Things To Do in Cochem: Tips for This Charming Town in Germany

What to do in Cochem? This charming town in Germany sits right in the heart of the Moselle region and is one of the most popular spots for a weekend getaway or a short road trip. From half-timbered houses and wine terraces to a castle on the hill, this guide shares our best tips for Cochem and its surroundings. For us, Cochem was the perfect base to combine Burg Eltz and the Geierlay Suspension Bridge with a cozy German town full of charm.

The Best Things To Do in Cochem

There is plenty to do in and around Cochem. From a boat trip on the Moselle to walks along castles and vineyards, there are activities for every traveler. These are the best things to do in Cochem and beyond.

Stroll Through the Narrow Streets of Cochem

Cochem’s center is compact and perfect to explore on foot. You’ll wander past colorful half-timbered houses, small alleys, and lively squares filled with terraces and wine bars. The Markt with the Martinsbrunnen is one of those places where you instantly see why Cochem is so photogenic. Don’t forget to stop at a café, like Café Bistro Filou, for some traditional German cake.

Take a Boat Trip on the Moselle From Cochem

From the riverside promenade, boats depart daily for cruises where you can admire Cochem from the water. It’s especially atmospheric in the evening when the lights come on. You can choose short trips of about an hour (starting at around €12 per adult) or longer cruises that pass villages and vineyards along the way.

👉 Check boat tours in Cochem on GetYourGuide

Ride the Chairlift to the Pinnerberg and Pinnerkreuz

For a great view over Cochem and the Moselle, take the Sesselbahn (chairlift) up to the Pinnerberg. The lift departs from the Talstation at Endertstraße 44 and takes just a few minutes. A single ride costs about €5.90 per adult (€7.90 return), and children (4–14 years) pay €2.90. Family tickets are also available.

The lift runs from April through November. We visited at the end of March and thought it was still closed, but on the way home we saw that it had actually been open. A missed chance that we still regret a little! At the top you’ll find the Pinnerkreuz viewpoint, which is well worth a photo. You can ride up and walk down on a path through the forest. Note that strollers and wheelchairs cannot go on the chairlift.

Visit Reichsburg, the Castle of Cochem

The icon of Cochem is without doubt Reichsburg, a fairy-tale castle towering 100 meters above the town. From the outside it’s already impressive, but you can also visit the inside on a guided tour. In about 40 minutes you’ll walk through knight’s halls and old furniture while hearing stories about the castle’s history. The views from the castle walls over the Moselle Valley are the highlight.

Practical info: tickets cost €10 for adults and €5 for children. Family tickets are available. The castle is open from mid-March to early November from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm, with limited hours in winter. Entry to the interior is only possible with a guide.

We didn’t manage to visit Reichsburg ourselves due to lack of time, but if you’re in Cochem, this castle should definitely be on your list.

Discover the Fairytale-Like Burg Eltz

If you have a little more time, Burg Eltz is a must. This medieval castle is hidden in the forest and only half an hour from Cochem. For us, it was even the main reason to take this trip. We visited in winter when the gates were still closed, but even then the walk there and the sight of the castle from outside were impressive.

During the season you can join guided tours, visit the treasury, and have something to eat or drink at the castle.

👉 Read our complete guide to Burg Eltz here.

Go Hiking in the Moselle Valley

The area around Cochem is perfect for hiking through vineyards and forests. One of the most famous routes is the Moselsteig, a long-distance trail of 365 kilometers. You don’t need to hike it all: from Cochem you can follow stage 18 to Beilstein (13.8 km). This section is considered one of the most beautiful, with views of the Moselle and the picturesque village of Beilstein as your reward.

With kids, it’s better to pick a shorter hike, like the Elfengrotte near Bad Bertrich. Via the Eifel-Camino trail it takes about an hour round trip, with forest paths and the cave itself as a magical destination for young walkers.

Good to know: there are few facilities along the way, so bring enough water and snacks. Sturdy shoes are recommended, as some paths are steep and can get slippery. Autumn is particularly beautiful, though it can be busier.

Cross the Geierlay Suspension Bridge

About a 30-minute drive from Cochem lies the Geierlay Suspension Bridge, one of Germany’s most spectacular bridges. At 360 meters long and 100 meters high, it feels like you’re floating above the valley. The views are stunning: endless green forests and a stream winding far below.

From the parking lot in Mörsdorf it’s about a 20-minute walk to the bridge. The walk itself is fun, and the closer you get, the more exciting it feels. The bridge sways slightly with every step—an adventure for kids, maybe a challenge if you’re afraid of heights.

Practical info: entrance to the bridge is free, but parking in Mörsdorf costs a few euros. On weekends and holidays it can get crowded, so go early in the day or choose a weekday.

👉 Read our full guide to the Geierlay Suspension Bridge here.

Join a Wine Tour in the Moselle Region

The Moselle and wine go hand in hand. Riesling in particular is world-famous here for its fresh taste. In Cochem and surrounding villages you can visit wineries for tastings or guided tours through the vineyards. Often the winemakers themselves tell you about their work and family history, which makes it extra special.

Of course, you can simply step into a wine bar, but there are also organized tours where you taste several wines and learn more about the region. It’s fun to combine with a vineyard walk or a boat trip on the Moselle.

👉 Discover wine tour options in Cochem on GetYourGuide.

How To Get To Cochem

Cochem is easy to reach by car, only a few hours’ drive from major cities like Cologne, Frankfurt, or Düsseldorf. It’s a perfect destination for a weekend getaway.

By Car to Cochem

The easiest way to reach Cochem is by car. In and around the center there are several parking lots, including a large parking garage near the Moselle promenade. Expect to pay €5–€10 per day depending on the location. Parking spots can fill up quickly in high season, so arrive early or choose a place just outside the center to avoid traffic.

👉 Many hotels in Cochem have their own parking (free or affordable). Check this when booking, it can save you hassle.

By Train to Cochem

Cochem has its own train station, directly on the Moselle line between Koblenz and Trier. Regional trains (RE or RB) leave Koblenz every half hour and take about 40 minutes to reach Cochem. Travelers from the Netherlands can go via Düsseldorf or Cologne to Koblenz, while those coming from Belgium can travel via Liège.

The train ride is not only practical but also beautiful: the track along the Moselle winds past vineyards and picturesque villages. From Cochem station it’s a 10-minute walk to the center.

Best Time To Visit Cochem

Cochem is fun year-round, but each season has its charm:

• Spring: blossoms everywhere, still quiet.
• Summer: lively terraces, cruises, open restaurants. Also busier.
• Autumn: perhaps the most beautiful, with colorful vineyards and wine festivals.
• Winter: quiet and atmospheric, though some sights (like Burg Eltz) are closed.

Practical Tips for Visiting Cochem

• Parking in Cochem
  There are several parking areas around the center. In most cases you pay at a parking machine nearby. These machines usually accept coins and cards, though it varies per location.
  
  Something to keep in mind: Cochem does not (yet) use parking apps like EasyPark.
• Drones
  Drones are not allowed on the grounds of Burg Eltz and Reichsburg in Cochem.
  .
• Good shoes
  If you also want to walk the scenic trails outside the center through the Moselle Valley, bring sturdy shoes. The area is hilly and some paths can be uneven.
  .
• Summer Crowds
  In summer, especially on weekends, Cochem can get busy. Arrive early or choose a weekday to avoid the largest crowds.

Cochem With Kids

Cochem is great fun with kids. The chairlift is an adventure in itself, and the boat trips are also ideal for families. In town there are plenty of spots for ice cream and playgrounds, and the walk up to Reichsburg is doable with children. Combine it with the Geierlay Bridge or Burg Eltz and you’ll have an adventurous weekend for the whole family.

Best Hotels and Accommodations in Cochem

We stayed at Hotel Zehnthof, a lovely family hotel right on the Moselle. From here you can walk straight into the center and enjoy views of the river and the vineyards on the hills. The extensive German breakfast with fresh bread rolls was delicious. A fun and practical base to explore Cochem and the surrounding area.

Hotel Zehnthof, Cochem
⭑⭑⭑ 8.6 on Booking.com
Cozy family-run hotel directly on the Moselle. It’s a short walk to the center of Cochem, and in the morning you’ll enjoy a generous German breakfast.
👉 Check availability

Moselromantik Hotel Kessler Meyer, Cochem
⭑⭑⭑⭑ 8.7 on Booking.com
Wellness hotel with beautiful Moselle views. The indoor pool and spa make it a wonderful place to relax after your visit to Burg Eltz.
👉 Check availability

Parkhotel Cochem, Cochem
⭑⭑⭑ 8.3 on Booking.com
Centrally located hotel in Cochem, within walking distance of shops and the Moselle promenade. Spacious rooms and a good breakfast make for a comfortable stay.
👉 Check availability

Why You Should Visit Cochem and the Moselle Region

For us, Cochem was the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. The town itself is charming and compact, but it also sits right between highlights like Burg Eltz and the Geierlay Suspension Bridge. Add boat trips, vineyards, hikes, and castles, and you’ve got a destination that’s ideal for both couples and families. A place you can easily explore in a weekend, but where you’ll always want to stay longer.

Plan Your Trip to Cochem

Best hotels and accommodations in Cochem
Browse the best hotels on Booking.com

Tours and Activities in Cochem and Surroundings
There’s plenty to do in and around Cochem, from a boat trip on the Moselle to a wine tour or a day trip in the region. Check the options on GetYourGuide.

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