Cradled at the top of a nature-immersed hill, the Reichsburg dominates the view and is a recurring sight for everyone exploring the Moselle Valley. At its feet lies a small, cozy town that flourished in the Middle Ages, struggled in the 17th century, found new life in the 19th, and survived time in the 20th.
The small town is Cochem, a gem of the Moselle Valley, where culture, history, and vineyards intertwine to create the perfect spot for travelers. Typically German half-timbered houses in a well-kept Old Town, a hilltop castle, the ruins of mighty city walls, a panoramic promenade along the river, and even a Cold War bunker. Cochem has everything you need to spend up to one day visiting it.
Here in this guide, you'll find facts about Cochem and its history, culture, and traditions, information about what to eat, things to do and what to see, an interactive map and many more sections to let you explore at its fullest.
In this article:
Cochem: What and How to Reach
Cochem: What To See and Cultural Tour
Cochem: What to Eat and To Do
Around Cochem: What's Next
Cochem: What and How to Reach
WHERE IS COCHEM AND HOW TO GET THERE
Cochem is a small town of less than 6000 inhabitants, located in the Rhineland-Palatinate region of Germany. That means that it stands on the Western side of the country, close to big centers like Bonn, Cologne, and Frankfurt.
It is flanked by the river Moselle, which is both the fortune and misfortune of Cochem: thanks to it, Cochem could flourish in the past as a trade center and today as a tourist haven, however, floods are common and signs of them can be found all around the town.
➊ READ NEXT: Complete guide to Bacharach, another beautiful little village in Rhineland-Palatinate
Despite being small, Cochem is still fairly well connected to the rest of the country, and there are many options to reach it. On the map here below, you can visualize its position:
By car
I don't like to say it, but reaching Cochem by car may be the best solution for you, especially if you plan to visit Burg Eltz on the same day.
Here is an overview of the distances from the main nearby cities:
Koblenz: 40 minutes (55km / 34mi)
Bonn: 1 hour and 25 minutes (85km / 52,8mi)
Mainz: 1 hour and 25 minutes (110km / 68mi)
Cologne: 1 hour and 45 minutes (125km /77,7mi)
Frankfurt: 2 hours (170km / 105,6mi)
Once you get to Cochem, you can park your car in one of the many parking spaces around the small town center. Most of them are paid, but there are a few spots where you can park for free. Here is the best option for both cases:
By train
Reaching Cochem by train is slightly more difficult, as the city is small and therefore not served by all major lines. However, Cochem is on the Koblenz-Trier line and every train passing by stops here without transfers. Let's see an overview of the main options and relative prices:
Koblenz: less than 1 hour (full ticket: 15€)
Bonn: 1 hour and 30 minutes (full ticket: 22€)
Mainz: 2 hours (full ticket: 28€)
Cologne: less than 2 hours (full ticket: 22€)
Frankfurt: 2 to 3 hours (full ticket: up to 45€)
You can check and purchase your rides on the official website of Deutsche Bahn, the national railway system.
WHY VISIT COCHEM
There are many reasons why you should visit Cochem, but this is my personal selection:
Small-town atmosphere and a perfect chance to delve into German traditional culture
Traditional German architecture
Learn about German history
Witness the impact that 20th-century history had on the country, and see how it was rebuilt after WWII
Breathe in the German countryside and explore the local winery culture
USEFUL INFO ABOUT COCHEM
If you are a seasoned traveler and Cochem is not your first destination in Germany, you shall not expect anything out-of-the-norm about the city. It works pretty much like any other small town in Germany! Anyway, there are a few common questions and doubts that may pop up in your mind that I'd like to address:
➊ How much time to spend in Cochem? Cochem is a small town and all its attractions rotate around the Old Town and the hilltop castle. If you plan to visit the city together with another major destination nearby, Burg Eltz, then one full day for both would be enough. If this latter option is not on your itinerary, then half a day would be fine. If you wish to explore the countryside and vineyards around or to linger a bit more to discover Cochem's food and wine culture, then one day would be best.
➊ When is the best time to visit Cochem? Generally speaking, Western Germany is most enjoyable in late spring, summer and early fall. This is also when the countryside is in full bloom. Winter and mid-seasons can bring gloomy and wet weather, and since Cochem lies on the river Moselle, it is better to avoid rainy seasons (floods are not infrequent here). Of course, if you visit from late November to December, you can enjoy a Christmassy atmosphere and walk around the cozy local Weinachtsmarkt, a widespread attraction in Germany.
➊ Is Cochem worth a spot in your itinerary? If you are on a trip through Western Germany or on a mission to explore its castles, Cochem is definitely worth a spot in your itinerary! Being so close to Burg Eltz (one of the most attractive and popular castles in the country) and such a good representation of traditional, small-town Germany, you can easily enjoy some time here and then move northwards to Bonn or Cologne, or southwards to Frankfurt and Mainz. If you only have a few days to visit Germany and it's your first time here, you may decide to focus on other centers.
➊ Is Cochem accessible and a good option for kids and families? Cochem is a great option for kids and families! You may find staircases and narrow streets along the way, but navigating around it would be easy most of the time. Medieval atmosphere and castles would also be much fun for little ones, and being Cochem relatively small, they won't have to walk too much to see it all. If you wish to bathe in nature with your family, the local chair lift service, the Sesselbahn, comes in handy. As for accessibility, there are no specific issues except for cobbles, a few staircases, and narrow streets - the visit to the castle is hampered though, as there are a few unavoidable stairs inside it.
➊ Options for guided tours of the city: Cochem is a popular tourist destination and guided tours are pretty common. They can be walking tours or panoramic cruises along the Moselle. You can book an experience via GetYourGuide (option 1 - option 2) or check the official city website. However, I personally think that you can enjoy the city and its attractions even without a guided tour - this guide should be enough!
HISTORY OF COCHEM
The history of Cochem is long and fairly rich but, as common for small towns, the farther back we go in time, the more it becomes nebulous.
We know that the area was occupied by Celtic populations first and by the Romans later. However, we don't know whether a primordial urban center existed here or not. The first mention of Cochem as we imagine it comes from the Middle Ages, 866 CE. From this year, we have a document, from the nearby Prüm Abbey (it still exists, though not in its medieval form), in the form of a noblewoman's will. In the will, the noblewoman donates a property in Cuchuma, an ancient version of modern Cochem.
● Why the name Cuchuma?
During the Middle Ages, and especially any time before the 12th-13th century, languages across Europe were evolving from Latin or from Germanic lineages. Grammar rules were extremely loose and unfixed, and so were cities' and places' names. In Cochem's case, in 866 it was called Cuchuma, a few years later Cuhckeme, then Cochemo, Cocheme, and Cocheim. Multiple variants could also exist simultaneously. Cochem is a relatively recent name, eventually officialized in the 19th century.
During the Early Middle Ages, Cochem was in the hands of the Counts Palatine, very prestigious figures directly associated with the central power but influential enough to act mostly independently from it. This happened under the Holy Roman Empire, an entity to which Cochem (and the whole of Germany) belonged till the late 18th century. At this time, Cochem was little more than a bunch of buildings around a hilltop castle, used by the Counts to collect taxes and customs.
In 1088 tables turned dramatically. Count-Palatine Hermann von Salm (1035-1188) was killed by the kingsmen right in front of the Reichsburg (Cochem castle) for having attempted to the throne. From then on, the Counts' influence over the town decreased, until in 1151 Cochem passed on to the direct control of the sovereign.
The kings would keep Cochem under their edge, in the hands of Burggrafen (castle rulers that answered directly to the king), until in 1294 Adolf von Nassau (1255-1298) gave it to the ultra-powerful Archbishop of Trier as a mortgage, for he was highly indebted and trying to collect resources. The mortgage was never repaid, and Cochem would remain under the formal control of the Archbishops until 1794.
Under the Archbishops, Cochem knew a sort of golden age, although punctuated by famines and plagues. Having a closer and more present ruler certainly helped. Its castle was expanded (last time in 1576) and its business flourished. During the 18th century, the town became a crucial trade and exchange center along the river Moselle.
However, way before 1794, when Cochem was violently occupied by French troops, things had started to change, at least since the Thirty Years' War (1618-1648). The town was frequently besieged and damaged by French king Louis XIV in 1682 - its castle was knocked down on this occasion. Reconstruction took years and was slow, never completed.
In 1815 the French were gone, but Cochem was assigned to the Kingdom of Prussia. It would remain this way until Germany's unification in 1871. Meanwhile, Romanticism took over throughout the country and particularly reached this area.
➜ The so-called Romantic Era in Europe was characterized by a strong emotional patriotism and nostalgia for the Middle Ages. It contributed to creating the fantasy concept of medieval times we still have today.
Cochem reached the 20th century as a small town, medieval-ish in its appearance after an intense reconstruction based on Romantic ideals by Jacob Frederic Louis Ravené, who also rebuilt the castle.
Jacob Frederic Louis Ravené (1823-1879) was a wholesaler and art merchant, originally from Berlin with French origins. Born in high-society, he inherited a passion for the arts from his father, and a fascination for the Middle Ages from his epoch, the Romantic Era. In 1868, his eyes caught sight of the Moselle Valley and its gem, Cochem. He purchased the ruined Reichsburg from the Prussian government and planned to restore it to its supposed medieval version, both inside and outside. He did not manage to see the end of this work, but today he is held in high regard by the city of Cochem for his efforts. |
Unfortunately, many of his efforts did not reach us. For having hosted a subcamp of the Natzweiler-Struthof Concentration Camp during the Nazi year, Cochem was severely bombed by the Allies in 1945. It took decades to rebuild it, as a considerable portion of its Old Town and its castle were lost.
Today, in Cochem all you can breathe is Middle Ages with a hint of later epochs: its Old Town was reconstructed to recreate the golden era of the city, and today visitors are welcomed by curated rows of half-timbered houses, and an iconic hilltop castle. But there's more, read further to find out!
Cochem: What to See and Cultural Tour
MAP OF COCHEM AND ITINERARY
Now that we know all the basics, we are ready to start our tour of Cochem!
In this map here below, you'll find a pin for each destination/attraction we'll mention. To see more details, open it in full screen or open the menu by clicking/tapping on the icon in the top left corner. It's Google Maps-based, so it should be easy to use.
Walking Itinerary
➊ Duration: half a day to one day
Let's start our itinerary from the railway station: this is where you'll get if you come by train, but also where you are likely to park your car. In case you don't start from there, begin your itinerary from the next stop.
From the railway station, move southwards until you are at the Old Town's door: you have reached Enderttor, the city's main gate (total distance: 750m / 2460ft).
From now on, we will explore the Old Town, so take your time to wander around. While you do so, go check St. Martin Kirche, then reach Marktplatz, Cochem's main square (total distance: 230m/ 754ft). There is much to see in Marktplatz, and make sure to take some time to admire the half-timbered architecture.
Continue moving southwards, until you reach a quiet little cemetery. You should be able to spot Balduinstor, another city gate: this is where you can start your climb to the Reichsburg, Cochem Castle (total distance until hilltop: 800m / 2624ft).
Once you are done with your visit to the castle, it is time for a good stroll by the river Moselle! Go all the way down in the river's direction: at Martinstor, a city gate, starts the Moselpromenade, a panoramic street flanking the river.
If you've come this far, half a day must have passed already. If you still have time, here are two more options for you:
Visit the Bundesbank Bunker: this Cold War bunker is located on the other side of the Moselle, and you may decide to get there on foot (total distance from Marktplatz: 1,5km / 0,93mi), take your car or a shuttle from Enderttplatz.
Reach Pinnerkreuz: remaining on the western bank of the Moselle, you can get back to Enderttor, then proceed in the direction opposite the river. You'll first reach the Historic Mill (total distance from Enderttor: 160m / 524ft), that you may visit, then the Sesselbahn Station (chair lift). The lift will bring you right to Pinnerkreuz, a hilltop point where you'll admire Cochem and its countryside from a fantastic viewpoint. You can also get there on your own!
THE ALTSTADT AND THE MOSELPROMENADE
Cochem is a small center rotating around its Altstadt (Old Town). If you are in town, this will be your main stop and a stroll around its characteristic streets will be your main activity!
As always, Old Towns in Germany and in Europe host several attractions and landmarks, and to find them you just have to remain within the most historic-looking areas.
Anyway, here is everything you should check to make the most of your visit to Cochem's Altstadt:
Marktplatz (literally "market square") is the focal point of Cochem's Old Town.
The square came to life in the 14th century, when the city was ruled by Balduin von Luxembourg, Archbishop of Trier (check the history section to know more!). It was he who granted Cochem market rights, thus the permission to hold the market on precise days - initially on Saturdays, then also on Tuesdays. In medieval Germany, what truly made the difference between a bunch of farmers' houses and a town were a castle and a market, and Cochem now had both.
Balduin von Luxembourg (1285-1354) was a pivotal figure in the Holy Roman Empire when he was alive, best known for his services as Archbishop of Trier. In a time when the archbishops of western Germany were particularly powerful and influential, he proved to be an excellent statesman, exercising strong control over his territories, which expanded to reach Mainz, Worms, Speyer, and Koblenz. Acting as a veritable sovereign, he reformed and reorganized the area, his orders reaching Cochem, to which he granted market rights. |
Having become the city's heart, Marktplatz hosted the town hall (Rathaus), which today shows its 1739 version - a pink building with a grey roof. Facing it is a 1906 fountain that spills wine for a brief time during the local Wine Festival. And wine's importance for Cochem is also signaled by an empty wine barrel: the town hall used to be the city's wine cellar.
In Marktplatz, the colorful half-timbered houses will have your attention, and in the background, you'll also spot St. Martin Church's bell tower. Before you go, check the 1935 bronze equestrian statue by Anton Nagel on the fountain top: it is called Martinsbrunnen (literally "Martin's Fountain") and portrays St. Martin, the city's saint patron, cutting up his cloak, and a man reaching out to him with his hands.
➜ The scene comes from his legendary life tale: it goes that when St. Martin encountered a poor man shivering on the side of the street, he sword-cut his cloak and gave the man a half. The episode symbolizes the saint's charitative attitude.
Marktplatz may be Cochem's main square, but Enderttor (literally "Endert Gate") is the city's main gate and the most imponent of the three still standing. It takes its name from the valley it opens up onto, Enderttal.
➜ Giving gates the names of the main destination one could reach by exiting the city in that direction was customary in the past.
Its location north of the Old Town means that it will probably be the first historic attraction you'll see. Make sure to give it a few minutes of your time, for it's one of the very few buildings to have reached us almost intact in Cochem.
Enderttor was built in the mid-1300s and commissioned by Balduin of Luxembourg, Archbishop of Trier, the same who granted Cochem market rights. The gate served as part of a protection system that included a round of city walls, and over time it was expanded and a gatekeeper's house was added (it still exists and has been used most recently as a hotel, now unfortunately closed). It also briefly became a prison. There are legends around its history and today is a beloved symbol of Cochem.
It appears as a brick building with a grey roof and shows a perfect German style, typical of this area. In fact, the materials used for its construction were easily found across the region. Today, it looks sandwiched between other buildings, but that's because the city walls the gate was part of today are no more - the whole area was much more airy in the past.
I know travelers have contrasting feelings when it comes to cemeteries and whether to visit them during a trip. I personally like to stroll around quietly and respectfully, and I remember the sense of serenity and peace I experienced when I reached Balduinstor in Cochem.
Balduinstor (Balduin's Gate) was built approx. at the same time as Enderttor, again commissioned by Balduin, Archbishop of Trier, in the mid-1300s. It's a stone building that looks a bit less mighty than Enderttor, but differently from it, Balduinstor still appears as it should have centuries ago: airy and surrounded by the city walls.
The gate borders Cochem Cemetery, a tranquil place that, especially if visited on a sunny day, gifts a moment of profound peace.
➜ From Balduinstor starts the climb to the Reichsburg or Cochem castle! Reach the gate with its city walls' portion then turn left to take Obergasse. Turn right when you meet Markt Street, then right again when you see Schlossstraße (Castle Street). At this point, just follow the signs and you'll be there. It's a 15-20 minute walk, depending on your pace.
There's another, less beaten path to the castle: it starts from Martinstor (St. Martin Gate), the last of the three main surviving gates of Cochem.
Built together with the other two as part of the city walls by the same Archbishop Balduin of Trier in the mid-1300s, Martinstor once was the customs and tolls gate and therefore had a central role in the city. It was where anyone who had to pay a toll to enter and exit the city had to pass.
After its original function ended, Martinstor was converted into an ice cellar, until in the 1800s its ruined state and position overlooking the Moselle caught the attention of the Romantics. People like Jacob Frederic Louis Ravené recognized its value and shaped a serpentine path that starts from the gate and reaches the castle. Along the path is also a Landschaftgarten (Landscape Garden), all built to create a panoramic, fairytale environment connecting two medieval city's symbols.
➜ The serpentine path is a great option to reach the castle and an alternative to the main road beginning at Balduinstor. Note that, if you instead go down from the castle heading towards Martinstor, you'll end up at the beginning of the Moselpromenade - the panoramic street on the river Moselle.
The Moselpromenade is a panoramic street flanking the Moselle river and you can take it right from Martinstor.
It will lead you up to the northern border of the Old Town, at Enderttor. Or, if you decide to proceed further, to the railway station, but this latter stretch of road will be less panoramic.
A stroll along this promenade is a perfect chance to relax and breathe in the hint of nature that every German city always offers. It's good to take the road in either direction, however, you'll have a perfect view of Cochem Castle only if you go north-south (thus from Enderttor and towards Martinstor!)
➜ Check the interactive map to see the Moselpromenade on Google Maps!
● Opening hours: every day, 8AM-6PM
● Tickets: free entry
● Visit Duration: 15 minutes
St. Martin Kirche (Church)'s bell tower is a frequent sight in Cochem. You'll spot it from Marktplatz and when going down the Moselpromenade - its shape will surely catch your attention!
St. Martin is a major religious temple in Cochem and the main Catholic center in town. It has a long history and is dedicated to the city's saint patron, St. Martin, who we have already met (at Marktplatz with Martinsbrunnen, and at Martinstor).
A church in this location was mentioned as early as 1130, but a more modern version of it was erected in 1456. Today, much of what we see is the fruit of a 1930s restoration or even more recent, coming from the 1950s or later. Unfortunately, Cochem was severely bombed in 1945, and St. Martin was not spared. The German Baroque-style slate bell tower was rebuilt in the 1960s.
Anyway, if the architecture is medieval-looking but not truly ancient and the interior is whitewashed, the church is worth a visit for the few interesting gems it holds:
Check the "Old Choir", a portion of the choir dating back to the 15th century that survived the 1945 bombings.
Admire the eight stained-glass windows in the choir, a 2009 work by British artist Graham Jones in watercolor nuances that reflect the colors of Cochem and its natural nest.
Look for the reliquary bust of St. Martin (in a niche opposite the altar), an impressive silver object made in the early 16th century to host the relics of the local patron, St. Martin, and probably donated to the city by Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian I (1459-1519) himself. It is studded with precious pearls and gems to honor the saint.
Notice the small statue of the Virgin Mary near the main altar - it is one of the few 1945 survivors!
One last thing before ending our Old Town tour! A little distance from Enderttor and St. Martin Kirche, on the Moselpromenade, is a small arch.
The arch, known today as Fuchsloch (Foxhole), used to be the smallest of the ancient city gates (or more like a passageway)!
Right in the middle of Cochem is an unexpecting green paradise: is Am Tummelchen (literally "at the small mound"), a panoramic viewpoint on a semi-hill where you can admire the Reichsburg in all its might, and also have a glance of the vineyards that constellate the local countryside.
At Am Tummelchen you can spot a few remnants of the past: here, the ancient city walls used to run, and a watch tower was placed to guard the area - now restored, it is still visible and known as Zuckertürmchen.
➜ If you reach Am Tummelchen, the castle is near! If you have not visited it yet, this is your chance.
THE REICHSBURG (COCHEM CASTLE)
● Opening hours: visits possible with guided tours only - Nov-March: 10AM - 3PM / Apr-Oct: 10AM - 5PM (check the official website for updates)
● Tickets: yes - full ticket: 8,50€ (10€ in 2025), children: 4,50€ (5€ in 2025)
● Visit Duration: 1-2 hours
● How to Get There: walk there choosing one path (check Balduinstor, Martinstor, Am Tummelchen from "Altstadt" section on this guide), or take the shuttle bus (line 701) from Enderttplatz. Cars cannot be parked in place.
Cochem Castle, known as Reichsburg (Imperial Castle), is the city's landmark and a characteristic view of the region.
The castle, actually a complex of buildings, was originally built around 1000 CE by the Counts Palatine who were ruling over this area, in a form that does not really resemble today's. In fact, when first mentioned in documents in 1130, it was no more than a single, octagonal tower with a few buildings, all enclosed within a primitive wall ring.
The castle was also not known as imperial when first built - the prefix Reichs- was only added later, in the 1150s, when the Counts Palatine lost control over Cochem and the king took over. Then, a new shift occurred when, in 1294, King Adolf of Nassau pledged the city and its castle to the Archbishop of Trier, and then never got it back. From that moment, the castle was often expanded and inhabited by weak Burggraffen (local rulers) controlled by the Archbishop.
Until the 17th century, the castle was rarely used as a noble or royal residence but mostly as a Zollburg (Toll Castle). This means that tolls and customs collected from the territory were gathered here. Then, in 1689 the medieval version of the building was destroyed by the French troops of Louis XIV, along with much of the city.
The Reichsburg never reacquired its original function and was not rebuilt for decades - the world had changed and castles like this did not have much use anymore! It took the wealthy Berliner merchant Louis Fréderic Jacques Ravené, a hopeless Romantic, to have the complex rebuilt in neo-Gothic style (1874-77). What we see today, besides some post-war adjustments, comes from this epoch. Only a few scattered medieval remnants survived.
What to see at Cochem Castle
Important Note: Visits to the castle's interiors are only possible via guided tours! I definitely suggest you check the Reichsburg's official website before going (it's being constantly updated) because opening hours are sloppy and subject to seasonal changes! Tours normally occur in German, while English-speaker will be given informative sheets. Walking around the courtyard and outer ring wall when I visited was possible even without a ticket.
➊ ARCHITECTURE: Generally speaking, what we visit today is a neo-Gothic, 1800s reconstruction of a medieval castle, based partially on documents and partially on what was believed to be "purely medieval" in the Romantic era. Its turrets and dormers were probably not there in medieval times. ➜ The medieval version of the castle is no more, however, a few original elements can still be spotted: look for the octagonal tower at the complex's center, where you can see a modern mosaic depicting St. Christopher carrying a child on his shoulders (the child is Christ himself!). That tower is the most ancient building here, with its lower part and vaulted cellar probably dating back to when the castle was founded (around 1100), ➜ Search for the north gate (in the Old Town's direction): it's the only surviving part of an ancient gate system, destroyed in 1689 by the French.
➊ INTERIOR: The interiors are almost completely the fruit of the 1800s restoration, reconstructed to replicate what was believed to be the way of living in a castle in the Middle Ages. The result is partially truthful and partially fantasy, but definitely interesting to see!
➜ The guided tour will bring you through a dining room (neo-Renaissance style), a Gothic and a Romanesque room (named after their decorations), a Knight's Hall (biggest space), a panoramic balcony, and a witch tower (gun tower). Plus, you'll have the chance to visit a small museum.
➜ On top of everything, notice the furniture: it was not originally from the castle but it's truly ancient - it dates back to the Renaissance/Baroque epoch and was collected by the Ravené family.
BUNDESBANK BUNKER
● Opening hours: Mon-Tue-Thu: closed / Wed-Fri-Sat-Sun: 10:45AM - 3:30PM (tours start at 11AM, 1PM, 3PM)
● Tickets: yes - full ticket: 13€, children: 7€
● Visit Duration: 1 hour
● How to Get There: Cars cannot be parked nearby / The bunker can be reached with a shuttle (take it at Enderttplatz) or on foot (circa 20 min from the city center)
● Official Website: Bundesbank Bunker
We may have learned to know Cochem as a medieval town, but the Bundesbank Bunker is going to change that concept!
The Bundesbank Bunker is, as the name goes, a bunker! It was in use during the Cold War (1964-1988) to hide some 15 billion Deutschsmarks - the currency of Germany at the time. When it was active, its existence was a secret (even Cochem citizens did not know its location) and it was managed by the Central Bank of Germany (Deutsche Bundesbank).
The bunker was a security measure: it had to financially shield West Germany from a sudden economic crisis due to hyperinflation - a much tangible possibility at a moment in history when a nuclear war seemed forever imminent. In this sense, West Germany was in a particularly delicate position, as it bordered East Germany, controlled by the USSR.
Very few people were allowed in the bunker, which appeared as a non-descript recreational building from the outside but was actually a complex tunnel of rooms underground. Inside, it was protected by a composite security system and was physically checked every few weeks by some auditors sent by the Bank - police and military officials were not allowed inside.
In the case of nuclear war, the bunker was structured to resist most attacks. Also, its facilities could host some 100 people and sustain them for circa two weeks - after such a period a possible emergency was thought to have overcome its crucial phase.
➊ Today, the bunker has ended its service and welcomes visitors. If it's the first time you hear of such a facility, it can be a great occasion to discover a whole new side of the 20th century and the Cold War! You can visit the bunker with guided tours (in German) or with audioguides (in English and Dutch). Don't forget to check opening hours beforehand though - they are not too accomodating!
Cochem: What to Eat and to Do
EAT AND DRINK IN COCHEM
The Moselle Valley is a lush and fertile land and thus has always gifted Cochem and its territory many products. These, over time, gave life to a tasty cuisine that is German at heart but not without a few regional twists!
Here are a few typical local dishes you can try in Cochem:
Wingertspool: a type of wooden meat skewer served with potatoes and remoulade sauce (mayonnaise with cucumbers, parsley, and capers)
Krumpernschnietcher: golden brown potato pancakes served with mayo or apple compote
Dämpesja: steamed potatoes with herby quark cream cheese
Teerdisch: potato purée with sauerkraut and bacon
Döppekooche: crusted potato cake with onions, bacon, and herbs originally eaten on St. Martin's Day
Zwiebelfleisch: a local version of this popular German dish is a must-have in Cochem - wine-marinated meat with onions
You can look for these dishes in one of these local food spots:
Zom Stüffje - €€
Bistro Am Brunnen - €€
Brief Guide to Wines and Vineyards in Cochem
Cochem and its territory are the place for all wine lovers, as the gentile sun and the mostly tepid weather produce a variety of fruity white wines! From here, comes some of the most ancient wines of Germany - there is proof that the Romans began their production. Also, wines from this region are probably the best-known abroad, for their quality managed to reach the international stage.
The Riesling is the most common variety of grape you can find here (and in the entire region - check Bacharach for a great alternative to Cochem's offer), which gives white wines that are the perfect smoothing addiction to the hearty and savory local cuisine.
The Elbling is another white grape, originally from the Moselle region and today produced almost exclusively in the area. The wine it produces is mostly sparkling, low in sugar, and slightly acid.
➊ Wanna add a wine-tasting experience to your Cochem itinerary? Or just wish to bring a good bottle of Riesling home with you? Try one of these wineries:
Weingut Kloster Ebernach (suggested by Falstaff as well!)
CHRISTMAS MARKET, FESTIVALS AND FAIRS
Cochem and this section of the Moselle Valley burst with events and festivals all year around, thanks to a lively wine scene and a great cultural environment. Then, of course, in late November Cochem sets up its best Christmas atmosphere, and that's when comes the Weinachtsmarkt (Christmas Market)!
This is what you can expect to find in Cochem throughout the year:
● Cochemer Weinlagenfest (4-6 July 2025): wine festival
● Sehler Quetschefest (second week of September): literally "Sehl's Squeeze Festival", it's a celebration of autumn and harvesting season. It takes place in a cozy little district called Sehl - a fraction of Cochem.
● Weihnachtsmarkt (29th November - 22nd December 2024): the local Christmas Market! It takes place all around the Old Town.
● Cochemer Burgweihnacht (14-15 December 2024): special Christmas event taking place every year at the Reichsburg - in German only!
HISTORISCHE SENFMÜHLEN (Historic Mustard Mill)
● Opening hours: open everyday, 10AM-6PM
● Location: Endertstraße 18
● Official Website: Historische Senfmühle
Cochem is the city of medieval vibes and half-timbered houses, but also of unique cultural experiences. There's a Cold War Bunker you can explore and a 200-year-old mustard mill!
The Historische Senfmühle (Historic Mustard Mill) is a true rarity, and today hosts functioning mills coming right from the Flanders area. They are among the most ancient in Europe and were brought to Germany in 1810. They have been used to produce a 15th-century mustard recipe ever since, together with a 19th-century one.
➊ Today, visitors to the Mills can purchase exquisite varieties of mustards - from the most traditional to a few Asian-fused ones. They can also have a guided tour through the facility every day at 11 AM, 2 PM, 3PM, and 4PM. The tour lasts some 30 minutes and costs 2,50€!
Cochem: What's Next
HIKING AND OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Needless to say, a territory with so much green space and countryside as that of Cochem calls for hiking trails and outdoor activities!
Once you are done with the town's exploration, you can decide to linger here a bit more and explore the Valley. If Cochem can take up to half a day to visit, consider spending a full day in the area to go for one of its popular trails.
Burgruine Winneburg
● Suggested starting point: Enderttor
● Length: ca. 3 km (1,86 mi)
● Duration: 1 hour
● Difficulty: Easy
Some 300m (984ft) above the Endert Valley is a ruined castle, built in 1240. It was the seat of a local noble family, the Winneburg. Officially, it was granted to the Archbishop of Trier in 1304, but the Winneburgs continued to live there. In 1689 it was besieged and blown up by the French troops like the rest of the city. It was never rebuilt - hilltop ruins were a dear sight in the Romantic era.
Today, Burgruine Winneburg (Winneburg Castle Ruins) is clearly visible from the valley, but the forest has claimed it back - vegetation is thick and might up here. It is always accessible without tickets, except for when it hosts medieval-themed events.
➜ The path to the ruins is the one with the best length/panorama balance from Cochem! You cannot park your car there but only nearby (at Hotel Winneburg), but the full walk is totally manageable. The view from the top is breathtaking.
Pinnerkreuz
● Suggested starting point: Enderttor
● Length: ca. 1 km (0,62 mi)
● Duration: 30 minutes
● Difficulty: Easy
Cochem is so nature-filled that you can reach a full-fledged green-immersed panoramic point in just half an hour from the Old Town! Climb your way from Enderttor until you see a cross (Kreuz) dominating the valley - a full 360° view for you.
➜ Pinnerkreuz is your chance to try the local Sesselbahn - the chair lift service. The lift takes you from the Old Town up to the valley and lets you choose between one of the many hiking trails that start from there. From up there, Pinnerkreuz is the easiest, shortest, and most practicable - perfect for kids. A return ticket costs 7,90€ for adults, 3,90€ for kids.
The Moselsteig Trail
Cochem is touched by a popular route that lets you explore the most fascinating places along the Moselle and its Valley - it's the Moselsteig Trail, it connects Koblenz with Trier, flanks the Luxembourg border, and includes Cochem among its 24 stages.
Cochem stands a few stages before (or after) Koblenz - stages 18 and 19. You can check all stages and find more information on the official website of the Moselsteig Trail.
The trail is highly panoramic and mostly medium-leveled (with a few challenging sections!), a great experience even if you are not an expert hiker. It's a relaxing stroll across vineyards, fields, small towns, and castles, with a few stops for discovering history and local traditions!
BURG ELTZ
● Location: 56294 Wierschem
If you've loved Cochem, its medieval vibes and its castle, if you are fond of German history and can't wait to delve deeper into its mysteries and complex castle system, or if you just can't get enough of dreamy medieval architecture, then Burg Eltz (Eltz Castle) is the place you should definitely visit next!
Located just a 30-minute drive from Cochem, Burg Eltz is easily the natural continuation of your tour through the Moselle Valley. A mighty and fascinating building coming straight from some 800 years ago, Burg Eltz is cradled among high trees and thick vegetation and is the ruler of the Valley.
➜ Note that Burg Eltz is normally open from April 1st to November 1st only. You can check the official website for updates, but if you visit the valley in winter, keep some ideas for a second option. A dedicated page for this castle will come soon!
References:
Deutschland Reiseführer, Vista Point Verlag GmbH, 2014.
Lonely Planet's Germany Travel Guide, Lonely Planet, Lonely Planet Publications Pty, 2013.
Dieter K. Buse, The Regions of Germany. A Reference Guide to History and Culture, Greenwood Press, 2005.
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