Zell, a charming town located south of Cochem on a bend of the Mosel River, makes for a perfect base when exploring the area. Surrounded by sloping vineyards and numerous wineries, most of the activities in Zell are centered around wine, but there are also a handful of other things to see and do.
Exploring the Old Town
The main pedestrian street running through the Old Town (Altstadt) is Balduinstraße, where you’ll find plenty of wine shops, restaurants, and various other businesses. A little north of the Market Place (Marktplatz), Balduinstraße turns into Schloßstraße. As its name indicates, this is where you’ll find the 16th-century castle (schloß), now the Hotel Schloß (#20 on map).
Schloßkeller Restaurant
One of our recommended eateries, the Schloßkeller, is located in the south wing of the castle. This restaurant offers a cozy atmosphere and delicious regional cuisine, making it a great spot to dine during your visit to Zell.
Points of Interest
There are several points of interest in Zell that are worth visiting:
Marktplatz and Schwarze Katz Brunnen
The Marktplatz, or Market Place, is the site of many of the town’s festivals and events. Here, you’ll find the Black Cat Fountain, or Schwarze-Katz-Brunnen (#1 on map). Made of basalt rock, the fountain features the town’s mascot, a black cat that appears on everything in town, from tourist trinkets to shop shingles and the labels on bottles of local wines.
The Legend of the Black Cat
The black cat has become a symbol of Zell and its wines, thanks to a legend dating back to the 14th century. According to the story, a group of wine merchants were visiting the town to purchase wine. To determine which wine was the best, they decided to let a black cat choose. The cat repeatedly returned to a barrel from a particular vineyard, which led the merchants to purchase the entire lot. From then on, the wine from this vineyard became known as “Zeller Schwarze Katz” (Zell Black Cat).
Rathaus
The 19th-century Rathaus, or Town Hall (#24 on map), is located in Marktplatz and serves numerous functions. It houses the mayor’s office, the town library, the Museum of Wine and Local History, and the Tourist Information Office. The Rathaus underwent renovations from 2003-2005, and the updated architecture and modern artwork can be seen at the rear of the building.
Museum of Wine and Local History
Inside the Rathaus, you’ll find the Museum of Wine and Local History. This small but informative museum offers insights into the town’s history and its long-standing tradition of winemaking. Exhibits include old wine presses, bottles, and other wine-related artifacts, as well as displays on local customs and everyday life in Zell throughout the centuries.
Parish Church of Saint Peter
The 18th-century baroque Parish Church of Saint Peter (#22 on map) was built to replace a much earlier parish church. It houses a 15th-century baptismal font and a wooden statue of the Madonna, both of which are from the previous church. The church also contains a relic of St. Peter, reportedly a bone from his foot. Near the steps leading to the front entrance of the church, you’ll find a large mosaic depicting various events in the history of Zell.
The Mosaic of Zell’s History
The large mosaic near the Parish Church of Saint Peter is a fascinating work of art that tells the story of Zell’s history. The mosaic depicts scenes from the town’s past, including its founding by the Romans, the granting of city rights in the 13th century, and the town’s development as a fortified medieval settlement. Take some time to study the mosaic and appreciate the craftsmanship that went into creating this unique piece of public art.
Old Town Fortifications
Up on the hill above Zell, you’ll find the remnants of the town’s fortifications. The Viereckige Turm, or Square Tower (#13 on map), was used as a prison for a time and now serves as the entrance to the hillside cemetery. The Runder Turm, or Round Tower (#14 on map), also called the Powder or Munitions Tower, stands at the edge of the cemetery. The hike up to the towers and the cemetery is worth it for the stunning views of Zell and the Mosel River.
Hiking Trails and Scenic Views
Along With the hike up to the Old Town Fortifications, there are several other hiking trails in and around Zell that offer breathtaking views of the vineyards, the river, and the surrounding countryside. One popular route is the Moselsteig, a long-distance hiking trail that follows the Mosel River from Perl to Koblenz. The section near Zell offers particularly scenic views and passes by several wineries and villages.
Zell’s History and Wine Culture
Zell, known as Cella in Latin, is believed to have been founded by the Romans as a road station. The town was the site of warehouses (cellae) and bathhouses, the remains of which lie beneath part of the old town. Granted city rights in the 13th century, Zell became a fortified medieval town complete with city walls and towers.
The Importance of Wine
Today, Zell is a quaint town known for its excellent wines and relaxing atmosphere. The town’s location along the Mosel River and its proximity to numerous vineyards and wineries make it an ideal spot for wine enthusiasts. The most famous wine from Zell is the Zeller Schwarze Katz, named after the legendary black cat that is said to have chosen the best wine barrel in the 14th century.
Wine Festivals and Events
Throughout the year, Zell hosts several wine festivals and events that celebrate the town’s long-standing wine culture. One of the most popular events is the Zeller Schwarze Katz Festival, which takes place in late June. During this festival, visitors can sample a wide variety of local wines, enjoy live music and entertainment, and participate in guided vineyard tours and wine tastings.
Exploring the Mosel River
While visiting Zell, be sure to take some time to explore the beautiful Mosel River. One of the best ways to do this is by strolling or biking along the promenade on the banks of the river. This scenic path offers stunning views of the river, the vineyards, and the surrounding hills, and is a great way to relax and take in the beauty of the region.
Boat Tours and River Cruises
Another way to experience the Mosel River is by taking a boat tour or river cruise. Several companies offer tours that depart from Zell and take you along the river, passing by picturesque villages, medieval castles, and steep vineyards. These tours range from short sightseeing trips to longer cruises that include meals and wine tastings.
Exploring Nearby Towns and Villages
From Zell, you can easily explore other charming towns and villages along the Mosel River. Some notable nearby destinations include:
- Cochem: A picturesque town known for its stunning castle, half-timbered houses, and lively riverfront promenade.
- Beilstein: A tiny, romantic village often referred to as the “Sleeping Beauty of the Mosel” due to its well-preserved medieval architecture and charming atmosphere.
- Traben-Trarbach: A town famous for its art nouveau architecture, underground wine cellars, and the ruins of Grevenburg Castle.
Practical Information
Getting There
Zell is easily accessible by car, train, or bus. If driving, take the A48 or A1 highway and follow signs for Zell. If traveling by train, Zell has its own station, which is served by regional trains from Koblenz and Trier. There are also several bus routes that connect Zell with nearby towns and villages.
Accommodation
Zell offers a range of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences. Along With the Hotel Schloß mentioned earlier, there are several other hotels, guesthouses, and vacation rentals in the town. Many of these are located near the riverfront or in the Old Town, offering convenient access to Zell’s main attractions.
Tourist Information
For more information on things to see and do in Zell, as well as maps and brochures, visit the Tourist Information Office located in the Rathaus (Town Hall). The friendly staff can provide you with valuable tips and recommendations to help you make the most of your visit.
Zell is a charming and welcoming town that offers a perfect blend of wine culture, history, and natural beauty. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast, a history buff, or simply looking for a relaxing getaway, Zell has something to offer. By exploring the town’s attractions, sampling its delicious wines, and taking in the stunning scenery of the Mosel River, you’ll create unforgettable memories of your visit to this delightful corner of Germany.
