In our update about Koblenz you’ve already read that the Mosel flows into the Rhine in this city. For our visit to the Mosel Valley, we headed away from Koblenz about 60 km, to our final destination Cochem and the surrounding towns.
We stayed in a little village called Ney and took some small roads to the viewpont near Nörtershausen. On top of a steep little hill, you have a wonderfull view on the river and nearby villages. Afterwards we headed down and drove alongside the riverbanks up to Cochem, where we parked for a little stroll.
Our little traveling family!
Lovely towns along the way.
The banks of the river are surrounded by steep hills, which are mostly covered by vineyards. The Mosel area produces great wines, mostly white and rather sweet ones. Much to my liking! Wine growing dates back to the 4th century in the area and most of the vines are planted on the hills on terraces, on a ground with an elevation of usually around 30%.
Vineyards.
In the lovely town of Cochem we stopped for the obligatory ice-cream and made a little boat trip, up to Klotten and back. The kids really fancied one, but we decided not to make the tour too long as, well, toddlers do get bored rather quickly 🙂
Cochem, with vineyards up untill the castle high above the town.
Enjoying the surroundings. Give me water and hills and I’m a happy girl!
More vineyards.
Enjoying the scenery.
Cochem, seen from around the bend.
Looking out for birds and castles.
For me, this area had a lot more to offer than the Rhine Valley. The Mosel Valley curves its way trough the landscape, making it a picture perfect place to be. The long wine growing tradition adds to the value of the area and it is beyond my understanding why this is not on the Unesco World Heritage list (not even on the tentative list…!). If you are ever in the area, well worth a visit.
-A-
