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Discover some of Germany’s greatest riverside scenery, cycling along the Saar and Moselle rivers from Saarbrücken to Koblenz. Make your way through a landscape steeped in history and culture, from the French-influenced Saar Valley to the fertile wine-growing region of the Moselle Valley.
An easy and beguiling riverside cycling holiday from Saarbrücken, a German town with a distinctly french flavour, to Koblenz where the Moselle flows into the might Rhine.
Cochem
Riverbank cycle paths lead you along a valley laden with vineyards, Riesling grapes ripening in the sunshine. Charming medieval towns, comprising of pretty squares and half-timbered houses line the route, inviting you to stop for a break. Each evening you’ll stay in one of these pretty little places where there will be plenty of opportunities to taste the wonderful wines for which this region is famous.
Highlights include the natural wonder of the Saar Loop, the historic splendour of Trier and the delightful villages of Piesport, Bernkastel-Kues and Cochem. Of course the main delight is pedalling alongside the river through sublime scenery.
This is a laid-back cycling trip, travelling along flat terrain on well-maintained cycle paths beside the Saar and Moselle rivers. This tour is suitable for anyone with a basic fitness level.
On arrival make your way to your first hotel in Saarbrücken, which although a German town, still reflects the French culture of its former rulers. After checking in head for St Johanner Markt, the town’s bustling central square, where you’ll find numerous outdoor cafes, bars and restaurants. Baroque houses line the narrow streets making this a very pleasant place to stroll around.
Mount up and pedal out of Saarbrücken along the banks of the Saar River. Völklingen, a little further downstream, is home to the Völkingen Ironworks, a World Cultural Heritage Site and well worth a visit. Further still, the fortress town of Saarlouis is a nice place to stop for break before following the river out into the open countryside. A lovely cycle path leads you to the Saar Loop, a very picturesque bend in the river. Lock the bikes and walk uphill to the bluff to enjoy fantastic views over this natural beauty spot. From here it’s just a short ride to the small town of Mettlach where you stop for the night.
Scenic cycling today as the river wends its way through idyllic countryside. After following the river through a densely wooded area you reach Saarburg, a town with an impressive castle sitting high above its medieval streets. Stop for lunch to replenish your energy levels before continuing along the river to Trier. The town is thought to be Germany’s oldest town and boasts some very well-preserved Roman and medieval buildings, the most famous of which is the Porta Nigra city gate. The central square, Marktplatz, is a convivial place to enjoy a drink and/or a meal.
Your cycling adventure continues alongside the Moselle today. In the small town of Mehring you may wish to stop to visit ‘Villa Rustica’ a Roman manor house that has been partly reconstructed. A couple more bends in the river bring you to Trittenheim where a rather clever wine trail describes a year in the region’s wine producing process. This region is steeped in viticulture and the riverside village of Neumagen-Dhron claims to have produced wine for longer than any other town in Germany. You’ll spend the night in the lovely little village of Piesport – the village has given its name to the light bodied, white wines that this region is famous for.
After a few kilometers of easy cycling along the riverbank cycle path you reach the glorious old market town of Bernkastel-Kues. The town has a lovely square surrounded by colourful half-timbered town houses. Your destination for the day is Traben-Trarbach. The town has one foot on either side of the river and is surrounded by an amphitheatre of vineyards. If you can summon the energy, the walk up to the ruins of castle Grevenburg offers lovely views across the town and river.
You will cover quite a distance today but by now your legs will have become accustomed to the daily routine so the miles will melt away – the scenery is superb too and that always helps. The meandering river takes you first to Enkirch, another attractive riverside town, with the region’s characteristic half-timbered architecture. Next you’ll pass through Zell – famous for its ‘black cat’ wine. You’ll also have the chance to stop in Beilstein before reaching the picturesque medieval village of Cochem where you stop for the night. The castle overlooking the town has been reconstructed in a gothic style and is well worth a visit, not least for commanding views along the valley.
This will be your last day of cycling the Moselle cycle path, and you’ll be riding through more fantastic scenery and visiting pretty wine-growing villages like Winningen and Kobern Gondorf. Your final destination will be the city of Koblenz, where the Mosel meets the Rhine. Don’t miss the ‘German corner’ the confluence point of the two rivers and the perfect place to toast completion of your cycling adventure.
After breakfast it’s time to check-out and head for home or your next adventure.
Regular bikes provided are modern alloy framed models with 27 speeds. The bikes come equipped with pannier, lock and a repair kit with pump.
Electric bikes are also available.
Smaller framed children’s bikes, trailers and tag-a-longs are also available.
Helmets are not provided so you will need to bring your own.
Below you will find examples of the types of accommodation typically used on this tour. Please note that the hotels we book for you may differ slightly from those described but they will certainly be of a similar standard.
Superior: Good quality hotels and guesthouses.
Saarbrücken: Domicil Leidinger
Mettlach : Zum Schwan Mettlach
Trier: Vienna House
Piesport: Hotel Goldtropfchen
Traben-Trabach: Hotel Trabener Hof
Cochem: Hotel Cochemer Jung
Koblenz: Hotel Brenner
Local taxes: Some hotels have started to charge a local/tourist tax. These taxes are not included in the sale price of the tour and must be paid directly by you at check-in or checkout at the hotels. The fee varies and is frequently changing but as a guide, you may be asked to pay between €1-€4 per person per night.
Fly to Luxembourg, Frankfurt Hahn or Frankfurt International
Research flights from the UK here
From Luxembourg take the bus or from Frankfurt you can take the train
Research trains here
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