Moezel & Rijn: kastelen en wijndorpen

The Rhine skyline is dominated by the two iconic towers of Cologne Cathedral. A walk across the Hohenzollern Bridge offers panoramic views of the river and the thousands of colourful love locks on the iron railings. In the narrow streets around the Alter Markt, you can experience the local atmosphere in the traditional Brauhäuser. The wide promenade along the quay is perfect for a relaxing stroll along the water. In the modern Rheinauhafen district, the striking crane houses stand as modern beacons amidst the historic buildings. The Chocolate Museum on the riverbank serves as a recognisable landmark for visitors to the city. The combination of Gothic monuments and a convivial Rhenish lifestyle makes a stay here very varied.

In the west of Germany, Eifel National Park offers an impressive landscape of dense beech forests and expansive lakes. Hikers find peace here on the Wilderness Trail, which leads straight through protected nature reserves inhabited by wildcats and black storks. From the Urfttalsperre dam, you have a panoramic view over the water and the forested hills of the North Eifel. A visit to the historic Vogelsang IP complex offers a glimpse into the region's turbulent history amidst the greenery. For those who enjoy stargazing, this park is officially recognized as a Dark Sky Park, ensuring a spectacular night sky. The route through the park winds along deep valleys and offers numerous spots to enjoy the tranquility. In the accessible Wilder Kermeter area, special paths have been created that make nature enjoyable for everyone. This nature reserve contrasts with the nearby urban areas and invites visitors to slow down.

The Ahr Valley winds through a deeply carved valley known for its steep vineyards and red wines. Here, hikers follow the Red Wine Hiking Trail, which offers views of rugged rock formations above the river. In the heart of the region lies the Nürburgring, a racing circuit that attracts visitors for events and the Nordschleife. The surrounding area is characterized by a mix of dense forests and wine villages such as Bad Neuenahr-Ahrweiler. Along the banks of the Ahr runs the Ahr Cycle Path, a route that follows the course of the water downstream. The medieval ruin of Burg Are overlooks the narrow valley near Altenahr. The area combines the dynamism of the tarmac with outdoor nature experiences.

Nestled in a side valley of the Moselle lies this medieval castle, inhabited by the same family for centuries. Its location on a steep rock, surrounded by dense forests, creates a fairytale-like sight as soon as the edifice comes into view. Hiking trails through the surrounding Eltzer Wald nature reserve lead visitors past streams and over hills to the historic entrance gate. Within its walls, the well-preserved knight's halls and the treasury, showcasing gold and silver artifacts, can be admired. The architecture is characterized by numerous pointed towers and half-timbered details that rise above the trees. Due to its secluded position in the valley, a serene tranquility prevails, far from bustling roads. Visitors explore the courtyard and the surrounding hiking routes that offer views of the Elzbach valley. A visit to this place forms a natural transition between the vineyards of the Moselle and the rocky Rhine Valley.

The Moselle Valley winds its way between steep, vine-covered slopes through one of Germany's most picturesque river landscapes. At the heart of this region lies Cochem, where the imposing Reichsburg Castle towers high above the half-timbered houses and the river. Hikers can enjoy a spectacular view of the sharpest bend in the river at the nearby Moselschleife Bremm. For a unique underground experience, the former Bundesbank Bunker offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of the Cold War. Along the riverbanks, you'll find numerous places to sample local Riesling wines from small-scale winemakers. The narrow streets of the old town invite a leisurely stroll past historic facades and charming terraces. Cycle paths follow the course of the river, connecting the many charming wine villages in the immediate vicinity. The combination of medieval architecture and the natural beauty of the river valley makes this an essential part of a trip through Western Germany.

Bernkastel-Kues is nestled among the steep vineyards on the banks of the Moselle. The historic market square captivates with richly decorated half-timbered houses and the striking façade of the Spitzhäuschen. High above the town, the ruins of Landshut Castle watch over the river bend and the surrounding valleys. A stroll through the narrow alleys leads past atmospheric wine cellars where local Rieslings can be tasted. Across the river, the Kues district offers a quieter perspective with extensive hiking trails through nature. The Mittelmosel Museum, housed in a stately Baroque palace, tells the story of the ancient winemaking tradition in this region. The combination of medieval architecture and the rolling river landscape makes this a characteristic stop in the Moselle region.

In Germany's oldest city, you step directly into a rich past full of Roman influences. The imposing black city gate Porta Nigra towers above its surroundings, marking the entrance to the historic core. Along the banks of the Moselle, you'll find extensive thermal bath complexes that bear witness to a grand ancient past. The stately Trier Cathedral, with its diverse architectural styles, forms the city's religious heart. A stroll through the car-free city center takes you past colorful facades and charming squares. The surrounding hillsides are covered with vineyards, characteristic of this region. From nearby viewpoints, you have a panoramic view of the river bends and the city's rooftops. This place effortlessly combines deep history with the relaxed atmosphere of the German river landscape.

The city is situated at the foot of extensive vineyards where the Rhine makes a sharp bend. In the narrow Drosselgasse, a cozy atmosphere prevails, with numerous half-timbered houses and traditional wine taverns. By cable car, you silently glide up over the grapevines to the impressive Niederwalddenkmal. From this plateau, you have a panoramic view of the river and the surrounding green hills. Hiking enthusiasts can spend hours rambling along the paths of the Rheinsteig here. In the city center, museums full of mechanical musical instruments and historical cellars invite visitors. The riverside promenade offers expansive views of the passing ships entering the famous Rhine Gorge. It is a vibrant place where German wine culture and river landscapes naturally converge.

In the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage site lies one of the most legendary points of the Rhine Valley. Here, the famous Loreley Rock towers high above the river, where the water forces its way through the narrowest passage of the entire stream. From the plateau, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the river's sharp bends and the passing ships. Across the water lies the town of Sankt Goar, dominated by the imposing ruins of Burg Rheinfels. The extensive network of passages and thick walls of this fortress invite you to wander through the past for hours. Hiking trails wind along the steep vineyards, offering new perspectives on the dramatic river landscape at every turn. It is a place where natural beauty and medieval history converge in a spectacular way. The steep rock faces and the deep current make the power of nature palpable here.

In the heart of Germany lies one of Europe's most impressive Baroque park landscapes. Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe stretches across a steep slope and is crowned by the colossal Hercules Monument. From this highest point, water flows down through artificial cascades and fountains to the castle below. Schloss Wilhelmshöhe houses an important collection of Old Masters and overlooks the meticulously designed gardens. Walkers can explore miles of paths here, past temples, aqueducts, and a simulated castle ruin. The city of Kassel itself offers a modern counterpart with a rich art history and spacious parks along the Fulda River. A visit to the impressive water features is an absolute highlight during the summer months.

The medieval character of Bacharach comes to life in its narrow streets lined with half-timbered houses and historic facades. High above the rooftops, the prominent ruin of the Wernerkapelle towers over the vineyards adorning the slopes. From the well-preserved city wall, you can look out over the passing ships on the Rhine. The iconic Burg Stahleck stands guard over the valley, offering sweeping panoramic views of the river bend. Hikers follow the steep paths through the surrounding grapevines for a glimpse of the characteristic half-timbered architecture of the Altes Haus. In the evenings, the lights of the riverside villages reflect in the gently rippling water. The combination of Gothic architecture and an undulating river landscape makes this location a haven of tranquility in the region.