Explore Cochem In A Day: A Magical Journey Through Moselle

With June 3rd being a public holiday, I decided to extend my time off and included June 4th, Friday, in my plan for a one-day trip to Cochem.

The Moselle Valley and the Impact of COVID-19

During the COVID-19 pandemic, we were mostly confined to our homes with limited opportunities for socializing. The strict restrictions, especially since December 2020, were challenging for everyone. Fortunately, as the restrictions led to a drop in infection rates—down to 100, and even 50 in many cities—the easing of measures began.

A Change of Scenery

When planning this trip, the infection rate wasn’t my primary concern. I wanted a change of pace, even if it meant we couldn’t enter many places. As it turned out, my timing was perfect. With falling case numbers, restrictions had loosened, allowing both indoor (with a negative test) and outdoor dining. The streets were bustling again. Though crowds were a bit intimidating, we enjoyed a great short vacation by keeping our masks on and maintaining social distance. Despite the usual rain in Germany, we were lucky to have a 90% sunny day.

How I Planned My Trip

Car Rental

Since moving to Germany, not having a driver’s license was a major obstacle to our travel plans. Thankfully, we overcame this hurdle recently, as I detailed in my article about getting a driver’s license in Germany. We decided to rent a compact SUV for the trip from Enterprise, located a 10-15 minute walk from our home. Prices ranged from €60-70 per day, and we ended up with an Audi Q2 instead of a Seat Arona. We added a few insurance options for extra safety and paid €10 for an additional driver.

Tip: For short trips, avoid overfilling the gas tank to prevent unnecessary costs. We learned this the hard way and were unable to get a refund for the unused fuel.

Getting to Cochem from Düsseldorf

The 160 km drive from Düsseldorf to Cochem took about 2 hours. Our navigation system guided us via the A57 & A61 highways. We took a coffee break 30-40 km from Cochem, but found that Starbucks and other eateries were closed. Remember to carry some coins for restroom stops!

Arriving in Cochem

Upon arrival in Cochem, our first goal was to park the car. It’s a small city, so exploring on foot was the best option. We parked in the city’s main parking lot, guided by the signs. You can pay for parking with a credit card by selecting your desired stay duration.

Attractions in Cochem

Reichsburg Cochem (Cochem Castle)
First built in the 12th century, destroyed in the 17th century, and rebuilt in the 19th century, Cochem Castle is enchanting with its architecture, location, and views. The path up to the castle is equally delightful, with a scenic restaurant along the way and a machine for cold drinks at the entrance.

Cochem Old Town (Cochemer Altstadt)
The town square is lively, filled with restaurants, cafes, and shops, especially wine stores.

Cochem Chairlift (Cochemer Sesselbahn)
We decided to experience Cochem from above and took the chairlift. Be cautious and secure the safety bar manually once you’re seated, as we were caught off guard initially. The ride was thrilling despite my fear of heights. We chose a one-way ticket and descended on foot, adding to the adventure.

Wine Tasting

The pandemic limited wine tastings, but the region is renowned for its wines. We purchased a bottle of Dornfelder red wine and an Eiswein (Ice Wine) from Weingut Walter J. Oster. Eiswein is a specialty wine from cold regions like Canada and Germany, which I’m eager to try and will share my tasting experience in a future post.

Dining

After visiting the castle and buying wine, we noticed rapid COVID-19 testing tents in the city center. Wanting to enjoy a meal at a terrace, we quickly took a test, which came out negative in under 10 minutes, allowing us to dine freely.

We chose a restaurant with a river view terrace, Beim Weinbauer, and enjoyed a large portion of Schnitzel with salad and wine. Although the schnitzel wasn’t outstanding, it was satisfying.

Coffee and Ice Cream

In need of caffeine, we found a lovely coffee shop, Cochemer Kaffeerösterei, in the town square. Their flat white was excellent, and we enjoyed it in the picturesque surroundings.

Lastly, we treated ourselves to delicious ice cream from Gelateria Fratelli Bortolot, a place I had marked on Google Maps for its high ratings and photos.

Final Thoughts

Cochem is one of the most magnificent cities I’ve visited in Germany. Its unique scenery makes it a must-see destination. I shared a short video of our trip on YouTube and look forward to more short getaways this summer.

Happy travels to everyone!