Cochem & Zell – your city experience!

Culture and indulgence amid steep vineyards

Many people immediately think of Cochem and Zell when they read or hear the word “Mosel”. These locations are veritable tourist magnets! And all those people certainly aren’t mistaken. The two small towns really do have plenty to offer. But as we all know, tastes can differ; while some guests only feel happy when there’s a lot going on, others long for peace and quiet. You’ll find both preferences amongst our tips! We’ll also be taking a look at the food & wine and cultural highlights of Cochem and Zell. Let yourself be inspired by excursions into the surrounding area, which promise some wonderful experiences.

The Reichsburg castle in Cochem

A wealthy Berliner’s fairytale castle

What would Cochem be without its landmark, the all-surpassingReichsburg? The former castle ruins owe their present-day appearance to the wealthy, art-loving Berlin entrepreneur Louis Ravené, who bought the castle in 1868 as his family’s summer residence, restoring it in Neo-Gothic style and incorporating its surviving historic elements. It’s a fairytale estate that captivates with a wealth of charming details and romantic spots, not to mention the stunning views of the Mosel Valley. Read our excursion tip and check it out!

Ansicht auf das Eingangsportal der Reichsburg Cochem.

Incidentally, the former lord of the castle, Ravené, was entangled in a Berlin scandal. His significantly younger wife fell in love with another man and ran away with him. An absolute disgrace at the time! This adultery scandal made it into literary history; it inspired Theodor Fontane to write his first Berlin society novel “L’Adultera”. However, the book’s happy end for the two young lovers wasn’t well received by its readers, the view being that unfaithfulness needed atoning for. As a result, Fontane felt compelled to write a new version which led to his famous novel “Effie Briest”.

Secret Bundesbank bunker...

... as a “Cold War” measure in Cochem

Innenansicht des Bundesbank Bunkers in Cochem.

It seems like a normal residential area; if you walk across the Mosel Bridge from the centre of Cochem and follow Bergstraße uphill, you would never suspect that a former top-secret underground money vault with replacement currency is located here amid residential buildings. The German government and the Bundesbank used it as an emergency precaution against a nuclear attack or hyperinflation caused by large-scale counterfeiting of currency. From 1964 to 1988, approx. 15 billion Deutschmarks worth of the replacement currency BBKII were stored in the Bundesbank bunker, ready to replace the current currency within 14 days in the event of a crisis situation. With the end of the “Cold War” and the introduction of the Euro, this substitute currency became superfluous. Or did it? In any case, the site has since been converted into a documentation centre, which you can explore on a 1-hour guided tour. If the walk seems too strenuous, you can take the Bunker Shuttle from Endertplatz. There is no parking on site.

Plan a visit

Modern architecture and stained-glass art

Blick in Kirchenmittelschiff mit Bänken und Säulen

TheCatholic Church of St. Martin in Cochemis an oasis of peace in the bustling town! You’ll recognise it immediately by its onion-shaped dome. Individual elements of the building date back to the 15th century. But what makes it so special is Dominikus Böhm’s modern architecture, which is particularly striking inside. The spatial impact is perfectly complemented by the impressive modern stained-glass windows created by the prominent glass artists Graham Jones and Patrick Reyntien in 2009 and 2012.

Dominikus Böhm was a celebrated German architect in the first half of the 20th century, who gained particular renown for his sacral buildings. His numerous churches range from Art Nouveau at the turn of the century and Expressionism to the reconstruction years following World War II.

Our tip: take part in thespecial guided tour through the Church of St. Martin and be amazed by the architecture and stained-glass art!

Boat trip to Beilstein

Don’t miss out on a quintessential tourist experience; take ariver cruiserto Beilstein. The town’s historic centre is like a journey back in time! Remains of the historic town wall with its gates and towers have been preserved, as has the medieval layout with a market square at its centre, which includes a tithe house and former parish church.

[Translate to English:] Ansicht auf eine Frau im Sommerkleid und Hut mit Ausblick auf die Moselschleife bei Beilstein.

Steep steps lead up to the Baroque Parish Church of St. Joseph and the former Carmelite monastery from the 17th century. A stunning view awaits you here. Have a look at the miraculous image of the Black Madonna in St. Joseph’s, which is very popular with visitors on pilgrimages.

If you’re looking for refreshment, Café Klapperburg, an elaborately and lovingly renovated former town bakery, complements the nostalgic feel of Beilstein beautifully. Here, cakes and tarts are made in the café’s own confectionery.

Our tip: take part in an entertaining and informativeguided tour led by Rainer Vitz.

Up the Bremmer Calmont and through historic Ediger-Eller

Another beautiful historic Mosel village is Ediger-Eller. It’s easy to get there by train from Cochem; just take the regional train through the Kaiser Wilhelm Tunnel (note: the regional express doesn’t stop here). The train station is literally at the other end of the tunnel! Once there you have two choices: start sightseeing straight away or opt for a more active challenge.

Frau mit ausgestreckten Armen bei Sonne auf dem Gipfel des Bremmer Calmonts mit Blick in ein nebliges Tal

The second involves a climbing tour through the steepest vineyard in Europe! Take the narrow path upwards to the right and you’ll find yourself on the Calmont via ferrata.It leads you to a height of 300 metres and presents some alpine challenges along the way. You should allow 3 hours for this tour (there & back). At the top, you’ll be rewarded with amazing views of the Mosel loop featuring the ruins of Stuben Monastery. People like to take a selfie for Instagram here. But did they really climb all the way? It’s possible to drive to a nearby hikers car park (approach via the L106 and a farm track with a sign saying “Römische Tempelanlage”). This is also the access road to arustic winegrowers’ tavern at the summit cross.

Turn left at the railway station to reach the winegrowing village of Ediger-Eller. Enjoy a wander through the historic centre with its beautiful half-timbered buildings. Make sure you take a look at the Late GothicChurch of St. Martin with its gleaming golden steeple! There are several good places to stop for a bite to eat here. We’ve listed our tips below.

Ausblick auf Moselort mit Kirche, Fluss im Hintergrund

Wanderpaar spaziert durch historischen Ortskern

Our restaurant tips

Ansicht auf den Springiersbacher Hof in Ediger-Eller.

The historicSpringiersbacher Hof monastery estate in the middle of Ediger’s old centre is home to the Borchert family’s restaurant and winery. Michael Borchert’s wines have received acclaim from the Eichelmann Wine Guide. The menu there features typical Mosel and Mediterranean dishes inspired by the criteria of the Slow Food movement.

Loungemöbel auf Holzterrasse mit gastronomischem Angebot

If you’re looking for more of a relaxed atmosphere, the Wajos food & wine lounge on the banks of the Mosel in Eller is the place to be. Tapas, pasta, burgers, tarte flambée and salads are all served, made with high-quality ingredients and available in a variety of different options.

Ansicht auf das Restaurant Zum Eichamt in Zell.

Another excellent place to eat is the Restaurant zum Eichamtin Zell-Merl; a nostalgic, historic half-timbered house setting with fresh modern cuisine cooked to a high standard. We highly recommend it!

Tasting wines in style

You are certain to be impressed by the fine wines from Weingut Albert Kallfelzin Zell-Merl (Hauptstraße 60). The winery is a member of the Bernkasteler Ring, the oldest existing wine auction association in Germany and the wine guide “Der Feinschmecker” ranks it among the best wineries in Germany!

We also recommend Weingut Kilian Franzenin Bremm, which is run by a very dedicated young winemaker couple. They cultivate excellent wines in the steep vineyards of the Bremmer Calmont. Be sure to taste them for yourself!

The winery Weingut Daxin Ernst received an award from the German Wine Institute in 2021 for its exceptionally elegant and modern vinothek. It’s a great setting for an extensive winetasting.

Interesting cultural events

In the mood for concerts, theatre, cabaret, readings and art-house cinema? The Cochem-Zell area certainly has lots to choose from.

The beautifully restored historicKapuzinerkloster cultural centre in Cochem’s old town, for example. Highlights this year include six concerts organised as part of the centre’s International Piano Summer. Click here for the box office!

Haus Waldfrieden in Alf offers culture in a winery setting with rock and blues concerts, classical music, cabaret, readings and theatre evenings.

The KulturKino Kaimt in Zell-Kaimt is a small, volunteer-run art-house cinema showing a wide range of films. The cinema also hosts cabaret on its stage as well as interesting panel discussions with leading actors and literature readings.

Discover the town of Zell

Explore the Zell-Merl district

The best place to park your car is near the present-dayChurch of St. Michael, which is located on Klosterweg. The building itself once belonged to a Minorite monastery and can be dated back to the late 13th century. The Antwerp carved altar there, created around 1520, is well worth a look. Make sure you check opening times though!

Setting off from the church, head along Zandtstraße, which has retained several of its historic buildings. The medieval residential towers of old noble families are especially impressive. Check out the residential tower at Zandtstr. 70 in particular, this dates back to 1328 and is thought to have belonged to the nobleman Friedrich Mohr vom Wald. The street was named after the von Zandt family, a powerful, old chivalric dynasty that is believed to have had a great influence on the entire Mosel Valley. Its members included Teutonic Knights, Knights Templar and Knights of St. John. Also take a short detour to the Merl cemetery, which is overlooked by a Romanesque tower, a remainder of the village’s old parish church.

Zell town centre and Zell-Kaimt district

It’s best to park on the banks of the Mosel and walk past the "Zeller Schwarze Katz" fountain, a symbol of Zell’s history as a town and winegrowing community, into the small town centre. You’ll soon see the large town hall which houses the tourist information centre, theWein- und Heimatmuseum (Wine and Local History Museum) and the town library. Explore the museum to learn some fascinating details about the town’s history.

Then take some time to wander along Zell’s winding streets. If you follow Balduinstraße, you’ll pass the Church of St. Peter, an impressive hall construction erected between 1786 and 1793. Turn right into Jakobstraße to visit the former synagogue there (entrance: Jakobsstraße 11). which is located in a section of Zell Castle. The castle itself, however, can only be appreciated from the outside.

You should also take a walk from the banks of the Mosel in Zell over the footbridge to the district of Kaimt. This is where you’ll find the Boos von Waldeckhof, an impressive complex of buildings which today houses the winery Weingut Treis.

Final resting place of prominent art collectors

The Old Church of St. Aldegund must really be something special for two such wealthy and renowned art collectors as Peter and Irene Ludwig to be buried there! A good reason to go and have a look around. The church lies somewhat elevated above the town, and is reached from the street “Auf der Teusch” where a footpath leads among vineyards and gardens. The grave of Irene and Peter Ludwig is visible outside the church. If you want to explore inside, you’ll need to borrow the key down in the town.

Find out more!

Speciality: red Mosel vineyard peaches

Peaches love the sun, so it’s no wonder that they feel at home along the Mosel! They’re rough with a delicate fuzz on the outside, burgundy-red and aromatic on the inside. The exquisite fruit is used for fine brandies, liqueurs, jams, pralines, vinegar, pesto and other delicacies. One of the places to buy such specialities is Weingut Göbel-Schleyer-Erben in Ernst (Klosterstraße 12).

Cochem dedicates two events to its vineyard peaches: a blossom market on the second Sunday in April and a harvest marketon the third weekend in September.

Our accommodation tips

There are of course lots of places to stay in the Cochem-Zell area – for every taste and budget. We particularly recommend the following two.

TheMoselromantikhotel Kessler-Meyer is located in the quiet district of Cochem-Sehl. The 4-star superior hotel specialises in wellness and features a spa villa with spacious treatment rooms for massage and beauty treatments as well as the Well & Wine Spa with a large sauna area, swimming pool and more. You’ll also be in good hands as far as wine and good food are concerned.

If you’re looking for something exclusive away from the tourist hustle and bustle, Senhals is the place for you. The five-star retreat “Senhalser Höfe” has been created from an ensemble of historic buildings under the direction of Norbert and Petra Kohnen. It offers five stylish holiday homes and apartments, a large park-like garden and a sunbathing area. An added luxury touch is a private holiday home jacuzzi perfect for some relaxing time out. The sculpture park of regional artist Christoph Anders is just a few minutes walk away.

Day trip to Trier

How about a trip to the oldest city in Germany? Trier offers many sights, including eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites and numerous other highlights from Roman times. Don't miss out on the charm of this historic city!

More about Trier

You can reach Trier by car from Cochem and Zell in just over an hour. Or you can easily travel there by train; the connection from Cochem is excellent.

To DB travel information