Imagine a route that brings you closer to picturesque wine-growing villages and historic heritage shaped by more than 2000 years of history.
That is what this cycling trip in Germany along the Saar and Moselle valleys offers.
In this article, follow Bernard’s account of cycling this route in 2022.
We spent 280 km cycling along the Saar and Moselle from Saarburg to Koblenz, with overnight stops in Trier (and a detour via Wasserbillig), Piesport, Traben-Trarbach and Cochem. A real delight for anyone who enjoys leisurely cycling, with daily distances of 40 to 63 km, always on beautiful cycle paths over flat terrain. The banks of the Saar offer wonderfully beautiful natural scenery. Along the Moselle, the cycle path winds around the river’s many bends, with vineyards clinging to both valley slopes and breathtaking natural landscapes. We discover picturesque old villages and remnants of Roman history dating back more than 2000 years.
Our first stage takes us from Saarburg to Trier, following the right bank of the Saar to Konz, then making a detour via Wasserbillig in Luxembourg before heading to Trier. Saarburg is a very beautiful, compact town. The houses in the old town centre are decorated with geraniums, and the river running through the town has a beautiful waterfall.
Reflections of Saarburg © Bernard Charvoz
Saarburg town centre © Bernard Charvoz
Trier is Germany’s oldest city, founded by the Romans in 16 BC. The city still has remains from this period, such as the famous Porta Nigra, and you can also visit beautiful palaces and religious buildings.
Porta Nigra - Trier © Bernard Charvoz
Palace in Trier © Bernard Charvoz
For the second stage, we cycle from Trier to Piesport. Vineyards line the banks of the Moselle. We stop in Mehring to visit the Roman Villa Rustica. Then, in Leiwen, we climb to the Zummethof viewpoint. A breathtaking landscape awaits us, with an impressive view of the bend in the Moselle and the village of Trittenheim.
Roman Villa Rustica © Bernard Charvoz
Zummethof - view of Trittenheim © Bernard Charvoz
Not decided yet? Let us keep in touch.
A route idea, a seasonal tip, a date that opens up: one letter a week, written by the advisors who design the trips.
Your weekly dose of travel inspiration.
On the third day, after enjoying the tranquillity of the little village of Piesport and the warm welcome at our hotel, we get back on our bikes and head to Traben-Trarbach. Still surrounded by splendid scenery, with vineyards clinging to the slopes above the Moselle, we stop in Bernkastel-Kues. Although remains dating from the 3 millennium BC have been discovered, Bernkastel-Kues developed mainly during the medieval period. The old town on the right bank retains beautiful neighbourhoods and half-timbered houses. A climb to Landshut Castle gives us a sweeping view down over the town.
View from Landshut Castle © Bernard Charvoz
Bernkastel’s old town and half-timbered houses © Bernard Charvoz
The next day, we leave Traben-Trarbach for Cochem. One of the highlights of the route is the town of Zell, with its famous bend in the Moselle. To admire the view, we climb up to Marienburg and the Pünderich viewpoint.
Marienburg © Bernard Charvoz
Bend in the Moselle seen from Pünderich © Bernard Charvoz
For our final stage, we cycle from Cochem to Koblenz. At Moselkern, we walk up to the famous Burg Eltz castle, the most visited in Germany. We then pass through the beautiful villages of Kobern-Gondorf and Winningen before arriving in Koblenz, where the Moselle joins the Rhine at the Deutsches Eck.
Burg Eltz castle © Bernard Charvoz
Kobern-Gondorf © Bernard Charvoz
Confluence of the Rhine and the Moselle at the Deutsches Eck © Bernard Charvoz
After these five wonderful days of cycling, we take the train from Koblenz back to Saarburg to collect our vehicle.
Thank you to Grand Angle for organising this magnificent tailor-made cycling holiday along the Saar and the Moselle, from Saarburg to Koblenz. Truly enchanting!
The route from the Saar to the Moselle: a gentle escape
The route from Saarburg to Koblenz offers well-balanced daily stages of 40 to 65 kilometres. The route follows mostly flat terrain, allowing you to enjoy the scenery to the full without too much exertion. It is the ideal setting for a self-guided holiday, with time to savour every moment.
The wild Saar: a journey that begins in nature
The first few kilometres along the Saar set the tone. Wilder and less well known than its larger sister, the Moselle, the river winds through dense forests and unspoilt natural landscapes. This first section of the route immerses you in soothing natural surroundings, perfect for switching off and finding a comfortable pace.
The Moselle: vineyards and majestic meanders
From Konz, where the Saar joins the Moselle, the scenery changes. The valley widens, and vineyards cover the hillsides as far as the eye can see. Here, Riesling is the leading grape variety, producing world-renowned white wines with fruity and mineral notes. The cycle path follows the river’s winding curves, offering ever-changing views of spectacular meanders and villages nestled in the valleys.
When to go?
The best time to cycle the Moselle cycle route is from May to October. Spring brings landscapes in bloom and mild temperatures, while late summer and early autumn, from late August to early October, are alive with the bustle of the grape harvest and the many wine festivals held in the villages.
Local food and drink
Your holiday will also be a culinary journey of discovery. Be sure to taste Riesling directly at the wineries. Pair it with local specialities such as Zwiebelkuchen (onion tart) or trout freshly caught in the Moselle. The region is also known for its vineyard peaches, a delicious fruit celebrated in September.
Cycling the Moselle with Grand Angle
Has this travel story inspired you to hit the road? At Grand Angle, we draw on more than 40 years of expertise to create a holiday that suits you. Whether you are tempted by an organised cycling holiday or prefer a tailor-made option, we are here to help you along the way.
The Moselle offers options from independent cycling to bike-and-boat itineraries. Check current routes and departures before choosing a trip.
For more information or to plan your next tailor-made holiday together, please feel free to contact us. Europe and its most beautiful cycling routes await you!
© Text and photos - Bernard Charvoz
