Our destinations in September
The Moselle Valley – gentle curves through picturesque countryside
A river and its history: The Moselle Valley, situated in western Germany, is one of the most beautiful and oldest cultural landscapes in Europe. The River Moselle winds its way in gentle curves through a picturesque landscape characterised by steep vineyards, romantic villages and historic towns. This region offers a perfect blend of nature, culture and history.
The Mosel wine region: The Mosel Valley is particularly famous for its viticulture. The steep slopes along the river offer ideal conditions for growing grapes, especially Riesling. Many wineries in the region offer tastings and guided tours, during which visitors can learn more about winegrowing and sample local specialities.
Historic charm
Historic towns and charming villages: Among the cultural highlights of the Moselle Valley are towns such as Trier, Germany’s oldest city, with Roman ruins such as the Imperial Baths and the Porta Nigra. Other picturesque towns such as Cochem, Bernkastel-Kues and Traben-Trarbach attract visitors with their traditional half-timbered houses, castles and historic market squares.
Outdoor activities and nature experiences: The Moselle Valley offers numerous opportunities for nature and sports enthusiasts. The region is a paradise for cyclists and walkers. Breathtaking views of the valley can be enjoyed along the Moselle Cycle Route or on the footpaths through the vineyards. Furthermore, the river and the surrounding hills offer ideal conditions for water sports such as canoeing and sailing.
It’s all about winegrowing
Culinary delights and hospitality: The culinary landscape of the Moselle Valley is closely linked to viticulture. Regional specialities such as Moselle fish, ham and Riesling soup, together with the excellent wines, offer a unique taste experience. Many restaurants and inns in the region are renowned for their hospitality and the range of local produce they offer.
Events and festivals: Numerous events take place in the Moselle Valley throughout the year. The wine festivals, where the new wines of the season are celebrated and tasted, are particularly popular. Cultural events such as concerts, markets and festivals showcase the region’s traditions and zest for life.
A journey through the Moselle Valley: A journey through the Moselle Valley is a voyage of discovery through a landscape shaped by centuries-old culture, breathtaking nature and living traditions. Whether it’s a hike through the vineyards, a cycle ride along the river, a visit to historic sites or savouring the local cuisine and wines – the Moselle Valley offers something for everyone and remains an unforgettable experience.
The weather in the Moselle Valley in September
The golden season
The transition to autumn: In the Moselle Valley, September marks the transition from warm summer days to mild autumn weather. This time of year is known for its pleasant temperatures and lower rainfall, making it an ideal time for visits and outdoor activities in the region.
Mild temperatures and a pleasant climate: In September, average temperatures in the Moselle Valley range between 14 and 20 degrees Celsius. The days are still warm and sunny, whilst the evenings and nights are gradually becoming cooler. These conditions are perfect for hiking, cycling and outdoor sightseeing.
Less rainfall and more sunshine: September is one of the drier months in the Moselle Valley. Average rainfall is significantly lower compared to the summer months, resulting in more clear and sunny days. These weather conditions are ideal for the grape harvest, which is in full swing this month.
The grape harvest: A cultural highlight: September in the Moselle Valley is characterised by the grape harvest, an important and festive time for the region. The mild temperatures and low rainfall contribute to the quality of the grapes and make visits to the wineries and vineyards particularly attractive.
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Top 10 sights in the Moselle Valley:
- Eltz Castle:One of Germany’s best-preserved castles, rising picturesquely in a side valley of the Moselle.
- Cochem and the Imperial Castle: The charming little town of Cochem with its impressive Imperial Castle, which towers high above the Moselle.
- Bernkastel-Kues: A picturesque town with beautiful half-timbered houses and the famous market square.
- Mosel Bend near Bremm: A breathtaking vantage point offering spectacular views of one of the most beautiful bends in the Mosel.
- Traben-Trarbach and the underground world: A historic wine-growing town, known for its underground wine cellars and the unique Mosel Wine Museum.
- Trier: Germany’s oldest city, featuring Roman monuments such as the Porta Nigra and the Imperial Baths.
- Machern Monastery: A former monastery, now a popular attraction with a brewery, wine bar and museum.
- Wine Trail in Neumagen-Dhron: An educational trail providing interesting facts about viticulture and the local flora and fauna.
- Beilstein: Often referred to as the ‘Sleeping Beauty of the Moselle’, a picturesque village with medieval charm.
- Moselle Cycle Route: A popular cycle route that runs along the banks of the Moselle through picturesque countryside and vineyards.
1. Eltz Castle
Historic beauty in an idyllic setting: Eltz Castle, one of Germany’s best-preserved castles, lies hidden away in the forests of the Moselle Valley. This fairytale castle, which has been owned by the Counts and Countesses of Eltz for over 800 years, captivates visitors with its authentic medieval architecture and picturesque setting.
Unique architecture and a rich history: Eltz Castle is distinguished by its unique architecture, which combines Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque elements. The castle is famous for its towers, courtyards and the impressive Knights’ Hall. Despite wars and the passage of time, it has remained intact, making it a rare example of medieval architecture.
Museum and cultural heritage: The castle houses a museum displaying valuable art treasures, armour and historical furniture. The exhibitions offer an insight into the life and culture of the European nobility in the Middle Ages and the early modern period.
2. Cochem and the Imperial Castle
Cochem – an idyllic wine and Moselle town: Cochem, a charming town in the Moselle Valley, is renowned for its picturesque beauty and historical significance. Nestled in the rolling countryside with lush vineyards, Cochem attracts visitors with its romantic town centre, narrow streets and traditional half-timbered houses.
The Reichsburg – a landmark towering high above the Moselle: The Reichsburg, one of the most striking castles along the Moselle, towers majestically over the town of Cochem. This imposing castle dates back to the 12th century and was rebuilt in the 19th century in the Neo-Gothic style. Today, it is a popular destination for tourists wishing to enjoy the impressive architecture and the breathtaking views of the Moselle Valley.
Experience history and culture: Cochem Imperial Castle is not only an architectural gem but also a place steeped in history. On a guided tour of the castle, visitors can learn more about medieval life, the history of the region and the legends surrounding the castle. The magnificently furnished rooms and the Knights’ Hall are particularly worth seeing.
3. Bernkastel-Kues
A charming old town and picturesque vineyards: Bernkastel-Kues, one of the most famous towns in the Moselle Valley, enchants visitors with its picturesque old town and surrounding vineyards. The town, which stretches along both banks of the Moselle, is famous for its well-preserved medieval architecture, narrow streets and colourful half-timbered houses.
Cultural and historical centre: Bernkastel-Kues’ market square, with its Renaissance town hall and the famous Spitzhäuschen, is the town’s lively heart. The numerous historic buildings and monuments tell the rich history of the region. Particularly worth seeing is Landshut Castle, the ruins of a hilltop castle offering a breathtaking view of the Moselle valley.
Wine culture and culinary delights: Bernkastel-Kues is also a centre of Moselle wine culture. The town and its surroundings are famous for their excellent Riesling wines. Many vineyards offer wine tastings and guided tours, during which visitors can discover the delicate flavours of the local wines. The local restaurants serve matching Moselle specialities to accompany them.
4. The Moselle Loop at Bremm
Unique landscapes: The Moselle Loop near Bremm is one of the most impressive natural wonders in the Moselle Valley. Here, the River Moselle forms a striking and almost perfect loop, offering a breathtaking panorama. This spectacular river bend is a popular photo spot and attracts nature lovers and photographers from all over the world.
Calmont Via Ferrata viewpoint: For one of the best views of the Moselle loop, visitors should climb the Calmont Via Ferrata. This steep and challenging hiking trail leads up to Calmont, the steepest vineyard in Europe. Once at the top, hikers are rewarded with an unrivalled view of the Moselle Bend and the surrounding landscape.
Viticulture in an extreme location: The steep slopes around the Moselle Loop form part of the Moselle wine-growing region. The region’s winegrowers cultivate the vineyards here through painstaking manual labour, which makes the wine from this area particularly unique.
5. Traben-Trarbach
A charming historic wine-trading town: Traben-Trarbach, situated on the banks of the Moselle, is a town steeped in history and culture. Once known as an important wine trading centre, the town still bears witness to its former wealth through its impressive Art Nouveau buildings and historic wine cellars.
Architectural treasures and wine-growing culture: Unique to Traben-Trarbach is its architecture, which was heavily influenced by the famous architect Bruno Möhring. His Art Nouveau buildings characterise the townscape and make the town an architectural highlight in the region. The town is also renowned for its winegrowing and boasts numerous wineries that invite visitors to sample local wine specialities.
The underground world of Traben-Trarbach: A special attraction are the historic wine cellars beneath the town. These extensive cellars, some dating back to the 16th century, can be explored on guided tours and offer an insight into the town’s long wine-growing tradition.
6. Trier
A city steeped in history with Roman roots: Trier, situated on the banks of the Moselle, is one of Germany’s oldest cities and boasts a history stretching back over 2,000 years. Known as the ‘second Rome north of the Alps’, the city is home to numerous well-preserved Roman monuments, including the famous Porta Nigra, the Imperial Baths and the amphitheatre.
Medieval charm and Baroque splendour: alongside its Roman monuments, Trier offers a wealth of sights from the Middle Ages and the Baroque period. Trier Cathedral, Germany’s oldest bishop’s church, and the Church of Our Lady are outstanding examples of medieval architecture. The Baroque Palais Walderdorff and the Electoral Palace bear witness to the city’s magnificent past.
Culture and lifestyle on the Moselle: Trier is not only a lively place historically, but also culturally. Museums, galleries and the Trier Theatre offer a wide-ranging cultural programme. The Moselle region around Trier is also renowned for its wine-growing, which lends the city an additional culinary dimension. Cosy wine bars and seasonal wine festivals invite you to enjoy the local wine specialities.
Roman heritage and UNESCO World Heritage: As a city with eight UNESCO World Heritage sites, Trier is a significant centre of cultural heritage. The Roman buildings, medieval churches and Baroque palaces make Trier a fascinating destination for history buffs and culture lovers.
7. Machern Abbey
A historic abbey with a wide range of attractions: Machern Abbey, idyllically situated on the Moselle near the town of Bernkastel-Kues, is a former Cistercian convent with a rich history. Today it serves as a cultural centre and offers visitors a variety of attractions.
Museum, brewery and wine culture: One of the monastery’s main attractions is the monastery museum, which offers insights into the life and history of the Cistercian nuns. Machern Abbey also houses its own brewery, which produces traditional beers, as well as a winery that continues the wine-making tradition of the Moselle region. Visitors can sample local specialities here.
Art and events: In addition to the museum and culinary offerings, Machern Abbey is also a hub for art and culture. Concerts, exhibitions and other cultural events are held here regularly. The idyllic abbey garden provides the perfect setting for these events.
Family-friendly destination: Machern Monastery is also a popular destination for families. With a playground, a miniature park and other child-friendly activities, it is an ideal place for a relaxing family outing in the beautiful landscape of the Moselle Valley.
8. Wine Trail in Neumagen-Dhron
An educational journey through the vineyards: The Wine Trail in Neumagen-Dhron, one of Germany’s oldest wine-growing villages, offers a unique opportunity to delve deep into the world of viticulture. The trail takes visitors through picturesque vineyards along the Moselle and provides interesting facts about viticulture and local wine traditions.
Interactive learning experience: Along the trail, there are various stations providing information on the different aspects of viticulture – from vine maintenance to the grape harvest. Visitors have the opportunity to learn more about the different grape varieties, soil conditions and climatic factors that characterise the region’s wine.
Panoramic views and tasting opportunities: The Wine Trail offers not only education but also impressive views of the Moselle Valley. Along the way, there are numerous opportunities to sample the local wines and experience the outstanding quality of the wines from Neumagen-Dhron for yourself.
An experience for all the senses: The wine trail in Neumagen-Dhron is an experience that appeals to all the senses. It offers a perfect combination of learning, natural beauty and culinary delights, making it an ideal destination for wine lovers and anyone interested in the culture and history of viticulture.
9. Beilstein
A medieval village of breathtaking beauty: Beilstein, often referred to as the ‘Sleeping Beauty of the Moselle’, is one of the best-preserved medieval villages on the Moselle. With its winding alleys, traditional half-timbered houses and picturesque location right by the river, Beilstein embodies the charm and romance of bygone days.
Metternich Castle: A historic landmark: towering high above Beilstein are the imposing ruins of Metternich Castle. Built in the 12th century, the castle is accessible via a steep path and offers spectacular views over the Moselle valley. The ruins are not only a testament to the region’s eventful history but also a popular venue for cultural events.
An oasis of tranquillity and wine: Beilstein is surrounded by some of the best vineyards on the Moselle. Local winemakers offer tastings and guided tours, allowing visitors to discover the region’s fine Rieslings. The cosy wine bars and terraces along the river invite you to linger and enjoy yourself.
A popular destination for culture and nature lovers: with its picturesque beauty, historic sights and excellent wine, Beilstein is a must-see for any visitor to the Moselle Valley. The village is the perfect place to unwind and experience the beauty and culture of the Moselle region.
10. Moselle Cycle Route
A cycle route full of discoveries: the Moselle Cycle Route, one of the most popular cycle routes in Germany, stretches for around 248 kilometres along the picturesque Moselle Valley from Perl on the German-Luxembourg border to the Deutsches Eck in Koblenz, where the Moselle meets the Rhine.
Stunning views and cultural highlights: Along this route, cyclists experience a wealth of scenic and cultural highlights. The route passes through famous wine-growing villages, past steep vineyards, medieval castles and tranquil stretches of river. Highlights include towns such as Trier, Bernkastel-Kues and Cochem with their historic centres.
Suitable for all cyclists: The Moselle Cycle Route is suitable for cyclists of all abilities. The route is mostly flat and well-maintained, making it ideal for families, leisure cyclists and experienced cycle tourists. There are numerous accommodation options, restaurants and bike service points along the route.
Wine, nature and enjoyment: The route offers not only beautiful landscapes and cultural sights, but also the chance to sample the famous Moselle wines. Many vineyards along the route invite you to wine-tasting sessions and offer insights into winemaking.