Ever since we moved to Germany, everyone told us that we must visit the Moselle Valley region. Also known as the oldest wine region in Germany, the Moselle Valley is home to the largest Riesling crop area in the world. Surrounded by rolling hills and vineyards everywhere you look, Cochem was the first place I wanted to visit in this area. Cochem, Germany is a gorgeous town located along the Moselle River with its beautiful castle towering above the city. Here is my ultimate travel guide and a list of my top 5 things to do in the charming fairytale town of Cochem.
1.Visit Cochem Castle
Cochem Castle also know as Reichsburg Castle is what I was looking forward to the most. I highly recommend that you take a tour of the castle. You can reach the castle by foot or you can take the shuttle up. It’s a beautiful walk up to the castle and not that difficult so if you feel you can make it I would definitely walk. Guided tours are offered Monday-Sunday every 15 minutes from 10:00-5:00. They are only offered in German. There is also a castle tavern that serves delicious meals that you can enjoy after your visit. See a full guide to the castle right here.
2. Cochem Bridge
Take a stroll across the beautiful Cochem Bridge. The bridge overlooks the town of Cochem and its beautiful castle above. This was my favorite place to take pictures of this fairytale town. If you cross the bridge to the other side of the river, you can get even better views of Cochem and its cute colorful buildings and castle. On the other side, there are large grassy areas that are perfect for a picnic along the river. Colt had so much fun playing with the ducks, and running along the river.
3. Cruise along the Mosel River
One of the top things to do in Cochem is to take a cruise down the Mosel River. There are several places in town where you can buy tickets. There are so many different tours available to see this beautiful region and its picturesque fairytale villages along the way. If you are staying for a couple of days, I highly recommend taking a romantic boat ride down the Mosel River.
4. Wander the streets of Cochem
My favorite thing to do when exploring new places is just wandering the streets of fairytale villages like Cochem. The winding cobblestone streets and cute shops and cafes make you feel like you stepped back in time. We had the best time eating at one of the charming cafes with its gorgeous views of the river. We also shopped at all the cute shops and stopped in one of the bakeries for the best apple pie. There are also several wine stores that sell wines from the Cochem Region.
5. Visit Cochem’s old medieval city gates
The largest of Cochem’s city gates was built in 1332. The gate served as a landmark for travelers for hundreds of years and protected the town from enemies. Legend has it that when the city was being attacked, the townspeople stacked all their empty wine barrels against the gate and when the enemy stormed the gate they were barreled over with the wine barrels.
I hope you enjoyed my ultimate travel guide and list of the top 5 things to do in Cochem. I am so thankful that we finally made it to this charming fairytale village!
When planning our first big road trip in Europe, we knew we wanted to stay close to home as borders were just starting to reopen after being closed for the virus. We decided to spend one week exploring Bavaria and Austria. I never knew how absolutely gorgeous this part of Europe was. I felt like I had just stepped foot into the Sound of Music which was one of my favorite movies growing up.
Day 1: Neuschwanstein Castle & Highline 179
We started our road trip with the four hour drive from our home in Germany to Neuschwanstein Castle. The castles in Germany are so incredible. I always feel like I am living in a fairy tale when I visit a German castle. This castle is not only one of the most beautiful castles in Europe but its the most visited castle in Germany as well. It is said that this castle was the inspiration for Sleeping Beauty. When I was little my grandmother always used to tell everyone that I looked just like Sleeping Beauty when I was sleeping. I think being a princess is every little girl’s dream, and that is exactly why this beautiful castle was first on my list of places to visit. The castle is located at the foot of the Bavarian Alps, and has the most gorgeous views. We decided to take the hike up to Mary’s Bridge. The views from the bridge are absolutely breathtaking.
After visiting the castle, we headed to Highline 179, the World’s longest Tibet-style footbridge. It’s only about 25 minutes from the castle, and you will cross over into Austria on the way. The drive to the bridge is so beautiful. There is even a beautiful castle to explore at the top of the bridge. You can either hike to the top or take a cable car up to the top. We had already done a lot of hiking at the castle so we decided to take the cable car up. You will need a ticket for the ride up and to walk across the bridge. We were there at sunset and it made for the most beautiful views of the Alps from the bridge and castle.
After leaving the bridge, we headed to Garmisch where we would be staying for the rest of the week. This was the perfect location for all of our adventures we had planned. We are a military family so we were able to stay at the Edelweiss Resort, but there are so many cute boutique hotels in the area.
Day 2: Partnach Gorge
When we woke up the next morning, it was raining. We decided this would be the perfect day to explore the Partnach Gorge. Everyone was looking forward to visiting this gorge. The river that cuts through the gorge is a beautiful blue color that looks like something out of a movie. The gorge was like nothing I have ever seen before. I felt like we were in the movie Journey to the Center of the Earth. You will find parking near the old Winter Olympic stadium in Garmisch. From there you can either walk or take a horse-drawn carriage ride to the entrance of the gorge. It takes less than an hour to walk through the entire gorge. This is definitely not to be missed.
Day 3: Hallstatt& Salzburg, Austria
Before we ever moved to Germany, I came across a picture of Hallstatt, Austria, and I knew that one day I just had to visit. Hallstatt is one of the most beautiful fairy tale villages in Europe. It took about 3 hours to get there from Garmisch, but it was so worth it. Hallstatt is beautiful in both the summer and winter. The weather was absolutely gorgeous the day we went. I have heard that it can be very crowded but we were lucky the day we went and it was not that crowded. We loved just walking around and enjoying the shops and cafes. We also had the most fun renting a swan paddle boat and taking it for a ride on Lake Hallstatt. It was truly the best day ever.
After spending most of the day in Hallstatt, we decided to make a quick stop in Salzburg. One of my favorite movies, The Sound of Music, takes place here. This is where The Von Trapp Family escaped the Nazi Regime during World War II. There are so many amazing places to visit from the movie. You can even take a Sound of Music tour. I recommend researching the location of the places you want to visit and taking your own tour. We only had time to visit one place and I knew exactly where that would be. One of my favorite parts of the movie is when they sing “I am sixteen going on seventeen” at the gazebo. The gazebo is actually located on the grounds of Schloss Hellbrunn. You can visit the gazebo for free because it is not inside the castle. I wish I had more time to visit more of this amazing city.
Day 4: Eisbee Lake & Oberammergau Alpine Coaster
Lake Eisbee is truly the most beautiful lake I have ever seen. It has the most gorgeous turquoise water surrounded by the Bavarian Alps. You can hike around the entire lake which takes about 2 hours, but the views are amazing. I recommend getting there early when it is less crowded so that you can really enjoy the hike all to yourself. There are several beautiful places to take pictures along the trail. You can swim, sunbathe, or rent a boat on the lake. We decided to rent a paddle boat and explore the lake. It turned out to be the perfect morning.
After visiting the lake, we headed for the town of Oberammergau. Located above the town is an alpine coaster. The alpine coaster has 73 turns and is 2.6 km long. You ride the chairlift up to the top, and then get in line for the most thrilling ride down the mountain. We got there near the end of the day and there were no lines at all. The boys rode several times and had the most fun! There is also a neat playground at the top to play on before you ride back down. We were the only ones there so I even enjoyed the swings that overlook the beautiful Bavarian Alps.
Day 5: Innsbruck, Austria & White Water Rafting
I absolutely fell in love with Austria on this trip. With its beautiful mountains, cute villages, and amazing views. The town of Innsbruck is the cutest ski town, and I can’t wait to go back this winter and see it all covered in snow. The drive from Garmisch to Innsbruck is so beautiful as you drive though all the small ski towns and mountains. It is also a great place to go white water rafting. Brandon and the boys went rafting while Colt and I explored Innsbruck. The boys had the best day on the river with Feel Free Outdoor Professionals. They offer several different rafting adventures and other outdoor adventures. While the boys were on the river, Colt and I walked around the beautiful town of Innsbruck. I loved the colorful houses along the river with the Alps in the background. We also tried to get a famous apple strudel at Strudelcafe Kroell, but they were closed for renovations. We will definitely be back to try one this winter.
Day 6: Geroldsee & Mount Wank
Find someone who will drive to the middle of nowhere, hike around this lake and get lost along the way just so you can take a picture in this exact location. Geroldsee was also on my list of places to visit in Bavaria. I believe this spot captures the true beauty of everything this part of Europe has to offer. It’s beautiful rolling hills, gorgeous lakes, little wood sheds, and of course the amazing Alps in the background. When you visit, be sure to walk all the way down the rock road, turn on the second rock road, and follow it around to the lake. It is truly a magical place.
And Finally, to top off our trip we took a cable car up to the top of Mount Wank. It was the best way to end our trip in Bavaria. There are two different mountains that are popular in this area, Mount Wank and Zugspitze, which is the highest point in Germany. We decided to go up Mount Wank and enjoy a beautful lunch. The ride up in the cable car has the most gorgeous views. Once you reach the top, there are two restaurants and a children’s playground. The views from the top are absolutely amazing!
We had the most amazing time in Bavaria and Austria. My hopes are that this guide will help you on your next adventure! I can’t wait to go back and explore more of this area in the winter!
As I walked through the doors to Eltz Castle, I felt like I was stepping into a Disney movie. It reminded me of the castle in Sleeping Beauty and also Hogwarts from Harry Potter. I would love to have thrown on a ballgown and taken a picture in front of this castle…maybe next time!
Burg Eltz is definitely one of the most magical castles in all of Germany. It is also one of the best preserved castles in the world. It’s hidden deep in the forest, and you can even take a magical walk through the forest to reach the castle. The castle is over 850 years old and has been in the Eltz family for more than 30 generations.
The prime period of castle construction was from the 11th to the 13th century. It was constructed in a strategically important position along the most important trade route in the German Empire. Burg Eltz was also never destroyed or overtaken. You can read all about the castle’s history here!
Burg Eltz: What to Know Before You Go
The castle is only open from April 1-November 1. You can visit the castle any time of the year, but it is only open for tours during these months. I would love to come back in the winter. It is open for tours from 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., seven days a week. I suggest getting there early before the tours start to have the castle all to yourself. There are German and English tours every 10-15 minutes and they last about 40 minutes as they take you through this magical castle.
The castle is hidden deep in the forest, and from the parking area you can either take a shuttle bus up to the castle or hike through the forest. There is also a small hike that goes along the same route as the shuttle bus, and I suggest that route on the way up to get some beautiful pictures along the way. I would then take the hike though the forest on the way back. The parking cost 2 euros and the shuttle bus also costs 2 euros each way.
Once you reach the castle, there is an admission fee to enter the castle and take the tour. Adults are 11 euro, children 7 euro, and the family card(2 adults and 2 or more children) 30 euro.
Exploring Burg Eltz
Once you enter the castle doors, you are ready to experience one of the most enchanting castles in Europe. You will take a walk around the castle to begin your tour. There are amazing views from the castle walls. You will then enter the inside walls of the castle as you wait for your tour to begin. The tour takes about 40 minutes. You are not allowed to take pictures inside the castle, but my favorite was the bed that was built in 1520. I also loved the beautiful windows and seating areas that opened up to the gorgeous views of the surrounding forest.
At the end of the tour, you can also explore the Burg Eltz Castle Treasury. Here you will find so many neat artifacts and antiques from the castle over the years. After exploring the castle, you can stop for a bite to eat. There are two restaurants where you can stop and relax and take in the views from the castle. We did not stop to eat but I have heard the food is delicious. There is also a cute little souvenir shop full of all kinds of medieval items to remember your time at the castle.
If you find yourself in Germany, you must visit this beautiful and enchanting castle for yourself. Take a step back in time, and enjoy learning about the history of this castle. I hope you find it as magical as I did!
As soon as the travel restrictions were lifted a little, we decided to take the short road trip to Heidelberg. After being required to stay at home for almost 2 months, it felt so good to get out and explore. Nestled on the banks of the Neckar River, Heidelberg is one of the most romantic and beautiful German towns. This 17th century German town is only about an hour south of Frankfurt. Heidelberg University, the oldest and most prestigious university in Germany, is located in this gorgeous city. Tourists flock to this charming town because of its rich history and beautiful landscape.
Heidleberg is a fairy tale town with cobblestone streets lined with shops and cafes. As we drove into the city, there were so many couples and families having picnics along the river bank. It was a gorgeous spring day and all the flowers were blooming everywhere.
Schloss Heidelberg
The highlight of our trip was the Heidelberg Castle. The castle sits high above the city and from the top there is the most amazing view of the city. One of the most romantic castles in Germany, the magnificent sandstone ruins of this castle showcase the history of German romanticism.
Several wars and fires contributed to the castle falling into ruins. The Friedrich and Ottheinrich buildings are some of the best-persevered structures on the castle grounds. The castle gardens were constructed around 1616 and were regarded as a masterpiece of their time. The gardens are built upon several terraces and contain flower beds, mazes, arbors, sculptures, ponds, and beautiful trees.
I suggest taking a walking tour of the castle to learn more about its history and legends.
Heidelberg Tun
The Heidelberg Tun is the worlds’s largest wine barrel. It was built in 1751 to house all the wine paid as taxes by the wine growers in the region. There was a dwarf that guarded the wine, and he was known for his ability to drink a lot of wine. Legend has it that he died when he mistakenly drank a glass of water.
Apothecary Museum
Located in the Ottheinrichsbau Building, the Apothecary Museum allows visitors to learn about the pharmacy and dispensaries they used back then. It takes you back in time as you learn about the types of medicines, potions, and remedies they used a long time ago.
Explore the Old Town in Heidelberg
Take a walk through Alstadt, or Old Town, and take a step back in time. Here you will find Hauptstrasse, the longest pedestrian walkway in Europe. Old Town is beautiful with lots of shops, cafes, book stores, and ice cream shops. There is definitely something for everyone here. You can also take a walking tour and learn more about the history and architecture of the city. In the heart of Alstadt is Marktplatz, the city’s historic main square. This is where Heidelberg’s annual Christmas Market is located.
The Old Bridge
The Old Bridge is a beautiful arch bridge. The view of it from the castle is amazing. It connects the old and new parts of Heidelberg. They also offer cruises along the river, which is a great way to see the city. It is said that Mark Twain spent a lot of time here, and was the inspiration for Huckleberry Finn.
The Christmas Market
If you are lucky enough to visit Heidelberg during the holiday season, you must visit the Christmas market. During this time, Heidelberg is transformed into a beautiful Christmas wonderland. It is spread over five beautiful and historic market squares with over 140 individual stalls. There is also an ice skating rink that sits below the castle and is truly a magical experience with the lights and Christmas music. I can’t wait to go back and experience the Christmas market this holiday season!
If you are in Germany. you must visit the magical town of Heidelberg!
When looking for the perfect place in Germany to spend our anniversary, I came across the magical town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber. As soon as we entered the walled city of Rothenburg, I felt like Belle from Beauty and the Beast. Rothenburg reminds me of a fairy tale storybook in real life. This tiny village is in southern Germany along the “Romantic Road”, which is a route through Germany that takes you to beautiful castles and villages.
This medieval village is surrounded by its original protective wall from the 12th century. The city is also the inspiration for several movies like Harry Potter (which my boys thought was so cool), Pinocchio, and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. When you first enter the walls of the city, it feels like you have stepped back in time. There are colorful half-timbered houses, shops, cafes and hotels lined up with cute little signs.
WHERE TO STAY
There are so many cute little hotels inside Rothenburg. It was hard to choose the perfect one, but I absolutely loved Hotel Reichskuchenmeister. It is one of the oldest houses in Rothenburg built in the 12th century. In 1540 the future Emperor Ferdinand I stayed in this house and in 1546 Emperor Charles V. It is in the perfect location in the center of the city and perfect for an overnight stay in Rothenburg. The rooms are historic and decorated with the cutest antique decor. You can even open your window and look out over the beautiful city. From the hotel, it is only a short walk to everything in the city. I also recommend eating here. There is a beautiful outside seating area that is perfect for lunch or a beautiful evening dinner.
WHAT TO SEE AND DO
I was so surprised at how much there was to do in this little village. My favorite thing to do was walk around and get lost down all the cute alley ways lined with colorful houses. It truly felt like taking a step back in time. There are so many cute shops and cafes!
You can also walk the entire wall of the city. The view from the top is amazing. Colt loved looking though the little holes where they used to shoot arrows when under attack. There is also a Crime and Justice Museum where you can see all the Medieval weapons and what they did to people that broke the law.
Christmas is everywhere in Rothenburg. We definitely want to come back and enjoy the big Christmas market they have here. They also have a German Christmas Museum and a Kathe Wohlfahrt Christmas store. I found the perfect ornament for our tree this year!
There are also several guided tours you can take and learn about the history of the city. We were hoping to go on the Night Watchman’s tour, but it was cancelled that evening. You can join the Watchman as he makes his nighttime rounds. Listen to his tales and catch a glimpse of how people lived a long time ago.
I also suggest checking out the gorgeous St. James Church. This beautiful cathedral was constructed in 1485, and the stained-glass windows and amazing architecture are not to be missed.
And Finally, after all the walking, stop and get a famous Rothenburg snowball! Also know as a Schneeball! We joked about getting one the entire trip! There are also lots of cafes to choose from that offer a variety of food and wine.
WHERE TO EAT
Since it was our anniversary, I decided to book one of the most romantic places to dine in Europe. The Cellar Room at Zur Holl, which dates back to 900. This medieval wine tavern is in the town’s oldest original buildings. They serve amazing German food and a great selection of Franconian wines.
If you come to Germany, you must visit Rothenburg. It is like being in a fairy tale! I can’t wait to visit during Christmas and experience the Christmas market!
