Explore Bernkastel Kues Germany, a top destination in the Moselle Valley for scenic views, wine tours, and historic charm. Nestled in the heart of Rhineland-Palatinate, this magical little town stole our hearts the first time we visited during Christmas, when it truly felt like a real-life fairytale. From its half-timbered houses to the twinkling lights and riverside beauty, Bernkastel-Kues is straight out of a storybook.
Bernkastel Kues Germany Moselle Valley
Funny story: We booked a flight from Spain to Frankfurt only to realize just days before that it was actually Frankfurt-Hahn, not the main Frankfurt airport most people think of. 😅 That little mix-up turned out to be a happy accident, leading us straight into the Moselle Valley… and right into the heart of this hidden gem.
Coming back in summer was just as magical this time with lush green vineyards covering the hills instead of snow. Same town, totally different vibe.
Bernkastel Kues Boat Trips
We departed from Bernkastel-Kues aboard the Moselprinzessin, a beautiful river cruise boat operated by KD (Köln-Düsseldorfer). The cruise lasts about 1 hour and costs 13 euros per person. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The route offers a superb view of Bernkastel and the impressive Landshut Castle, along with stunning scenes of the Moselle Valley’s iconic castles, charming villages, and terraced vineyards.
During our journey, I savored a glass of local rosé wine. The Moselle Valley is celebrated for its exceptional rosé wines, particularly those crafted from Pinot Noir grapes. These wines are characterized by their delicate salmon-pink hue and aromatic profiles, often featuring notes of red berries and subtle floral undertones. The region’s cool climate and steep slate slopes contribute to the unique terroir, producing wines with high acidity and crisp freshness.
Watch our YouTube video to see beautiful footage of each destination!
Where to Eat in Bernkastel Kues
For a sweet start to your day, head to Die Lohners, a beloved local bakery chain with a cozy location right in the heart of Bernkastel-Kues. Known for its fresh pastries, breads, and cakes, it’s a perfect stop for breakfast or a mid-morning treat.
For lunch, Restaurant Café Thiesen is a great choice, offering classic German dishes in a relaxed setting with friendly service. We ordered the schnitzel, which was perfectly crisp and flavorful, followed by waffles with warm cherries for dessert, an absolute highlight.
Bernkastel Kues Wine
Bernkastel Kues is famous for producing high-quality Riesling wines, thanks to its slate vineyards, ideal climate, and centuries-old winemaking tradition. The Bernkasteler Doctor vineyard is one of the most prestigious vineyards in the country. It’s known for producing rich, aromatic Rieslings with exceptional aging potential.
The town is home to numerous family-run wineries and wine taverns, many of which offer tastings and cellar tours. Bernkastel-Kues also hosts the Middle Moselle Wine Festival (Mosel-Wein-Woche) each September, the largest of its kind in the region, attracting wine lovers from all over Europe.
Bernkastel Kues Accommodation
Gasthaus Huwer – A family-run guesthouse in a 19th century building, its rooms were renovated in 2014 and offer free Wi‑Fi, flat-screen TVs, and modern decor.
Deinhard’s – Situated at 12 Gestade, this boutique hotel boasts an excellent 9.8/10 location rating and an overall 9.3 “Superb” score from over 1,100 reviews.
Hotel Goldene Traube – by Neugart – Recent reviews highlight the friendly staff, excellent service, and relaxing wellness area. Guests often mention its great value and central position in Bernkastel Kues.
Gemütliche FeWo nahe der Mosel – Expect a cozy vacation apartment near the Moselle River offering free Wi‑Fi, fully equipped kitchens, and comfortable living spaces, ideal for couples or small families.
VonMos City Apartments – Offers spacious, modern apartments with balconies or terraces and breathtaking vineyard views.
Alte Stadtvilla am Weinberg 3 – Expect a charming historic villa offering multiple bedrooms, garden or terrace access overlooking the nearby wine terraces, fully equipped kitchen, free Wi‑Fi, and parking.
Bernkastel Kues to Trier
Bernkastel-Kues to Trier is a scenic journey through the Moselle Valley, covering approximately 65 km (40 miles). By car, the drive takes about 1 hour, following the winding Moselle River and offering views of vineyards, villages, and medieval ruins. Buses and trains are also available, often connecting through nearby towns like Wittlich.
Trier is Germany’s oldest city, founded by the Romans in 16 BC, and it’s a must-visit for history and architecture lovers. The city’s most iconic landmark is the Porta Nigra (Black Gate). It’s a massive Roman city gate built around 170 AD and remarkably well preserved.
Other highlights include the Imperial Baths (Kaiserthermen) and the remains of a vast Roman bath complex. Also, the Basilica of Constantine, a Roman palace hall that now serves as a Protestant church. Trier’s Roman Amphitheater, cathedral (Trierer Dom), and the Liebfrauenkirche (Church of Our Lady) – one of the earliest Gothic churches in Germany – are also UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The city offers a rich mix of ancient Roman, medieval, and Baroque architecture, all within walking distance in its compact old town.
Discover More Underrated Places and Travel Tips for Europe
Check out my blog post, “Top 9 Most Underrated Places in Europe”. Spoiler alert: the Moselle Valley also made this list! If you’re planning more trips in Europe, don’t miss these posts on our blog:
Must-Have Apps For Europe Travel – You Can’t Travel Without
Netherlands Road Trip Itinerary | A 3-Day Dutch Adventure
20 Top Places in Europe to Visit in 2025 + 3 Must-Do Things in Every Place!
Leave a Reply