Explore the pretty town of Cochem and Reichsburg Castle

As part of your tour along the Moselle River, a stop at Cochem is inevitable.

The first thing that catches your eye, is the castle on the hill top towering above the pretty town. The combination really makes a very beautiful photo. And this is definitely also one of the places which you simply must see while you’re here.

High above Cochem raises the majestic castle of Reichsburg.

We would definitely a visit.

They have multiple guided tours during the day.
There are special children tours.
You can do a ghost tour.
And then you can attend the ‘knight meal” served over weekends, called the “Gasterey which is in the style of the old knights”. The “Rittergasterey” is an evening filled with everything from the bygone Castle era: A Tour of the Castle and then a music and fun-filled rustic evening with a traditional knight’s meal which is served in the castle cellar.
Every year on the first weekend in August a fabulous event takes place: actors and all kinds of people wait for visitors to the proud fortress in a medieval atmosphere and celebrate the medieval castle festival with the guests. This medieval market is a fun interactive event with entertainment and stalls where you can buy traditional items from craftsmen who demonstrate their craft to the guests. This is definitely a lot of fun and both the children and adults alike, enjoy every minute.

Christmas at Reichsburg Castle

During Christmas time the highlight is to attend the Reichsburgs’ “Burgweihnacht”. The Cochem Castle Christmas is a special event where the traditional Christmas story plays out in the courtyards of the castle with actors and real animals. You walk with Joseph and Mary in search of accommodation and stand with them in the manger, with the animals, when the archangel announces the birth of Jesus and the trumpet plays. This is a truly wonderful experience.

Thereafter you just have to attend the Cochem Christmas Market. Fairy lights, Gluwein, Hot Chocolate, and a magical Christmas atmosphere will round off a truly wonderful Christmas experience.

Watch this video to get an idea of the atmosphere:

Take walks along the beautiful promenade.

Travel between Frankfurt and Cochem, Germany

If you are not traveling with a tour group, you might want to see the Frankfurt Christmas Market which is one of the most beautiful Christmas Markets in Germany.

The distance is 170 km by car and it would take you about 2 hours if you don’t stop along the way (which I find a bit difficult, as I want to explore everything).

As the beautiful River Moselle runs through this town, you will have beautiful photo opportunities. On the River Promenade, you will find beautiful little restaurants and shops as well as walkways all along the river. Colorful buildings line the streets on both sides of the river. Stroll around the ‘old town’ with its beautiful shops and cafes and take in the beautiful architecture all around.

Along the river side you’ll find little gems like Hotel Haus Sonnschein, with beautiful river views. (Photo with compliments of booking.com) As it is on the opposite side of the river, you’ll also have the perfect view for photos of Cochem and the castle.

If you are a little bit more familiar with our travel recommendations, you’ll know that one of our biggest suggestions is to always emerge yourself in the culture. Stop to have lunch at beautiful places and enjoy local food. If you can do so at family owned places, all the better.

Another family-owned business where you can definitely stop for something to eat is Hotel Karl Müller. The Karl Müller’s Balduinstuben Restaurant features a terrace, and serves hearty German cuisine. Guests can also try a large selection of homemade ice cream in the Eiszeit ice cream parlor.