Moselle Bike & Barge

On arrival in Koblenz* make your own way to the boat for embarkation at 4pm. You will spend the evening and first night in Koblenz. The captain and his crew will welcome you on board at approximately 6pm. Located at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers, Koblenz has been an important defensive centre for the region over its more than 2000 year history. Its impressive fortifications are still in good condition today and it's worth exploring these, as well as the old town with its ancient churches. *Note alternative embarkation point for 25 April 2026: - board in Bonn at 4pm, departs at 5pm, moors overnight in Andernach (arrives 10pm). By boat to Alken on the morning of day 2 and follows the usual itinerary.

The first section of the route today to Alken is by boat. At Alken the cycle begins by crossing the river via a bridge and continuing along the banks of the Moselle. The first stop is Moselkern. You can park your bike and explore (around 35 minutes) the Elztal valley to Eltz Castle, considered one of the best preserved castles in Germany. Guided tours are available in English. Continue by bike to Cochem, which is overshadowed by the impressive Reichsburg Castle dating from 1051. Cochem is a lovely little town with historical half-timbered-houses and a picturesque Old town, surrounded by vineyards. You can choose to stay on board today if you prefer and enjoy the passing landscapes from the boat. +187m/613ft, -176m/577ft

This morning you will follow the river to Beilstein, which you can explore on foot. It has the steepest vineyard in Europe, Bremmer Calmont. Continue riding to Zell an der Mosel, well-known for the "Zellar Schwarze Katz" vineyard. We recommend taking the time to enjoy their popular wines. +177m/580ft, -159m/521ft

Today you will cycle to Traben-Trarbach, which displays Art Nouveau architecture at its best. Afterwards, continue to Bernkastel-Kues, which is an ideal place to explore with its stylish medieval market square surrounded by half timbered houses. You will find the barge in Keus after cycling through the town. +211m/692ft, -205m/672ft

Today you cycle to Piesport, the oldest winegrowing community along the Moselle, where you can visit the Roman cellars and vineyards. Further on you come to Neumagen-Dhron, the oldest wine village in Germany. Here you'll find a replica of Roman wine ship, located in front of the Peter Chapel, along with other traces of the Romans. After lunch continue to Mehring, a typical winegrowing village, where the boat awaits your arrival. +198m/649ft, -193m/633ft

The cycle this morning takes you past the small town of Pfalzel and on to Trier, considered to be Germany's oldest city, where the boat will be waiting for you. Trier is one of the oldest cities in Germany and its Roman roots are still visible in impressive buildings including the Porta Nigra, Konstantin basilica and Amphitheatre. +231m/757ft, -226m/741ft

Today you will be following the river via Wasserbillig to Saarburg, also known as "Little Venice". As you explore the town you will enjoy the narrow alleys, half-timbered houses, baroque buildings and colourful fisher houses. In the centre of town you'll also find a waterfall which is 20 metres deep. +211m/692ft, -187m/613ft