Moselle Cycle Path

The Moselle Cycle Path (Mosel-Radweg) is one of Germany’s most beloved long-distance cycle routes, winding for 248 km along the Moselle River from Schengen on the Luxembourg border to Koblenz. This gentle, mostly traffic-free path takes you through steep vineyard-covered hills, storybook villages with half-timbered houses, and past some of the country’s most famous wine estates. It’s a sensory delight: the scent of ripening grapes, the glint of sunlight on the river, and the taste of crisp Riesling at every turn. Perfect for a self-drive or multi-day itinerary, you can easily combine the cycle path with day trips to nearby castles and historic towns.

Highlights & What to See

• Riesling Vineyards & Wine Tasting – The path is lined with world-class wineries. Stop at a Straußwirtschaft (seasonal wine tavern) for a glass of local Riesling and a plate of Flammkuchen.
• Reichsburg Cochem – A fairy-tale castle perched above the town of Cochem. The climb is rewarded with panoramic views over the river and vineyards.
• Bernkastel-Kues – A picture-perfect medieval town with a market square ringed by gabled houses. Don’t miss the 17th-century town hall and the nearby Burg Landshut ruins.
• Moselle River Cruises – Combine cycling with a river cruise for a different perspective. Several operators offer bike-friendly boats between major towns.
• Burg Eltz – While not directly on the path, a short detour leads to this stunning, unspoiled medieval castle hidden in a forested valley.
• Deutsches Eck (German Corner) – At the confluence of the Moselle and Rhine rivers in Koblenz, a monumental statue of Emperor Wilhelm I marks the end (or start) of the route.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most cyclists take 5 to 7 days to cover the entire route, riding 40–60 km per day on the mostly flat terrain. This pace allows for leisurely wine stops, castle visits, and overnight stays in charming guesthouses. If you’re short on time, the most scenic and compact section is between Trier and Cochem (about 100 km), which can be done in 2–3 days. For a self-drive itinerary, consider parking in a central town like Bernkastel-Kues and exploring the path in day loops, using the excellent train connections to shuttle back to your car.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Trier – Germany’s oldest city, with Roman ruins including the Porta Nigra and the impressive Trier Cathedral.
• Koblenz – At the northern terminus, explore the historic Altstadt and take the cable car up to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress.
• Luxembourg City – A short drive from the start of the path, this UNESCO-listed city offers dramatic gorges and a vibrant cultural scene.
• Rhine Gorge (Upper Middle Rhine Valley) – Continue your journey north along the Rhine, a UNESCO World Heritage site packed with castles and steep vineyards.
• Saar Loop – A stunning meander of the Saar River near Mettlach, perfect for a hiking or cycling detour.

Please check official sources for current details.