Flowing between the noble city of Koblenz and the attractive town of Bingen, the River Rhine (Rhein in German) meanders between slate mountains, hillside castles and steep vineyards to create one of the most beautiful and magical places in Europe.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the area around the Rhine is home to some of Germany’s most dramatic scenery, where forested hills are punctuated with craggy cliffs and steep vineyard vistas. Idyllic villages are dotted around the river and their timber houses and quaint churches really do conjure up the image of fairytales.
The Rhine Gorge may be one of the area’s best-known attractions, but there is plenty more to entice visitors to this region.
The Mosel (Moselle in French) is every bit as beautiful and dramatic as the Rhine. Broad sweeping bends, with vineyards covering deceptively high slopes reveal hidden delights such as the Roman remains in the city of Trier and the towering spires of Burg Eltz castle.
As it meets up with the Rhine in Koblenz, the Mosel offers superb walking and cycling opportunities. And let’s not forget the excellent wine which this region produces. The Mosel is home to Europe’s steepest vineyards and exploring them on foot is a great way to find out more about this region and its people.
When planning your walking holiday in Germany, it is worth knowing that the Rhine and Mosel Valleys pretty much go into hibernation from November until March. Weather depending, the season usually starts sometime in April. Spring and autumn are particularly pleasant times to visit the region when the crowds are fewer and the flowers are at their prettiest.