Mosel River Overview in Germany’s Reisling Region
The Mosel river could be considered petite by European river standards. It is only 339 miles long. However, this meandering river is anything but diminutive. Since Roman times, the Mosel region has cultivated excellent white wines and now contributes one-third of Germany’s wine production.
Along the Mosel river
From its source in the Vosges Mountains in France, the Mosel flows through historic Metz, France and then to Remich, Luxembourg where most river cruise ships greet their guests. It’s a short distance until the Moselle from France becomes the Mosel in Germany.
Your relaxing cruise down the Mosel arrives at Trier, the oldest city in Germany and perhaps all of Europe. Grassy riverbanks slowly give way to rolling hillsides and finally you are immersed in the trademark of the Mosel; the steep slope vineyards. Medieval castles and fortress ruins dot the picturesque landscape.
No one is in a hurry on the Mosel. Maybe it’s the wine, or the sunshine or the twists and turns of the river. Bernkastle is the next major town and a great place for wine-tasting. Close to the end of the river’s journey is the small tourist town of Cochem. Built high atop a 300 foot hill, the magnificent Reichsburg Castle looms over the village and casts a long shadow across the river as the sun sets behind the hills.
Before you know it, your Mosel river cruise comes to an end at the 2,000 year old city of Koblenz, where it flows into the legendary romantic Rhine River.
