkirche in Trier.

Eine Frau im Sommerkleid betrachtet das Amphitheater in Trier.

Ansicht auf die Vorderseite der Basilika in Trier bei Nacht.

Ansicht auf die Ruinen der Kaiserthermen in Trier.

Ansicht auf die Ruinen der Barbarathermen in Trier.

Ansicht auf die Römerbrücke, die über die Mosel in Trier führt.

Ansicht auf das UNESCO Weltdokumentenerbe Egbert Codex in der Schatzkammer der Stadtbibliothek Trier.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

It’s something you need to have experienced!

Abendaufnahme des Kurfürstlichen Palais in Trier während eines Konzerts des Mosel Musikfestivals.

Innenansicht des Doms in Trier während eines Konzerts des Mosel Musikfestivals.

Innenansicht der Konstantin-Basilika in Trier während eines Konzerts des Mosel Musikfestivals.

Mosel Music Festival

Your journey back in time to the Roman era.

“How happy I am to see you again, river, known for your fertile valley and famous for its inhabitants! (...) River flanked by hillsides promising the scent of wine, flanked with banks of lushest grasses; green your grass and green your vine.”

Ausonius, 371 AD

Always follow the Mosel...

When the heart of the Western Roman Empire was beating in the imperial residence at Trier, the Mosel was its lifeblood.

Magnificent villas lined the banks, temples and fortresses towered on the ridges. In between: lush green vineyards. These can still be seen today.

Your journey back time indeed begins in the former imperial residence of Trier. Take your time, have a proper look around, visit the Roman UNESCO World Heritage Sites and the museums with all their cultural treasures! Then follow the Roman roads – always along the river. Or on it: The Roman wine ship from Neumagen-Dhron is sailing again and will take you part of the way...

Back to the Roman era

Fascinating world of castles!

Conquer the most beautiful views!

Anyone wishing to see their enemies early needs a good view. And those wishing to display their claim to power from afar look for a prominent place – a place from which they can be seen with ease.

It’s no surprise then that the Mosel valley is lined with knight's castles...

Picturesque timber-framed houses crowd along the foot of the green banks. Times were not always as peaceful as they are today, and people sought shelter underneath the fortresses.

On to the Moselle castles

Once upon a time...

... a valiant countess who even defeated a powerful elector.

... a rich citizen of Berlin who built his fairytale castle on the Mosel.

Curious to find out more?

Stories to rummage through.

Sacred treasures

Ansicht auf einen Schlüssel auf einem Stein.

The Mosel is an ancient cultural land with deep religious roots.

2,000 years of Christianity have shaped its people, have determined their rhythm of life, offered hope for eternal happiness, particularly in times of privation.

Even today, this faith is still present everywhere. It meets you in wayside crosses, crossroads, chapels, churches and monasteries in addition to manifesting itself in many festivals and customs.

Faith has been a stimulus for magnificent architectural and artistic achievements since Antiquity. Some testimonies of faith are even rightly listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

So it's high time for a tour of discovery! Keen to join?

Discover the sacred treasures!

“Now, with a joyfully curious glance, you catch the first glimpse of an even more beautiful loop of the river, an even higher peak, an even more romantic ruin. Now look back to linger as long as possible with your eyes on a picturesque point at which, as the rowboat floated down and was only gently moved by the oarsmen, we glided down the river.”

Mary Shelley on a Mosel trip circa 1840 (author of “Frankenstein or The Modern Prometheus”)

Typical Mosel!

Ansicht auf die Sonnenuhr Wehlen in den Weinbergen und auf die Mosel.

Ansicht auf die Villa Nollen am Moselufer von Traben-Trarbach.

Paar schländert in der Gasse vor dem historischen Fachwerkhaus

Ansicht auf eine Fachwerkfassade in Bernkastel-Kues.

Ansicht auf einen Festumzug während des Weinfestes der Mittelmosel in Bernkastel-Kues.

Ansicht auf den Tanz einer Winzergruppe auf dem Moselweinfest zu Winningen.

Ansicht auf Winzer bei der Traubenlese mit Blick auf die Mosel bei Piesport.

Ansicht auf ein Gemälde aus dem Stadtmuseum Simeonstift in Trier, welches die Stanfiels Martinsmühle zeigt.

What is typical of the Mosel?

A typical list would have to include historic architecture and half-timbered idylls, steep vineyards with old vineyard walls, traditional wine festivals with winegrowers' parades, “Mosel flowers” and sundials. Rustic wine taverns and mysterious wine cellars are of course a part of it too – and these have an almost magical appeal...

But we'll show you even more than this. Check out the stories of our Mosel experts!

Here are the stories.

Your city experience!

Do you fancy urban culture and enjoyment? Here you will find our very personal tips: picturesque old towns for strolling and shopping, cultural highlights and special hosts.

To give you a good overview, we have lined up all city experiences on this line. Pick one and check out our tips.

Saarburg
Our “Little Venice”! Little Venice because the picturesque old town is not only traversed by a stream, it also features a thundering waterfall. Saarburg, one of the oldest hilltop castles in Germany, towers over everything. The perfect place to stop, stroll, enjoy culture and Saar wine!
Off to Saarburg

Trier
The UNESCO World Heritage city was once the seat of Roman emperors and is now a lively university city with many bright and creative minds. All the cultural treasures are within walking distance in the beautiful old town. On the way, you'll have plenty of opportunities to stroll, shop and stop for a bite to eat – not forgetting the nightlife!
Off to Trier

Bernkastel-Kues & Wittlich
Bernkastel-Kues is famous for its renowned wineries, its half-timbered houses and its sights. The ideal place for a leisurely stroll and some fun. The ruins of Landshut Castle, once an important Roman fortress, tower over everything. Why not also take a trip to the old town of Wittlich. Two well-known artists show here important works of art.
Off to Bernkastel-Kues & Wittlich

Traben-Trarbach
Architectural art nouveau treasures are a special feature of this city. There is even a noble art nouveau hotel with first-class cuisine! There is also a oenophile "Unterwelt" and the impressive Buddha Museum. Goethe and Apollinaire were previously guests of the Baroque Villa Böcking. And there’s still more to see...
Off to Traben-Trarbach

Cochem & Zell (Mosel)
The two towns are known for delightful wine consumption. The magnificent Reichsburg castle watches over Cochem, and in the “Unterwelt” you can uncover a great state secret... There are completely new sensory experiences on offer in Zell: Can our eyes and ears trick our palates? Just give it a try: Light and musical wine tasting in Zell (Mosel).
Off to Cochem & Zell

Koblenz
Welcome to the Deutschen Eck! This headland is where the Mosel converges with the Rhine, and where the UNESCO World Heritage Centre of the Upper Middle Rhine Valley begins. The cosy old town and extensive river promenade are located alongside one another. Ideal conditions for strolling, shopping and enjoying yourself! Tip: take the cable car up to the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress Cultural Centre...
Off to Koblenz

Museums are always worth a visit!

The instinct to collect things is an intrinsic part of being human. And so is the joy of discovering your own history as you do so! This has led to the creation of the most wonderful museums.

Be sure to check out the UNESCO World Heritage Site-related museums and treasuries in Trier: the Rheinisches Landesmuseum (Rhineland Palatinate Archaeological Museum), Trier Cathedral Museum, the treasury of the Trier City Research Library, which has the Egbert Codex on display, and the treasury at Trier Cathedral. Plus, don't miss out on a visit to the birthplace of Karl Marx! And there's still so much more for you to discover ...

Ansicht auf einen Ausstellungsbereich im Landesmuseum Trier.

Ansicht auf Goldringe im Landesmuseum Trier.

Ansicht auf ein Schlafzimmer im Mittelmosel-Museum in Traben-Trarbach.

Discover our museums!