Famous for its Riesling wines, the region is also one of Europe’s most enjoyable cycling destinations. A wine cycling trip here lets you explore charming villages, taste world-class wines, and pedal along one of the most scenic river routes in the country.
Photo by Chi Nguyen Phung
Starting in Trier
Begin your journey in Trier, Germany’s oldest city and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Before getting on your bike, spend some time exploring its Roman ruins, including the Porta Nigra gate and the amphitheater. Trier is also home to excellent wine bars where you can taste your first glass of Mosel Riesling.
From Trier, follow the well-marked Mosel-Radweg (Moselle Cycle Path), which hugs the riverbank and offers mostly flat riding — perfect for cyclists of all levels.
Cycling Through Wine Villages
As you follow the river downstream, you’ll pass one charming village after another. Bernkastel-Kues is a highlight, with half-timbered houses, cobblestone streets, and a bustling market square. Stop here to visit the Mosel Wine Museum or enjoy a tasting at a local Weinstube.
Further along, the village of Traben-Trarbach was once one of the world’s top wine trading centers. Its Art Nouveau architecture is beautiful, and many wineries offer tastings in cellars carved deep into the slate hillsides.
Castle Views and River Bends
One of the best parts of cycling the Mosel is the scenery. The river snakes through steep, vineyard-covered slopes, and every few kilometers you’ll spot a castle perched on a hill.
Make time to visit Reichsburg Cochem, one of the most photogenic castles in Germany. From its towers, you’ll have sweeping views of the river valley — the perfect reward for your ride.
Wine Tastings Along the Route
Cycling in the Moselle Valley is as much about tasting as it is about pedaling. Many wineries welcome cyclists, offering casual tastings and small plates of cheese or sausage.
Plan to stop frequently and sample different styles of Riesling wine — from crisp and dry to sweet and golden. If you’re worried about overindulging, consider booking luggage transfers or joining one of the many Germany cycling tours that include organized tastings and overnight stays.
Photo by Matthieu Joannon
Food and Culinary Stops
In addition to wine, the Moselle is known for its culinary traditions. Look for dishes like Zwiebelkuchen (onion tart), Sauerbraten (marinated beef), and Flammkuchen (a thin, crispy pizza-like dish). Many villages have cozy riverside restaurants where you can enjoy a meal before continuing your ride.
Combining Cycling and Culture
This route is ideal for travelers who like to mix active days with cultural sightseeing. Spend mornings on the bike and afternoons exploring museums, churches, and castle ruins.
Many Germany bike tours follow the Mosel-Radweg as part of a multi-day itinerary, taking care of logistics like luggage transport and hotel bookings so you can focus on enjoying the scenery. For those planning longer Germany cycling tours, the Moselle route can be linked with the Saar Cycle Path or the Rhine Cycle Route for an extended adventure.
Best Seasons to Ride
Late spring through early autumn is the best time for a Moselle cycling trip. May and June offer fresh greenery and mild temperatures, while September and October are harvest season, when vineyards are buzzing with activity and wine festivals fill the calendar.
Autumn also offers stunning golden foliage, making the rides even more picturesque.
Practical Tips
The Mosel-Radweg is about 250 kilometers long, but it can easily be done in shorter sections. Trains run frequently along the river, allowing you to hop on or off as needed.
Reserve accommodations in advance during harvest season, as wine festivals attract many visitors. E-bikes are widely available for rent and are a great choice for those who want to take it easy on longer days.
Photo by Ainur Khakimov
A Toast to the Moselle
Cycling through the Moselle Valley is one of the most rewarding ways to experience Germany’s wine country. Each day brings a new bend in the river, a new village to explore, and a new wine to taste.
Whether you ride a short section or complete the entire Mosel-Radweg, you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for the region’s history, landscape, and viticulture — and memories of sunsets over the vineyards that will stay with you long after the ride is over.
