If you’re looking for a fairytale escape nestled in a wine-loving valley, Cochem is the perfect day trip destination. With its half-timbered houses, riverside promenade, and medieval hilltop castle, this Moselle Valley gem is bursting with charm.

Whether you’re visiting from nearby Koblenz, Trier, or even Frankfurt, it’s easy to spend a leisurely day exploring Cochem’s historic sights, tasting local Riesling wine and enjoying the postcard-worthy views. In this blog post, I’ll share what to see and do in a day in Cochem and how to make the most of your time here.

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How to Get to Cochem

By Train

Cochem is well connected by regional train services. From Koblenz, the journey takes around 35 to 50 minutes, with regular departures throughout the day. From Trier, it’s between 45 and 60 minutes. Even from Frankfurt, you can reach Cochem in just over two hours with a change in Koblenz. It’s a lovely journey as the train passes through vineyards and small river towns. Make sure to get a window seat! You can check train schedules and book your tickets in English on Omio.

By Car

If you’re driving, the roads along the Moselle are smooth and straightforward. From Koblenz or Trier, it’s about an hour’s drive. Cochem has several car parks near the river, with the Pinnerstraße and Endertstraße areas being the most central. Be prepared for tight spaces and one-way streets. Payment is typically via ticket machines, and some car parks allow card payment.

Planning to rent a car? I recommend DiscoverCars for comparing prices and vehicles, and finding the best deals. There are flexible pickup options from nearby cities and airports.

Morning in Cochem

Wander Through the Old Town

Start your day with a stroll through Cochem’s Altstadt (Old Town). Cobbled lanes, colourful timber-framed houses, and cosy cafés set the scene. Don’t miss the Marktplatz, where you will find the 18th-century Baroque-style Rathaus (Town Hall). If you’re visiting on a weekend, there’s often a small market or live music to enjoy.

For a deep dive into the city’s history, which dates all the way back to the Celts and Romans, why not book a private guided tour? It’s the best way to see the highlights of the city, personalize the itinerary and ask your guide everything and anything about Cochem!

Visit Reichsburg Castle

No trip to Cochem is complete without visiting Reichsburg Castle, perched dramatically above the town. It’s a steep 20-minute walk from the centre, but there’s also a shuttle bus that runs regularly during peak season. Bus tickets cost €2.50 each way and can be bought on board from the driver.

Built in the 11th century, the current turreted medieval-style castle was restored in the Neo-Gothic style of German romanticism in the 19th century. If you want to see inside, you can book a guided tour to visit the Knight’s Hall, the Dining Hall, the Trophy Room, the courtyard and other opulent rooms. And the big plus is that you can photograph inside! Group tours are available in German and English (with translation sheets available in other languages). Visit the official castle website for tour prices and availability.

Afternoon Activities

Take a Moselle River Boat Ride

A river cruise is one of the most relaxing ways to see the Moselle Valley. From April to October, boats leave regularly from the riverside docks. Most short cruises last around an hour and include a commentary in English and German about the area’s wine culture and history. It’s especially beautiful in late summer or early autumn when the vineyards turn golden. Book your cruise tickets in advance here – ideal if you’re visiting during peak season.

Ride the Chairlift for Panoramic Views

For a different perspective, head to the Cochemer Sesselbahn (chairlift). It takes you up to the Pinnerkreuz viewpoint, where you’ll be treated to one of the best panoramas of the town, river, and Reichsburg Castle.

There’s a café at the top if you fancy a drink before heading back down. You can take the chairlift both ways, or take the chairlift up and walk back down. It’s a peaceful stroll downhill along a forested trail, taking around 30 minutes.

Try the Regional Food and Wine

No visit to Cochem is complete without indulging in a glass (or two) of local Riesling wine. The region is known for its crisp whites and family-run wineries. Many restaurants and taverns offer wine flights so you can sample different varieties. There’s even a vending machine selling bottles of wine in the Old Town, which we were clearly very excited to discover!

Pair your wine with a plate of Flammkuchen (a flatbread, traditionally loaded with crème fraîche, onions, and lardons) or Winzersteak (a local speciality of tender pork steak marinated in wine).

Practical Tips for Visiting Cochem

Getting Around Cochem

Cochem’s Old Town is very compact and walkable, but the castle and chairlift involve some uphill sections and stairs. Taxis and the castle shuttle help avoid the steep climbs, and the riverfront area is mostly flat.  

When to Visit

Cochem is especially lively from April to October, when river cruises are in full swing and the vineyards are lush. The Cochem Castle Festival in August brings medieval flair and craftsmen, jugglers and mercenaries in full costume, while late September to October is prime wine festival season. In winter, the town quiets down but has a charming Christmas market in December.

Staying Overnight

If you fall under Cochem’s spell and want to stay longer, there are plenty of accommodation options in town, from riverside boutique hotels to family-run guesthouses. You can check availability on Booking to find something that suits your style and budget.

I hope this blog post has shown you that although Cochem is small, it packs a punch, ideal for a day of relaxed exploring, riverside wandering, and sweet Riesling sipping. If you’re planning a trip to the Moselle Valley, or nearby Rhine Valley, check out my blog posts One Day in Trier: Highlights of Germany’s Oldest City and How To Spend 3 Days in Rüdesheim am Rhine.

If you’ve been to Cochem, what was your favourite thing about your visit? If you have any questions, let me know and I’ll answer them in the comments.

Ciao for now

Izzie, the Curious Sparrow