It took us almost 4 hours to reach our destination! Looks like everyone had the same idea to head to Germany this month, because we hit a jam everywhere! But no worries, we had plenty of time 😄. Instead of stressing out, we decided to make a fun pit stop for coffee and some sweet buns. Of course, Ms. Rona had to make it a little awkward, but hey, that just added to the adventure!
After resting our feet, we set off again, driving towards our dream destination—Cochem! The views along the way were simply breathtaking, with the charming town nestled along the Moselle River, surrounded by the stunning heights of the Eifel mountains. Cochem is a tiny, dreamy village that’s been around since the 12th century, and it’s just as magical as you’d imagine. Once held by the Archbishop of Trier, this place has seen some political changes over the centuries. Today, it's a cozy town of about 6,000 residents, and it's a hit with tourists. The pastel-colored terrace houses and restaurants line the river, their reflections dancing on the clear water, all crowned by a romantic castle atop the hill.
One of the best things to do here is cruise along the Moselle River, taking in the fairy tale castles tucked away in the valley. My favorite has to be Reichsburg Castle! The hike up nearly made my lungs collapse, but honestly, it was so worth the pain. I was also impressed by the crowd—despite Ms. Rona still lingering, everyone was wearing a face mask (big props to the German government for keeping things safe). The castle was in ruins for about 200 years until Louis Ravene, a businessman, bought it and gave it a makeover in neo-Gothic style in 1868. It was completed in 1890 but later sold to the Prussian government and used as a Nazi school. In 1978, it was sold to the city of Cochem. This time, we didn’t take the tour guide—just enjoyed the magnificent view from above, overlooking the town and the sprawling vineyards below.
Walking down the hill towards Altstadt (the old town), I was completely charmed by the scenery. The streets are lined with adorable half-timbered houses, towering high with their colorful facades, all topped with those signature Moselle slate tiles. And oh, the town hall! The Baroque-style building from 1739 is absolutely stunning—it really adds to the beauty of the town, like something straight out of a fairy tale.
The town is a maze of narrow cobblestone streets, each one more charming than the last. At the heart of it all stands the statue of St. Martin, perched atop a lovely fountain. And honestly, no trip to Cochem is complete without enjoying a couple of glasses of their exquisite wine—it’s a must! While you’re there, don’t forget to treat yourself to some cute souvenirs, like the beautiful Christmas baubles and ornaments that make the perfect keepsake.
After enjoying a hearty German meal and some refreshing beer, we couldn’t resist strolling along the promenade. The view of the river was just stunning, and we treated ourselves to some homemade, delicious ice cream while soaking it all in. I didn’t manage to visit every single site, but I did take a scenic drive along the river to explore nearby towns. Karden was a gem, with its lovely old white church, and I passed through many other charming medieval villages. I’m definitely planning to return once I’m feeling better and ready to do more hiking! One thing’s for sure: Cochem is a place worth visiting. If you’re like me and a sucker for fairy tales, this place is absolutely magical.
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