Last updated on at 04:46 am
If beautiful fairy tale towns are your thing, then Cochem in Germany is a place you must add to your bucket list.
About Cochem
Cochem is a town on the Mosel River. Mosel is the river that connects to the more popular Rhine River.
It is about an hour and twenty minutes from the city of Cologne.
Cochem to Frankfurt, where the nearest airport is, is roughly an hour and a half drive, and two hours and a half via train.
Cochem weather depends on the season. It’s warm during the summer, while cold in the winter, spring, and autumn.
Cochem is as medieval as it gets. With its very own castle sitting majestically on a hill, half-timbered houses all around, and little, winding cobbled streets, all set against a backdrop of an enchanting river, it’s every fairy tale lover’s dream.
Things to See and Do
Here are 10 wonderful things you’ll love about this town. They are more than enough reasons why you need to visit, too.
1. Cochem Castle / Reichsburg Castle
Set atop a hill overlooking the whole town, Reichsburg Castle stands imposing and regal. With turrets flying its colors and a walled fortress, it’s an impressive stronghold with a chock-full of history and stories to tell.
Cochem Castle Interior
Inside is a plethora of artifacts that give a glimpse of what life must have been during its heyday. A tour of it is a delight, and the views of the town from within its walls are marvelous.
How to Get to Cochem Castle
It is really easy to get to Cochem Castle once you’re already in Cochem. A short walk from the Old Town would do the job since it’s just near the center of town. The path is a bit steep since the castle is located on a hill, but it’s nothing too hard or strenuous and just manageable all around.
Cochem Castle Tickets
For Cochem Castle tickets, visit this site.
2. Cochem Altstadt
Cochem’s Altstadt or Old Town is one of the best in Germany. Dotted with many half-timbered buildings sporting cute and intricate signages along cobbled lanes, it’s very medieval and romantic.
The many shops, restaurants, and cafés also ensure there’s no shortage of things to do. But even simply lazing around the town square is a pleasure by itself.
3. Mosel Promenade
Being situated on the Mosel is a big plus for Cochem. There is a lovely promenade along this river that just begs to be enjoyed in many different ways. You can sit on the benches placed along its stretch, go biking or walking on the footpath, or relax on the grass—the possibilities are endless!
It is especially wonderful when the weather is warm, but magical too during the cold months.
4. Cuisine
As mentioned earlier, Cochem has many restaurants and cafés, so there’s quite a good selection of dishes that will appeal to everyone’s taste.
Traditional German food is in no shortage, though. There’s plenty of German cuisine to try to soak in all that German palate and culture. We recommend trying out the Schnitzel — fried breaded meat (pork or chicken) — which is a deliciously crunchy meal and something akin to a staple in the country. Also not to be missed are the potato pancakes.
5. Wine Country
Have I mentioned that Cochem is a wine town? Dotted on the hills surrounding the village are vineyards that produce the Riesling, a popular wine in the region. It’s aromatic and refreshing.
Every restaurant we’ve tried had them, so it’s safe to say that you won’t have a hard time looking for a sip (or a glass, if you prefer). Or, better yet, get a taste straight from the source when you visit some of the vineyards–a more authentic and immersing experience, for sure!
Rieslings make great souvenirs as well to bring home for you and your friends.
6. Mosel-Wein Express
Mosel-Wein Express is just a train that takes you sightseeing around town. It runs around for about 30 minutes, and takes you to the Old Town, past the various ancient, medieval town gates, up along scenic vineyards, and to a lookout point on the hills.
There’s some “history talk” added during the trip, so it’s a great way to see, and get informed about, Cochem. Not to mention that it’s a cheaper alternative since it costs just under five euros.
7. Cute Cobbled Lanes
Cochem has these little winding cobbled streets that are delightful to explore. They’re quaint and you just never know where one will lead you to. Some would unexpectedly take you to wonderful little nooks and crannies. There was one that surprisingly led us to one of the castle entrances when all the while we thought we were still in the Old Town.
8. Hiking Trails
The hiking trails along the vineyards surrounding the town are lovely. Up on these hills, you can take wonderful long walks and get gorgeous views of the Mosel landscape. As mentioned, you can drop by some vineyards and go wine tasting.
9. River Cruises
Cochem isn’t the only town along the Mosel River. Although it’s my favorite, there are other villages you can visit as well.
Various boats from different companies ferrying sightseers dock daily in Cochem. These companies offer river cruises that you can take to see other towns for the day.
Some of the best cruises are offered here as well.
10. Right Size
Unlike the other towns along the Mosel or the Rhine, for that matter, Cochem’s size is just right. It’s not too small, which can be boring, nor is it too big that it becomes crazy noisy. It’s a good-sized town that offers just enough space and attractions for one to have a fun, relaxing, and peaceful vacation.
This post may contain affiliate links that may earn us a commission, at no additional cost to you, if you buy via them. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please see our Disclosure for more info.
Day Trips from Cochem
There are a lot of beautiful towns in the Mosel and Rhine that make excellent day trip destinations from Cochem. Among them are Trier on the Mosel, and Rüdesheim am Rhein and Boppard in the Rhine.
The city of Koblenz, which is only about 40 minutes away by private vehicle, is a fantastic day trip option, too, if you’re in the mood for a bigger or more cosmopolitan scene.
These articles will give you more information about these places:
- Trier, Germany: A Quick Look at Germany’s Oldest City
- Rüdesheim, Germany: Guide to An Enchanting Village
- Boppard: Germany’s Cute Village
- Koblenz, Germany: Refreshing and Lovely
Where to Stay in Cochem, Germany
Cochem offers many accommodations, so you won’t have a problem finding a great place to stay.
During our first visit to Cochem, we stayed at Pension Hendricks. It’s a homey, small guest house, something like a bed and breakfast accommodation–small yet big on the charm and comfort, really.
We loved the cozy atmosphere, the clean rooms, the delicious homemade breakfast, and the gracious and oh-so-ever-helpful host. You can check out Pension Hendricks here and see how you like it.
Tours
For guided tours, cruises and activities around the area, you can book some of the best below.
Germany Travel Guides
Bringing your travel guide while traveling is super helpful. There are always those moments when you need to check on something but can’t connect to the Internet to do it, so a travel guide is handy. I should know because that happened to me many times–I got lost, can’t find that restaurant I’m looking for, etc.
What is Cochem known for?
Cochem is known for Reichsburg Castle, Riesling wine, a Mosel promenade, and a picturesque Old Town. Reichsburg Castle with its dramatic facade rivals any grand fairy tale castle. Riesling wine is a fine drink. The Cochem promenade is scenic. Cochem medieval Old Town is wonderfully charming.
Final Thoughts
With all of the above, Cochem is one of the most beautiful towns in Europe that is not only worth a visit but also one that would go down the books.
If you do get to visit Cochem, we’d love to hear how you find it.
Lastly, don’t forget to share this post or save it for later.
Happy travels!
Follow me on:
This is such a cute town! I have never visited Germany, but I’ve always wanted to go. I can totally imagine sitting in this little town with a glass of Riesling.
You painted such a perfect scene! Their local Riesling is really good. Now I want to go back! 🙂
I want to go there!! We are actually considering a trip to Germany next year. I am pinning this for later. Thanks!
That’s wonderful! Cochem is lovely. Hope you have a great trip. You’re welcome.