The Moselle River

About the Moselle

UNESCO Heritage Sites

Enjoy wineries and vineyards along the winding Moselle River valley

Ports-of-Call on the Moselle River

Here you can find a list of some of the more common river cruise ports along the Moselle River as it flows through Europe. These may be the most common, but there may be others that can be found on select river cruises. Your River Cruise Artist can provide you with the full itinerary and all ports for any river cruise that you may be interested in, on any river cruise operator. Explore the Moselle River further and learn more about it’s ports-of-call.

Bernkastel

Germany

Bernkastel is a well-known wine growing center on the Middle Moselle in the Bernkastel-Wittlich district in Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany. The town, on the banks of a sharp bend in the Moselle, is a state-recognized health resort, seat of the Verbandsgemeinde of Bernkastel-Kues and birthplace of one of the most famous German polymaths, the medieval churchman and philosopher Nikolaus von Kues. A very rich history apparent in Bernkastel, the earliest evidence of human habitation from about 3000 BC was discovered by archaeologists in the area. Worth seeing in Bernkastel is the medieval marketplace with its gabled timber-frame houses from the 17th century. Around the Saint Michael’s Fountain from 1606 gathers a row of well-preserved buildings and also the Renaissance Town Hall from 1608. The Graach Gate is an often-visited attraction. Above the constituent community of Bernkastel lie the Castle Landshut ruins, a former summer residence of the Archbishops of Trier that was destroyed by fire on 8 January 1692.

Cochem

Germany

The historic and picturesque German town of Cochem lies on the banks of the Moselle River with wine and tourism being its primary industries. Cochem has its roots in the Celtic and Roman eras with town notations as early as 886 AD. Today Cochem offers Moselle River cruisers the opportunity to walk the narrow cobblestone streets of half-timbered houses, quaint shops and cafes and historic architectural elements. Don’t miss the Cochem Imperial Castle that has long looked out over the town from the hill above. But your time may best be served by just meandering through the town taking in the rich history and culture that you find around every historic bend.

Koblenz

Germany

At the famous point where the Moselle River flows into the mighty Rhine River on its journey north, you will find Koblenz! A quintessential German historical town whose history revolves of course around the rivers that meet there. The imposing monument to German Emperor William I of Germany, mounted on a 45-foot-high horse, was inaugurated at the confluence of the rivers by his grandson Wilhelm II. Enjoy a ride on the cable car that connects the town to the hilltop Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, which hosts museums and cultural events. Further south along the Rhine River is the neo-Gothic Stolzenfels Castle with its enchanting gardens. Whatever your taste Koblenz is the perfect opportunity to explore.

Luxembourg City

Luxembourg

The capital of the tiny Grand Dutchy of Luxembourg, Luxembourg City is a favorite excursion for Moselle River cruises. Although not immediately on the Moselle, a short bus ride will take you to explore this unique European capital. Luxembourg City has a rich and tumultuous history from the Roman era through countless wars, conquests and battles, to today, as a thriving economic center in Europe that enjoys its strategic geographical position. Points of interest include the Gothic Revival Cathedral of Notre Dame, the fortifications, an art gallery underground called the AM Tunnel, the Grand Ducal Palace, the Gëlle Fra war memorial, the casemates, the Neumünster Abbey, the Place d’Armes, the Adolphe Bridge and the city hall. After all that if you have time visit the Second World War Luxembourg American Cemetery and Memorial. This cemetery is the final resting place of 5,076 American military including General George S. Patton. There is also a memorial to 371 Americans whose remains were never recovered or identified.

Metz

France

Metz is a small city in the northeast of France located on the banks of the confluence of the Moselle and the Seille rivers. Located near the point where France, Germany, and Luxembourg meet, Metz has historically occupied a strategic geographic position. Metz has a rich 3,000-year history from Celtic and Roman occupation to being the Merovingian capital of Austrasia and the birthplace of the Carolingian dynasty. The city is rich in French Romance culture but has is strongly influenced by Germanic culture due to its location and history. The city features points of interest such as the Gothic Saint-Stephen Cathedral with its amazing stained-glass windows, the Basilica of Saint-Pierre-aux-Nonnains, the oldest church in France, its Imperial Station Palace displaying the apartment of the German Kaiser, or its Opera House. Metz will surely be a favorite river cruise excursion as you sail the Moselle.

Trier

Germany

Founded by the Celts in the late 4th century BC as Treuorum, Trier was later conquered by the Romans in the late 1st century BC and renamed Trevorum or Augusta Treverorum, which is Latin for “The City of Augustus among the Treveri”. Trier is a historic treasure on the banks of the Moselle River with a rich history of preserved Roman sites like the Porta Nigra, the best-preserved Roman city gate north of the Alps, ruins of three Roman baths including the Barbara Baths and the Trier Imperial Baths, the Roman Amphitheater and the mighty Constantine Basilica. Other finds worth a visit on your Moselle River cruise include the Trier Cathedral, the Gothic Liebfrauenkirche, and St. Mattias’ Abbey. You could explore Trier for days – so don’t stay on your river cruise ship, get out and make the best of your port time here.

Your Moselle River Cruise Awaits!

Are you ready to start planning your Moselle River Cruise Vacation Your Way? A River Cruise Artist at River Cruise Your Way is ready to be your vacation concierge. Contact us today at 1-800-259-7612 or use the form below and let us know when it is most convenient to call you, we will confirm via e-mail, and then reach out at the agreed upon time and date.