Mosel-Radweg

The Mosel-Radweg ranks among Germany's most celebrated river cycling routes, weaving through three nations and some of Europe's finest wine country. This international cycling path begins in Metz, France, and flows alongside the meandering Mosel River for over 300 kilometers before reaching the dramatic Deutsches Eck in Koblenz, where the river merges with the mighty Rhine. The German section stretches 248 kilometers from Perl in Saarland to Koblenz in Rhineland-Palatinate, offering cyclists an exceptional journey through one of the continent's most storied wine regions.

The Mosel-Radweg combines remarkable accessibility with extraordinary cultural richness. The route follows the gentle curves of the river through varied landscapes, revealing treasures from Roman settlements and imposing medieval castles to charming half-timbered villages nestled between steep vineyard slopes. Since 2024, the path holds official recognition as an ADFC quality cycle route with 4 stars, confirming its status among Germany's premier long-distance cycling experiences.

Essential Route Information

• Difficulty level: Easy – suitable for cyclists of all ages and abilities
• Elevation profile: Mostly flat with gentle gradients following the river valley
• Surface types: Predominantly asphalt with well-maintained dedicated cycle paths
• Route type: Mix of traffic-separated paths, dedicated cycle lanes, and occasional shared road sections
• Recommended direction: Downstream from Metz/Perl to Koblenz following the natural flow
• Recommended bike: Touring or hybrid bikes ideal; suitable for families with children

Route Marking & Navigation

Navigation along the Mosel-Radweg remains straightforward thanks to excellent waymarking throughout the German section. The official main route follows one side of the river at any given point, recognizable by distinctive green and white route logos beneath cycle traffic signs. While some sections offer cycling opportunities on both riverbanks, the designated main route consistently provides the most attractive experience from a traffic perspective, alternating between right and left banks as terrain and infrastructure dictate.

The route features clear signposting as "Le Chemin de la Moselle" in the French sections and comprehensive directional markers throughout Germany. Numerous bridges and ferry crossings provide opportunities to switch sides when desired, offering flexibility for exploring both banks or accessing specific attractions and accommodations.

Best Direction & Season

The recommended direction follows the natural downstream flow from the source regions toward Koblenz, allowing cyclists to experience the gradual transformation from the gentler upper valley landscapes to the dramatically steep vineyard terraces of the middle Mosel. This direction also provides logical access to public transportation connections.

• Peak season: May through October for optimal weather and full service availability
• Spring (April-May): Mild temperatures, blooming landscapes, fewer crowds
• Summer (June-August): Warmest weather, longest days, all facilities open
• Autumn (September-October): Harvest season atmosphere, stunning fall colors, pleasant cycling conditions

Main Stages & Highlights

The route divides naturally into distinct sections, each offering unique character and attractions:

Perl/Schengen to Trier (42km)
This opening stage introduces cyclists to German wine country as the path follows the Mosel through the brief Saarland section before entering Rhineland-Palatinate. The landscape features gentle hills and the first significant wine villages, with Konz marking the confluence with the Saar River before reaching the historic Roman city of Trier.

Trier to Neumagen-Dhron (40km)
The cultural heart of the route showcases Trier's remarkable collection of Roman monuments and UNESCO World Heritage sites. The section continues through wine villages like Schweich and Longuich, offering glimpses of the vineyard landscapes that define the region.

Neumagen-Dhron to Traben-Trarbach (46km)
This stretch enters the famous Middle Mosel wine region, passing through celebrated wine towns including Piesport and the medieval gem of Bernkastel-Kues. Steep vineyard slopes begin to dominate the landscape while half-timbered architecture creates picture-perfect village scenes.

Traben-Trarbach to Cochem (60km)
Perhaps the most dramatic section winds through the steepest parts of the valley where terraced vineyards climb impossibly steep slopes. The art nouveau architecture of Traben-Trarbach gives way to smaller wine villages before reaching Cochem with its fairy-tale Reichsburg castle.

Cochem to Koblenz (54km)
The final stage completes the journey through the lower Mosel valley, where numerous castles and ruins dot the landscape. Historic sites like Burg Eltz in nearby side valleys and impressive fortress ruins create a fitting finale before the route concludes at the dramatic Deutsches Eck.

Key Attractions Along the Route

The Mosel-Radweg passes an extraordinary concentration of historical and cultural treasures:

• Roman monuments in Trier including Porta Nigra, amphitheater, and imperial baths
• Trier Cathedral and Liebfrauenkirche
• Upper Rhine Valley landscapes (near Koblenz)

• Reichsburg Cochem overlooking the river
• Burg Eltz in the nearby Eltz Valley
• Burgruine Landshut above Bernkastel-Kues
• Festung Ehrenbreitstein in Koblenz
• Burg Thurant near Alken

• Bernkastel-Kues with its medieval market square
• Neumagen-Dhron featuring the Roman wine ship replica
• Winningen, repeatedly honored as one of Germany's most beautiful villages
• Bremmer Calmont, Europe's steepest vineyard site

Accommodation Options

The Mosel region excels in providing cyclist-friendly accommodation throughout the route. The official Bed+Bike certification program ensures quality standards specifically designed for touring cyclists, with 130 certified hosts throughout the Mosel-Saar region offering specialized services including secure bike storage, repair tools, cycling maps, and flexible single-night bookings.

• Bed+Bike certified accommodations: Hotels, guesthouses, and pensions meeting cyclist-specific standards
• Wine estate lodging: Authentic stays at working vineyards with wine tasting opportunities
• Traditional hotels: Full-service accommodations in larger towns like Trier, Bernkastel-Kues, and Cochem
• Camping facilities: Well-equipped campgrounds in scenic riverside locations
• Holiday apartments: Self-catering options ideal for longer stays or families

Access & Transportation

Getting There
The route offers excellent accessibility via multiple transportation networks. Trier serves as the primary starting point for the German section, with direct rail connections from major cities including Frankfurt, Cologne, and Luxembourg City. The French starting point in Metz connects seamlessly to the high-speed TGV network, making international access straightforward. Regional airports in Luxembourg and Frankfurt-Hahn provide additional options for international travelers.

Getting Back
Koblenz provides outstanding onward connections as a major railway hub on the Rhine Valley line, with frequent services to Cologne, Frankfurt, and other German cities. The Deutsches Eck location places cyclists within easy walking distance of the main railway station. Throughout the route, the Mosel railway line serves key towns including Bullay, Cochem, and the branch line to Traben-Trarbach, enabling flexible stage cycling or emergency transport options.

Practical Considerations

The Mosel-Radweg prioritizes accessibility and safety for cyclists of all abilities. The path maintains mostly flat gradients with gentle inclines, making it suitable even for young family members and less experienced cyclists. The route's popularity as a transport corridor means occasional proximity to roads and railway lines, though dedicated cycling infrastructure predominates.

• Well-separated cycle paths minimize traffic interaction throughout most sections
• Stages 1 (Perl to Nittel) and 4 (Mehring to Piesport) particularly recommended for families
• Bridge and ferry crossings clearly marked and cyclist-friendly
• Emergency services accessible throughout the populated valley

• Bike shops and repair services available in all major towns
• Regular refreshment stops and restaurants specializing in regional cuisine
• Tourist information centers providing maps and local guidance
• Wine tastings and cellar tours at numerous estates along the route
• Public restrooms and water fountains at regular intervals
• 40 audio points providing regional insights and wine knowledge

Final Tips

The Mosel-Radweg delivers one of Europe's most culturally rich and scenically stunning river valley experiences. Allow extra time in Trier to explore the remarkable Roman heritage, and consider timing your visit during harvest season (September-October) to witness the wine country at its most vibrant. The route's flexible design accommodates any length of touring, from single-day excursions to week-long journeys exploring every historic village and castle.

The path connects seamlessly with other premier German cycling routes, including the Rhine Cycle Route at Koblenz and the Saar Cycle Route at Konz, creating opportunities for extended touring adventures. Whether seeking family-friendly cycling through gentle wine country or cultural immersion in one of Europe's most historically significant river valleys, the Mosel-Radweg offers an unforgettable cycling experience through the heart of continental European heritage.