Moselle Motorcycle Rides: 4 Routes Through Vineyards, the Eifel, and Hunsrück
A motorcycle ride along the Moselle combines two very different experiences: relaxed cruising through the valley, past vineyards and castles, and winding climbs into the Eifel and Hunsrück. Few other routes in Germany offer such a quick transition between the two. Here you’ll find four routes for exploring the Moselle by motorcycle: a classic valley ride, two winding loops, and a multi-day option with overnight stays.
Why the Moselle Valley Is So Popular With Motorcyclists
The Moselle winds its way in tight loops from Perl, near the borders of Germany, France, and Luxembourg, to Koblenz. The riverside roads follow every curve, with steep vineyards full of Riesling vines rising on either side. If you’re looking for winding roads, head away from the river. Almost every side valley offers hairpin turns leading up into the Eifel hills to the north or the Hunsrück hills to the south.
What’s more, the stops are all close together. Castles, historic villages, viewpoints, and wineries are often only a few miles apart. This makes it easy to extend or shorten any motorcycle ride along the Moselle.
Route 1: The Valley Route from Koblenz to Trier
Route: Koblenz – Cochem – Beilstein – Bremm – Zell – Traben-Trarbach – Bernkastel-Kues – Trier
Distance: around 120 miles · Duration: 1 day with breaks · Character: relaxed, passing through numerous towns
This classic route starts at the Deutsches Eck in Koblenz, where the Moselle flows into the Rhine. Follow the B49 along the Lower Moselle to Cochem, where Reichsburg Castle towers above the town. Shortly afterward, it’s worth making a detour to the small village of Beilstein with its narrow streets.
At Bremm, you’ll see the Calmont, one of Europe’s steepest vineyards. Continue through Zell and Traben-Trarbach, known for its Art Nouveau architecture, to Bernkastel-Kues and its timber-framed market square. From there, follow the B53 along the Middle Moselle to Trier, where the Porta Nigra marks the end of the ride.
Good to know: The valley route is ideal for your first motorcycle ride along the Moselle. Most of the curves follow the river’s winding course. For some proper hairpin turns, check out routes 2 and 3.
Route 2: Eifel Hairpins and Volcanic Lakes from Cochem
Route: Cochem – Valwigerberg – Ulmen – Daun – Manderscheid – Bad Bertrich – Alf – Cochem
Distance: around 90 miles · Duration: 3.5 to 4 hours of riding time · Character: twisty
This loop takes you straight out of the valley and up into the Volcanic Eifel. Right at the start, the Valwigerberg hairpins await. They’re tight, steep, and popular on sunny days. Once you reach the top, the landscape opens up to meadows, forests, and the maars around Ulmen and Daun, volcanic craters filled with water.
Continue through Manderscheid, with its two castles, to Bad Bertrich. The road through the Üßbach Valley down to Alf is one of the region’s most scenic and winding stretches. From there, enjoy a relaxed ride along the Moselle back to Cochem.
Route 3: Hunsrück Loop and Moselle River Views
Route: Zell – Kastellaun – Mörsdorf (Geierlay) – Hunsrückhöhenstraße – Morbach – Bernkastel-Kues – Traben-Trarbach – Marienburg – Zell
Distance: around 90 miles · Duration: 4 hours of riding time · Character: flowing curves and panoramic views
On the southern side of the Moselle, the road climbs from Zell into the Hunsrück. Near Mörsdorf, it’s worth stopping at the Geierlay suspension bridge, which stretches 1,200 feet across the valley. From there, follow the Hunsrückhöhenstraße toward Morbach, enjoying long, flowing curves and little traffic.
From there, follow the hairpin turns down to Bernkastel-Kues, then continue through Traben-Trarbach to Marienburg. From the viewpoint overlooking the Moselle’s winding loop near Zell, you can see two stretches of the river at once. It’s one of the best photo spots in the entire region.
Route 4: Motorcycle Tour Along the Moselle with Overnight Stays (3 Days)
If you have more time, combine the valley and surrounding hills into a multi-day motorcycle tour. We recommend three daily stages of around 90 to 120 miles each.
- Day 1 – Lower Moselle and Maifeld: Koblenz – Eltz Castle – Münstermaifeld – Cochem. Overnight stay in Cochem or Beilstein.
- Day 2 – Volcanic Eifel: Cochem – Valwigerberg – volcanic crater lakes (maars) – Manderscheid – Bad Bertrich – Traben-Trarbach. Overnight stay along the Middle Moselle.
- Day 3 – Hunsrück and Upper Moselle: Traben-Trarbach – Hunsrückhöhenstraße – Saarburg – Upper Moselle to Perl, near the borders of Germany, France, and Luxembourg.
Many guesthouses and hotels along the Moselle cater to motorcyclists, offering motorcycle garages, drying rooms for riding gear, and route recommendations. Book early during peak season and around wine festivals.
Tips for Your Motorcycle Tour Along the Moselle
- Best time to visit: May through October. In fall, the vineyards turn colorful, but during the grape harvest, watch out for tractors and dirt on the road.
- Ride on weekdays: Riverside roads and routes through towns are often busy on weekends and public holidays.
- Take care on hairpin turns: Roads such as the Valwigerberg are narrow and popular with motorcyclists. Ride cautiously and be prepared for oncoming traffic in the middle of a turn.
- Plan your breaks: Two or three stops per day make for a more relaxed ride. Cochem, Beilstein, and Bernkastel-Kues are great places to take a break.
- Plan winding routes: With the calimoto app, you can plan your motorcycle tour along the Moselle using winding back roads instead of the fastest route, then follow your route with turn-by-turn navigation.
FAQ: Motorcycle Touring Along the Moselle
Is the Moselle a good place to ride a motorcycle?
Yes, the Moselle Valley offers relaxed rides along the river, while the Eifel and Hunsrück regions feature winding roads and hairpin turns. This combination makes the area appealing to both beginners and experienced riders.
What is the most scenic route along the Moselle?
The stretch of the Moselle between Cochem and Bernkastel-Kues is particularly scenic, with highlights including the Calmont vineyard and the river’s sweeping curves. For more winding roads, head into the Eifel via routes such as Valwigerberg, or explore the Hunsrückhöhenstraße.
What is a good daily distance for a motorcycle trip?
For a day ride along the Moselle, about 90 to 150 miles is a realistic distance. With the many towns along the route and opportunities for photo stops, you’ll cover less ground than you would on open country roads.
What are the best motorcycle routes in Rhineland-Palatinate?
Besides the Moselle Valley, the Eifel, Hunsrück, Middle Rhine Valley, and Palatinate are popular regions for motorcycle touring. Many of these areas can easily be combined with a ride along the Moselle.
Do I need several days to explore the Moselle by motorcycle?
No, each of the three rides can be completed in a single day. If you want to explore the Moselle Valley, Eifel, and Hunsrück, plan a trip lasting two or three days.
Final Thoughts
A motorcycle ride along the Moselle offers plenty of variety, from vineyards and castles in the valley to hairpin turns and panoramic views in the highlands. Start with the valley route to get to know the region, then add a loop through the Eifel or Hunsrück if you’re looking for more curves. Plan your ride with the calimoto app and hit the road!