Germany: Luxembourg and The Moselle River Valley Bike Tour
Eight nights; eight days of easy cycling on bike paths and quiet paved roads along the vineyard-lined banks of the Moselle River.
“Great bike route through a beautiful part of Germany… a perfect mix of rural natural landscapes and jaunts through quaint villages with historical gems and charming cafes… vineyards filled with ripe or ripening grapes made the trip exceptionally unique and pleasing” – Joyce and Mike D.
WHY THIS TRIP?
- Fascinating city and Grand Duchy of Luxembourg
- Countless vineyards – some over 1000 years old
- Ancient settlements, castles, and medieval fortresses
- Bernkastel-Kues, a pretty cobblestoned town known for the Bernkasteler Doctor, a historic vintage with reportedly healing properties.
- Easy riding along the banks of the Moselle River, lined with dazzlingly beautiful buildings – colourful houses, half-timbered shops, and medieval castles.
ROUTE EXPECTATIONS:
A fantastic cycling route, almost entirely on paved bicycle paths or quiet roads. There are a few unpaved sections that are considered hard packed and very suitable to hybrid bikes. The terrain on the Moselle River Valley Bike Tour is easy, as long as you stay along the riverside. Visiting castles, some wineries, and panoramic viewpoints usually involves some invigorating climbs and descents.
Daily Distance:
- DAY 1: Introductions
- DAY 2: ~58 km
- DAY 3: ~72 km
- DAY 4: ~55 km
- DAY 5: ~70 km
- DAY 6: ~58 km
- DAY 7: ~81 km
- DAY 8: ~50 km
- DAY 9: Koblenz & Farewells
Germany: Luxembourg and The Moselle River Valley Bike – Elevation Profile
(Click image to enlarge)
Elevation Profile
Activity Levels
The easiest routes we offer, these are generally flat and cover relatively relaxed distances. You will be comfortable riding a hybrid bike, walking in sneakers, or paddling a light kayak, and will normally have time to take many photos and enjoy extended lunches.
This is primarily an easy route, but some days may fall into the moderate category. You can expect time to stop and smell the roses, but some of the rides may be on more hilly terrain.
Requiring moderate fitness levels, these cover terrain with hills and valleys, and tend to include distances of 50-80km (30-50mi.)/day cycling, or 3-6 hours of walking per day. Most Freewheeling Adventures fall into this category, and are suitable for most ability levels.
This is primarily a moderate route, suitable for most ability levels, but some days may be a little more challenging. You can expect some long distances, and/or some big climbs/descents.
The most challenging trips, these include longer distances, bigger hills, long hikes, exposed paddling, and full days of activity. We recommend a higher degree of fitness and training to make the most of the experience.
There is also a rare double black diamond, reserved for only the most difficult adventures.
Start: Luxembourg, 16:00, day one.
Finish: Koblenz, following breakfast, day nine.
Please contact us to arrange alternate plans, if necessary.
Introductions & Luxembourg
Meet in Luxembourg late this afternoon in time for introductions, safety briefing and bike familiarization. The capital city is located high on a cliff overlooking the deep and narrow river valleys of the Alzette and Pétrusse rivers and includes several World Heritage Sites as recognized by UNESCO, including the Old City and its ancient quarters, and the Fortress of Luxembourg. A relaxing and beautiful place to visit, we encourage you to arrive at Luxembourg a day or two early for independent explorations. Luxembourg airport is served by several airlines connecting it with numerous hubs throughout Europe including London, Paris, Milan, Amsterdam and Frankfurt. Also accessible by train, direct options from Paris take about two hours, and three hours from Brussels. D (Meal inclusions are provided for guided trips. Self guided trips include breakfast only).
La Pipistrelle, or optional upgrade to Hotel le Place d’Armes ($150pp), Luxembourg
Luxembourg to Vianden 58km
Starting from the heart of the city you’ll cycle north along car free bike paths through the valley of the Alzette River to Ettelbrück. Continue cycling north beside the Sure River to the border town of Wallendorf where you will follow quiet road to village of Vianden and its fairy tale castle perched high above the River Our. Medieval enthusiasts flock to Vianden every summer for its annual festival that celebrates the art, music, sport and crafts of the Middle Ages. BLD
Auberge Aal Veinen, or Auberge du Chateau, Vianden
Vianden to Trier 72km
Cycle back toward Wallendorf through the valley of the Sure River to the town of Echternach, the grand duchy’s oldest city. The town has a beautiful historic centre, cathedral and palace gardens and is a pleasant spot to enjoy a mid morning snack or early lunch. The Sure will lead you into Germany to Wasserbillig where you’ll join the Moselle bike path that brings you into Trier, Germany’s oldest city. “Thirteen hundred years before Rome, Trier stood. May it stand on and enjoy eternal peace, amen” says the medieval inscription on the facade of the Red House in the market. Originally settled by the Celtic Treveri, it was later taken by the Romans, and historians say that you can see 2000 years of history in 2000 paces. Two nights here will provide ample time to experience Trier’s highlights, including the Roman amphitheatre, once frequented by gladiators, the Cathedral, the Palace and its gardens, the Porta Nigra, Karl Marx’s birthplace, and the Roman and Imperial baths. BD
Villa Hugel, or Cityhotel Primavera, or Hotel Peiper, Trier
Ruwer-Hochwald Radweg 55km
The Ruwer is a tributary of the Moselle. The steep south facing banks of its valley are known for producing some of Germany’s most prestigious Rieslings. You will begin your day with a 35 minute transfer to Hermeskeil where you may have the opportunity to visit one of the world’s largest private collections of steam locomotives. Once on your bike, you will pedal leisurely along the car free bike path through forests and meadows toward the 13th century castle ruins Sommerau, a good spot to enjoy a picnic lunch. You will cross the river on covered bridges, passing vineyards and farms on your way back to Trier, where you should arrive early in the afternoon with plenty of time to enjoy more of Trier’s historic centre. BL
Same lodging
Trier – Bernkastel-Kues 70km
Begin along the banks of the Moselle on paved bike trails built over ancient train routes. You will pass several ancient Roman settlements, including the wine press at Piesport – a highlight of the area since the 3rd century. The bends of the river become narrow and the banks steep as it squeezes between the Eifel and Hunsruck mountains. This is Germany’s most prestigious wine making region; Riesling, Elbing, and Müller-Thurgau varieties have been grown here since the 4th century, and probably earlier. Finish in Bernkastel-Kues, a pretty cobblestoned town known for the Bernkasteler Doctor, a historic vintage with reportedly healing properties. BLD
Hotel Moselauen, or Hotel Nicolay sur Post, Bernkastel-Kues
Bernkastel-Kues 58km
The Maare-Moselle bicycle path connects the Moselle with Wittlich and Daun, passing through a beautiful landscape of ancient volcanic lakes. On this ride, you’ll cross several amazing viaducts and cycle alongside the Lieser River. A cyclists’ bus links Bernkastel-Keus and Daun, with multiple daily departures from April to November; take a morning bus to Daun and pedal about 55km back to Bernkastel-Kues on the path, which is predominantly downhill. B
Same lodging
Bernkastel-Kues – Cochem 81km
Cycle past lush vineyards and through several amazing little towns. Many regard this as the most scenic section of the Moselle Valley. Today’s highlights include the truss style architecture of Enkirh, and the 900year old castle overlooking the river near Zell. You will follow a series of steep-sided curves before reaching Cochem, a delightful medieval riverfront town best known for its impressive castle. Built circa 1000AD, the castle’s fascinating history is best illuminated on a guided tour (usually in German, but translation sheets are available). BL
Hotel Villa Vinum, or Alte Thorschenke, or Villa Tummelchen, Cochem
Cochem – Koblenz 50km
Follow the Moselle to Koblenz, where it converges with the Rhine. If you like climbs, you can visit Eltz Castle, a magnificent medieval fortress perched over the Elzbach River. Relaxed riders will follow the flat pathway and quiet roads along the Moselle into Koblenz, a city more than 2000 years old! Koblenz has several beautiful public parks and gardens, most notable being those of the Electoral Palace. BLD
Altstadt Hotel, or Kleiner Riesen, or Trierer Hof, Koblenz
Farewells
Your tour concludes this morning following breakfast. You may opt to extend your stay in Koblenz, or head directly to Frankfurt or other travel hubs nearby (Amsterdam is only about 3 hours by train). B
All details and pricing are subject to change without notice.
SCHEDULED DATES
2023 Guided:
- May 21-29
- Sep 17-25
2024 Guided:
- May 19-27
- Sep 15-23
Self-Guided available any dates, except for those listed above. New dates are also welcomed for guided or private departures.
PRICING
Guided: C 4675 (per person, double occupancy)
Includes 9 days, 8 nights, 8 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 5 dinners, guide and vehicle support, route instructions and maps, luggage handling, local taxes
Small groups or private tours, fully supported with drivers/guides and vehicles, all lodging and most meals included. Choose from existing dates or request new departures. Read more on our “What to Expect” page.
Self-Guided: C 4195 (per person, double occupancy)
Includes 9 days, 8 nights, 8 breakfasts, route instructions and maps, inn to inn luggage transfers, on-call emergency support, local taxes
Semi-supported, independent tours including welcome briefing, lodging, luggage transfers and necessary vehicle transfers. Choose from existing dates or request new departures. Read more on our “What to Expect” page.
Single Occupancy: 895
Bike Rentals:
Hybrid-Fitness: 285
All details and pricing are subject to change without notice.
Please see above for accurate pricing and inclusions, unless we have proposed a customized trip for you and those details are provided in your custom proposal.
1. Choose an advertised date to join a small group, or see our Join a Group page to see where groups are already forming.
2. Pick your own dates. We will confirm quickly, and are happy to talk with you as you make your choice. If you would like a private guided date, this usually comes at a surcharge depending on the details, please get in touch for more information. If you prefer self-guided, we usually only require two participants to initiate a new date at the advertised price, and can sometimes reduce prices for you if you have four or more.
More Reading:
Starting in the city and grand duchy of Luxembourg, this is a fantastic mostly car free cycling route, almost entirely on paved bicycle paths. There are a few unpaved sections that are considered hard packed and very suitable to hybrid bikes, and some portions on shared use roadways however, the traffic is light and the terrain is easy. Visiting castles, some wineries, and panoramic viewpoints usually involves some invigorating climbs and descents. This is one of Europe’s easiest and most peaceful bicycle tours. The banks of the Moselle River are lined with dazzlingly beautiful buildings – colourful houses, half-timbered shops, and medieval castles. Quiet lanes and bike paths follow its meandering course through vineyards over 1000 years old, and the history of the river is fascinating. The Vandals repelled the Romans for many years, but we can now see the evidence of Roman habitation, in the form of baths, roads, amphitheaters, and, of course, wine. Because of its history as a contested boundary, the signs of battle include the many castles, twelve of which you will be able to see on this incredible ride. Charming inns, good food and wine, and consistently fabulous scenery make this a cyclist’s “bucket list” trip. Join us this year if you can!
