Getting away from it all – a relaxing time at a wine-growing estate
The river Moselle in Germany marks a landscape of superlatives – with steepened slated vineyards, with a rich, ancient culture and breath taking prospects. Recently a new walking trail “Moselsteig” (with the certification “Leading Quality Trail – Best of Europe”) has been opened. It leads 365 kilometres alongside the meandering river, but also some parts of it can be easily travelled on foot. On the way four Youth Hostels offer not only a budget but also a comfortable accommodation.
At the banks of the river Moselle winegrowers create some of the best international wines and the Romans established the oldest city in Germany. This is where you will encounter one of the most successful blends between culture and nature, sometimes enchanting and sometimes spectacular. The close proximity to France and Luxembourg has inspired the way of life and the culinary delights of the Moselle-area.
The Moselle valley lies in the south-west part of Germany (Rhineland-Palatinate) and is a tributary of the Rhine. Flowing through the very heart of Europe the river Moselle can claim to be truly international, as it binds three countries France, Luxembourg and Germany together.
From its source in the French Vosges „Col de Bussang“, to the historic city of Koblenz where it confluence’s with the Rhine, the Moselle winds its way over 545 kilometres, negotiating en-route twelve horse-shoe bends (loops). Because of its sheltered valleys the area enjoys one of the mildest climates in Germany. In the summer the valley attracts and retains the sun’s heat, which emerges again in the early morning of autumn and winter as a characteristic white mist.
The Moselle region of Mosel-Saar-Ruwer is probably best known for its wine production, the finest and most renowned wine being the Riesling. It is documented as being the largest Riesling producing area in the world consisting of 125 wine villages with almost 4000 vintners producing annually approximately 70 million bottles of wine.
The Moselle region has an extensive level network of cycle-paths and the very spectacular rambling path called “Moselsteig”. Both run from the upper Moselle via Trier and pass many romantic villages and towns, all of which are dominated by viticulture. One is Germany’s oldest town, Trier, remarkable for historic Roman buildings like the Porta Nigra (“black portal”), the amphitheatre and thermal baths. The modern
Youth Hostels Trier is situated directly at the banks of the river, not far away from the city centre.
Another famous town is Bernkastel-Kues with its lovely half-timbered houses and narrow lanes, where Nicholas of Cues was born over 600 years ago.
There is also Traben-Trarbach with its beautiful art nouveau villas. Close to the historic district the
Youth Hostel Traben-Trarbach can be found, all rooms are fitted with showers and WC.
The Reichsburg, standing proudly over the city of Cochem, can tell tales of knights and other medieval heroes. The modern
Youth Hostel in Cochem, slightly above the Moselle, reminds of a ship, which is floating on the river.
Further down the Moselle, the famed Burg Eltz stand majestically on inaccessible rugged rocks in a small valley just off the Moselle. In Koblenz the river flows together with the Rhine. The historic fortress Ehrenbreitstein, high above a rock, covers the most attractive
Youth Hostels Koblenz in the region. Recently. It has been completely renovated. Now all rooms are fitted with showers and WC.
Whether on foot, or comfortably by boat, here is the place to let your spirit range free. In the romantic valley of the Moselle tributary, the Saar, which is particularly pleasant to explore by bike, the lovely old town Saarburg with its remarkable castle site awaits you.
