Cochem is a picturesque town situated on the Mosel River’s banks. Surrounded by vineyards and rolling green hills, it’s easy to see why this medieval town is so popular with tourists. The Reichsburg Castle is a focal point of Cochem, towering high above the colorful half-timbered houses and giving off the most romantic fairy tale vibes.
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A short introduction to Cochem
There are many incredible things to do in Cochem, whether you’re into exploring castles, tasting wine, or hiking. The town is easy to visit on a day trip from Cologne. Still, there are enough great things to do in Cochem that you could easily spend an entire weekend soaking up the town’s charm while slowly ticking off every item on the list.
Planning the perfect visit to Cochem is easy with this guide. It includes everything you need to know about getting there, where to stay, and all the attractions you must notice.
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Best Things to Do in Cochem, Germany
Reichsburg (Imperial Castle)
Reichsburg Castle in Cochem is a must-visit spot. With its fairytale-like appearance, it offers stunning views of the town. The castle has a fascinating history, rebuilt in the 19th century after being left in ruins from a French invasion in 1689. To explore the court, take a 40-minute guided tour, which starts every 15 minutes and showcases the castle’s decorative rooms and artifacts. You can also enjoy a meal at the onsite tavern and enjoy the views. Even if you don’t take the tour or eat, walking up to the castle is worth seeing its impressive structure and breathtaking views.
If you’re looking for something unique to do in Reichsburg Castle, check out their lantern walk, Christmas Castle event, and Medieval Castle Festival. Kids can even go on ghost tours! For a unique experience, consider the four-hour banquet, including a castle tour and knighting ceremony. During the warmer months, shuttle buses are available for your convenience.
Enjoy a stroll in the Altstadt (Old Town)
Why not take a little break from the hustle and bustle of Reichsburg Castle and enjoy a pleasant stroll through Cochem’s charming Altstadt (Old Town)? It will transport you to another time as you wander through its narrow alleys and quaint little squares. There are plenty of great options for dining, wine tasting, and souvenir shopping among the half-timbered buildings that have been transformed into restaurants, wineries, and gift shops. It’s the perfect way to wrap up your visit to this beautiful region.
©Vincent van Zeijst
Market Square
The old town of Cochem boasts a market square that looks like something out of a storybook. Admire the charming half-timbered houses and the beautiful fountain as you stroll through the square. You’ll have the opportunity to explore the 18th-century Rathaus and enjoy the many restaurants, cafes, and shops that line the streets. Take a moment to savor the atmosphere and indulge in coffee. There are plenty of cute little shops to browse, and you’ll find a souvenir to take home. Remember to explore the narrow alleys that extend from the square, leading you to the original medieval city gates that date back to the 12th century. Seeing how well-preserved they are after all these years is truly unique.
Mosel River Cruise
If you’re in Cochem, take the scenic Mosel River cruise. It’s a one-hour tour that’s very popular, passing Reichsburg Castle and the stunning Mosel Valley landscapes. You can listen to an audio guide sharing the town’s history, and snacks and drinks are available. You can choose between a day or evening cruise.
Mosel Promenade
Enjoy a scenic stroll on the flower-lined promenade. Stop for a meal at one of the many restaurants or cafes. Cross the old bridge for a breathtaking view of the town and Reichsburg Castle. Capture the perfect postcard-worthy scene from either side of the river.
Bundesbank Bunker
If you’re interested in Cold War-era history, check out the Bundesbank Bunker. It’s a former secret bank disguised as a residential home with over 15 billion Deutschmarks as an emergency reserve during the war. You would only notice it if you knew what you were looking for, but now it’s open to the public for daily tours every 15 minutes. It’s a truly fascinating experience! And after your tour, you can always head back to the flower-lined promenade for a relaxing stroll and a meal at one of the many restaurants or cafes. Remember to cross the old bridge for a breathtaking view of the town and Reichsburg Castle and capture the perfect postcard-worthy scene from either side of the river.
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Wine Tasting
Cochem is a must-visit for wine lovers, with a rich history of wine production dating back to Roman times. Try locally-produced wines at restaurants and bars. Don’t miss “Mosel Wine Week” in June to sample new varietals and meet local winemakers.
Check out Vinothek Walter J Oster in Cochem for great wine and more. The family has produced wine for 15 generations and offers spirits, brandies, and other tasty treats. It’s the perfect stop for a tasting and picnic supplies before a hike.
Hiking
Cochem offers plenty of hiking trails with varying difficulty levels that take you through picturesque vineyards, villages, and the Mosel River. The views are stunning, and we can’t wait to go back and explore them further.
Visit the Mustard Mill
Visit Cochem’s Senfmühle for a taste of authentic German mustard. Take a tour to learn about the history and production techniques, and pick up some souvenirs in the gift shop. Don’t forget to try it on bratwurst!
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Top one-day trips from Cochen
Rhine Valley
Explore the Rhine Valley from Cochem for a great day trip. Visit Bacharach, stroll to Peterskirche and the Wernerkapelle, climb the Postenturm for a fantastic view, and don’t miss Rheinstein Castle’s fascinating museum with impressive furnishings, armor, and weapons collection. So much to see and do!
Explore Rheinstein Castle and its signposted walk. Visit Oberwesel’s Old Town with preserved Medieval walls and see Liebfrauenkirche, Martinskirche, and Schönburg Castle’s Tower Museum. End the trip in Boppard, a town with a rich history.
Plan a day trip to Beilstein.
If you’re looking for a lovely village by the Moselle River, take a scenic hike through the vineyards to get to Beilstein. The trail from Cochem to Beilstein is challenging and takes about 4 hours, but the stunning views are worth it. Remember to wear comfortable shoes, bring plenty of water, and a camera to capture the beautiful scenery.
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Burg Eltz (Eltz Castle)
Visit Burg Eltz near Cochem for a fairytale castle experience. It’s over 850 years old, still owned by the original family, and situated on a large rock in a valley. It has never been destroyed and has fortifications from Celtic and Roman times. Inside, there are multiple buildings and a stunning inner courtyard. Worth a visit!
What To Do In Cochem Germany In One Day
If you only have one day in Cochem, don’t worry! You can still enjoy all the sights around town without feeling rushed. Leaving the attractions near Cochem for another time is recommended, though. Here’s an itinerary: Start the day early at Reichsburg (Imperial Castle), take a tour, and enjoy the stunning views. Then, walk back into town and explore the Old Town while finding your way to Enderttor and Marktplatz. Find an excellent place for lunch and enjoy a glass of local wine. Remember to buy some souvenir wine at Vinothek Walter J Oster. Afterward, take the Cochemer Sesselbahn (Chair Lift) to the Pinner Kreuz lookout and enjoy the views. Head to the Bundesbank Bunker and do a tour, and if there’s still time left, squeeze in a Moselle River cruise.
When to visit Cochem
Visit Cochem any time of the year for a wonderful experience with plenty to see and do. Summer is perfect for outdoor activities, while fall is ideal for wine tasting and enjoying colorful foliage. Spring is a great time for river cruises and exploring the Moselle and Rhine River valleys. Winter is also an excellent time to visit if you’re interested in local folklore. If you need more time, you can still see all the main sights in one day. But if you have more time, there’s enough to keep you busy for 4 or 5 days without ever getting bored.
How to get to Cochem
Cochem is an excellent destination to visit any time of the year, with plenty of activities. If you’re planning to fly to Germany, Cologne is an ideal base to choose from. Alternatively, there are daily direct train connections with Trier, Koblenz, Bonn, and Cologne. If you prefer to drive, you can reach Cochem in just 40 minutes from Koblenz and 1 hour and 15 minutes from Trier.
Where to stay in Cochem
There are plenty of options for finding a place to stay in Cochem. Many choices are available if you’re looking for a hotel, bed, breakfast, or vacation rental.
You can use this link to help locate other accommodations in and around Cochem if you need additional options.
Final Words
We appreciate you taking the time to read about our experience with Cochem. You had a wonderful time exploring the beautiful region of Germany. If there’s anything else we can do to assist you with travel tips or recommendations, please don’t hesitate to let me know. We wish you safe and pleasant travels!
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Feature photo: madurotravel.com