In the first part of the “Vacation on the Mosel River Valley” series, we visited the villages in the Upper and Middle Mosel area, and now we focused on those in the Lower Mosel area.
The third day started in Hatzenport – a typical Mosel valley village of about 700 inhabitants, surrounded by rock formations and with many trails (including Hatzenporter Laysteig and WeinWetterWeg) through forests and massive vineyards that surrounds him. Although the route is quite tiring, you will be rewarded with panoramic views of the unique landscape with its terraced vineyards.
Hatzenport is an ideal starting point for numerous excursions and hikes, especially if you want to reach Eltz Castle.
We made our way through the village of Löf to Alken – an old town on the river valley, founded in Celtic and Roman times, dating back to 450 BC. It is one of the most attractive places on the Lower Mosel, located 22 km from Koblenz.
On a hill covered with deciduous forest, Thurant Castle stands as proof of antiquity – partly built on the old foundation from the Roman era.
From the beginning of the 16th century, the castle became a complete ruin during the destruction caused by the Wars of the Palatine Succession. In 1911, the castle was restored and opened to the public (ticket price €4/person/guided tour or €2.5/person/without guide).
We ended our third day in Oberfell – a small village that was once part of the Electorate of Trier and where some remains from the Middle Ages have been preserved, such as the Romanesque tower of the parish church (13th century).
On the last day we chose a route in Kobern-Gondorf – a village in the Lower Moselle area, known for its castles and historical buildings.
The districts of Kobern and Gondorf stretch for about three kilometers along the banks of the Mosel, about 17 kilometers from Koblenz and 33 kilometers from Cochem. Due to the low altitude, the historic center of the district of Kobern is particularly affected by floods.
Throughout the year there are many popular festivals, especially among wine lovers: the Wine and Castle Festival (first weekend in July) or the Wine Fair (second weekend in September).
After walking around the old town for a bit, we went up to the Niederburg Kobern fortress – the ruins of a castle on a hill, about 150 m above the village of Kobern.
On the same ridge, about 50 m higher, is the Oberburg Kobern with the Matthias Chapel. To get to the ruins, you have to follow the Moselsteig-Traumpfad Koberner Burgpfad trail.
We then ventured on the Tatzelwurmweg trail (7.4 km) through dense forest and picturesque vineyards. The Tatzelwurmweg owes its name to a mythical creature that – half lion, half worm – once lived hidden in the Kobern-Gondorf tunnel.
The starting point is the parish of Kobern, from where a narrow path leads up into the hills, which allows the first beautiful views of the Moselle valley. The spectacular drive then takes you through wide arable land and cool beech forests.
The descent also offers stunning views before reaching the starting point, the village of Kobern.
I hope you enjoy the Mosel Valley Vacation series and find the information useful if you plan to visit this special area.
Whether you choose a weekend trip or a two-week trip, the landscapes to the right and left of the Mosel are always worth a trip. Explore the Moselsteig trail through forests and vineyards, go for a Riesling wine tasting , enjoy wonderful views and let your gaze wander over the river valley and majestic castles.
(Mosel – August 2020)
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