Cochem

Cochem. Park your car and explore the pedestrian center of this small town. Turn a blind eye to the souvenir shops and instead let yourself be tempted inside a coffee shop for some mouth-watering pastries and a cup of coffee. Thus fortified, wander through the narrow streets and follow the well-signposted walk to the castle (Burg), Reichsburg Cochem, sitting atop a hill above the town. The trek is worth it, for while the valley is beautiful when viewed from below, the view from above is even more impressive. Touring the castle is not recommended: too many gloomy rooms full of heavy, ornately carved furniture. (9 am–5 pm, mid-March to mid-November.)Cross the river at Cochem (signposted Beilstein) and the prettiest stretch of the Mosel river valley opens up before you as the loops of the river almost double back on themselves.