Things to See and Do in the Mosel Wine Region – Visit Cochem

One of the larger communities in Germany’s Mosel Wine Region, Cochem offers visitors the charm of a medieval village, an impressive castle on a hill, and scenic views of the river and surrounding hillside vineyards.

Granted city and market rights in the 14th century, the village grew to become a center of craft and trade, and in the early 19th century saw the arrival of tourists.  By the 1930s, Cochem was an established tourist destination in the region and visitors today continue to enjoy the peaceful river, local wines, and cultural heritage.

The main sites you’ll see in Cochem include:

Reichsburg Cochem – a striking image with its many turrets and Hexenturm (Witches Tower), this fortified hilltop ‘Imperial Castle’, the largest on the Mosel, dates to around 1000 AD.  Built, it’s believed, for the Count Palatine, ownership of Reichsburg eventually passed to the Electorate of Trier, and for a time in the 17th century, was occupied by the troops of King Louis XIV of France, who subsequently destroyed much of the castle and the surrounding town.  Reconstructed in neo-Gothic style in the 19th century, Reichsburg became the summer home of the Ravené family of Berlin.  Owned and administered by the city of Cochem since the 1970s, the fully furnished castle is open to the public for guided tours and special events.

Kapuziner Kloster – a Capuchin Monastery founded in 1623 on land gifted to the monks by Elector Lothar von Metternich and inaugurated in 1634.  Following the dissolution of the Monastery due to secularization, the building was put to use in the 19th century as a hospital and a school.  Today the facility serves as a cultural center, meeting hall, and event venue.  Though the kloster is not open for tours, the view from monastery hill is worth the climb.

Enderttor Cochem Germany

Das Enderttor – one of three gates from the city’s medieval fortifications, the ‘Endert Gate’, which dates back to the 14th century, served as the northern entrance to the city, and for a time, as the city jail.  The other two gates are Balduinstor along the churchyard wall on Obergasse, and Martinstor, south of the city leading to a footpath up to Reichsburg Cochem.

Pfarrkirche St. Martin – the 15th century Parish Church of St. Martin is easily recognizable by its distinctive tower, the Kirchturm with arched passageway leading to the market square.  Heavily damaged during WWII the church was reconstructed in the 1950s.

Marktplatz – the picturesque ‘market place’ or town square features half-timbered, gabled houses; the 18th century Baroque-style City Hall (Rathaus); and Martin’s Fountain (Martinsbrunnen) with an equestrian statue of St. Martin.

Kaiser-Wilhelm-Tunnel Info Center  – a temporary exhibit on the construction of the new Deutsche Bahn rail tunnel, the info center provides practical information about the process of boring through the mountain.  On display are photos, videos, and a model of the roughly 300 ft x 33 ft wide, 1710-ton boring machine built specifically for this tunnel project.  The center is located at Endertstraße 9, just outside of the Enderttor, and is open several days a week, free to the public.

Where to eat in Cochem

We didn’t have time for a sit down meal while in Cochem, but were lucky to stumble upon one place serving quick, simple, and filling sandwiches ‘to go’, and one very promising pastry shop.

Metzgerei Noss – this busy little butcher shop has been around since 1745, and in addition to the typical German butcher shop items, they also sell fresh soups and sandwiches (selections may vary).  At the time of our visit they were offering hot pork roast sandwiches (a thick slice of pork on a crispy German brötchen) and pea soup.  We tried the sandwich, which we thought was really good, reasonably priced (about 3.00€ each), and generously portioned.  Metgerei Noss is located at Bernstraße 17, a short walk from Enderttor.   There is no seating available.  However, there are a couple of tables outside where you can stand while eating.

If you’re looking for dessert, Café Flair is located right across the street.  This konditerei selling beautiful cakes, pastries, and other sweets has terrace seating on the waterfront.

Getting there:

Cochem is located about 34 miles southwest of Koblenz and is accessible by boat (ferries and river cruise ships), car, and train.

Ticket Info:

Adult Admission (Reichsburg Cochem) = 5.00€, guided tour

Admission (Kaiser-Wilhelm-Tunnel Info Center) = FREE

Travel Tip:

There’s a convenient and somewhat inexpensive parking garage on Endertstraße just outside of the north gate Enderttor.  Follow the “Parkhaus” signs to get to the parking garage.

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