Fairy Tales and Castles in Cochem, Germany

Last Updated on February 12, 2024 by Travelationship

Do you have an image of what a real-life fairytale town would look like? I did, and as we arrived by train into Cochem, I saw my fairytale come to life. Matthew had added Cochem to our trip itinerary and asked me not to do any research on it. This was his second visit to this area, and he wanted me to see it all as a complete surprise. It was his baby of the trip, and he had been waiting for it. Before arriving, all I knew was there was a castle, a forest hike, and schnitzel (of course).

Our Journey to Cochem

We took the train from Munich, and I wanted to hang my head out the window and take in all the sites we passed. Talk about some gorgeous countryside. The weather was not on our side during our time in Cochem, but it didn’t matter. We found breaks in the rain and used them to our advantage.

Tucked below the street level, we found a great little bar. Their doors opened wide to watch people, and the river go by. We spent the rainy afternoon lip-syncing to some 80’s music greats. It was fun to enjoy the day, relax, and make the best of the rain.

The view from our table in the bar.
The view from our table in the bar.
Matt chose a local pilsner.
Matt chose a local pilsner.
Heather went with a local white.
Heather went with a local white wine.

The Fairy Tale Castle in the Woods

In the morning, we took the train to Moselkern to start our hike to Burg Eltz Castle. I think there is no better way to get to Burg Eltz than trekking through the magical forest. Bring snacks or even a picnic to enjoy on your journey. It was so cool to walk through the woods and to turn a corner into a clearing and see an amazing castle on the top of the hill. I was seriously taken with this entire experience.

We toured the castle. Our guide was lovely and full of interesting historical tidbits. The castle does get crowded. Buy your tour tickets before wandering around; otherwise, you may wait a long time to get into the next tour. I believe some shuttles will take you to/from the castle, but if you want a better experience, take the forest route. Of course, bring plenty of water, and look out for slugs, bugs, and many critters.

The Burg Eltz trail head.
The Burg Eltz trailhead.
A little store along the first part of the trail to Burg Eltz.
A little store along the first part of the trail to Burg Eltz.
A slug on the trail.
A slug on the trail.
We made it to the castle.
We made it to the castle.
Burg Eltz peaking through the surrounding forest.
Burg Eltz is peaking through the surrounding forest.
A stone crest above the entrance to the courtyard of the castle.
A stone crest above the entrance to the courtyard of the castle.
Moss growing on the roof.
Moss was growing on the roof.
Now that's a solid door latch.
Now that’s a solid door latch.
A statue inside the treasury at the castle.
A statue inside the treasury at the castle.
A necklace inside the treasury at the castle.
A necklace inside the treasury at the castle.

Returning to the Charming Cochem

Upon returning to Cochem, we wander the streets around town, and I will say it again…fairytale. Locals waved and said Hello as we passed. From the views of the river to the views of the storefronts, the entire town was picture-perfect.

Looking towards Cochem and Reichsburg Castle from the bridge over the Moselle River.
Looking towards Cochem and Reichsburg Castle from the bridge over the Moselle River.
A wagon flower bed.
A wagon flower bed.
One of the many narrow streets running through Cochem Germany.
One of the many narrow streets running through Cochem, Germany.

The next morning, we went up the hill to visit the Reichsburg Cochem (Cochem Castle). As you walk up the hill to reach the castle, stop to take in the views of the mountains to the west and north, the town below, and the Mosel River and city to the east. Wow! So beautiful. Check their website for updated prices and tours. If you need a non-German-speaking tour guide, check ahead of time.

Reichsburg Cochem (Cochem Castle)
Reichsburg Cochem (Cochem Castle)
The outer gate leading into the castle.
The outer gate leading into the castle.
Helmed Lion statue overlooking Cochem and the Moselle River.
Helmed Lion statue overlooking Cochem and the Moselle River.
Reichsburg Castle from another angle on the walk down the hill.
Reichsburg Castle from another angle on the walk down the hill.

Helpful Tips from Matthew

The Moselle River Valley is the calmer, quieter younger brother to the Rhine. You get to see the best of Germany, its many small towns. The Moselle is sprinkled with towns, castles, and vineyards, particularly in the white family. Speedy trains connect the major points on the line, and local trains and buses fill all the gaps nicely.

Burg Eltz Castle: The castle has been intact and inhabited by the same family for over 800 years. Tours are the only way to see inside the castle and are included in the price of admission. Food is available on the grounds at the castle cafe. Tickets, parking, and food are all available, but CASH is the only payment option accepted.

You have three choices to get to the castle:

  1. Hike through the Elz Valley from the Moselkern train station, which takes roughly 90 min.
  2. A bus from the village of Karden, but this option is only available during the summer and on weekends.
  3. Your other option is driving or taking a taxi from a neighboring town.

*I strongly recommend taking the hike through the woods. It is the best possible way to arrive and sets the stage for the visit.

Most people stay in either Cochem or Koblenz, but if would like to be as close as you can, Moselkern has very limited options, so book as early as possible. Check their website; ticket prices may change, and the castle is not open all year.

*If you choose to take the train to Moselkern, I would advise you to buy your return ticket in advance as their train station is often closed.

The Moselkern Train Station.
The Moselkern Train Station.

Travel Basics

Language: German

  • Hello – Guten Tag! (goo-ten tahk) (formal) or Hallo (ha-lo) (informal)
  • Goodbye – Auf Wiedersehen (owf vee-der-zayn)
  • Please – Bitte (bit-teh)
  • Thank You – Danke (dahng-keh)
  • Where’s the toilet, please? – Wo ist die Toilette, bitte? (vaw ist ai-ne to-a-le-te, bit-teh?)

Money Matters:

Germany is part of the EU; therefore, on the Euro. You should do your currency conversion at the ATM and avoid Dynamic Conversion if it comes up during your transaction.

Tipping: As with most of Europe, tipping at restaurants is only done when getting table service; in this case, you should tip 5-10%. If you get your food as a takeaway, no tip is required. Taxis are also in the 5-10% range. Please give more if you feel your taxi driver went above and beyond. On the other hand, if you feel you are being taken advantage of and possibly driven in circles, feel free to skip the tip. The only other time you might consider giving a tip is with a tour guide or helpful hotel workers, like valets or the concierge.

Logistics:

Train – The train will be your number one option for this adventure, and as a bonus, you follow the river most of the way. Whether coming from Cologne, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt, or Munich, you will most likely be switching trains in Koblenz. The German train system is my favorite as far as being easy to navigate, clean, and on time, so this should be one of your easier treks. If you are coming from Germany’s neighbor, Paris also has a train that will connect you to Cochem.

Websites:

Recommendable: I would 100% recommend this adventure to anyone. We LOVED IT!

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3 thoughts on “Fairy Tales and Castles in Cochem, Germany”

  1. How do you find the start of the hike from the train station? We loved your article and have purchased our tickets to Cochem so far!!

    Reply

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