Moselle Cycle Route: Zell (Moselle) – Bernkastel-Kues

start: Zell (Mosel) Town Hall or one of the towns on the loop tour
destination: Bernkastel-Kues or one of the towns on the loop tour

medium
42,72 km
3 hours 5 minutes
125 m
193 m
93 m
60 / 100
60 / 100

Historic Buildings and World-Famous Vineyards in the Zellerland Region

The stage begins at the market square in Zell an der Mosel, in the heart of the famous “Zeller Schwarze Katz” vineyard. It’s worth taking a detour to visit the Wine and Local History Museum in Zell (Mosel). () .

From Zell, the route heads upstream along the Moselle toward Traben-Trarbach. Numerous romantic wine villages invite you to stop and take a break. Passing through the wine village of Briedel and the “Briedeler Herzchen” vineyard, the bike path continues right along the Moselle to Pünderich. The historic town center of Pünderich, with its lovingly restored half-timbered houses, offers the perfect backdrop for a break. Next come the towns of Burg and Enkirch, home to the Heimat-Stuben Museum (https://www.enkirch.de/tourismus-und-kultur/geschichte/heimatstuben/) and stylishly restored half-timbered buildings.

The Art Nouveau town of Traben-Trarbach has a lot to offer. High above the town, the ruins of Grevenburg Castle tower, and numerous architectural masterpieces of the Art Nouveau and Belle Époque periods can be admired. The museum row (including the Middle Moselle Museum and the Buddha Museum) offers cultural and historical experiences, and on a guided tour through the mystical twilight of Traben-Trarbach’s underground world, participants embark on an exciting journey of discovery.

As the journey continues toward Bernkastel-Kues, many small, typical Moselle villages line the route, inviting you to stop and linger. Just before entering Zeltingen-Rachtig, the sundial built in 1620—which gives the “Zeltinger Sonnenuhr” vineyard its name—stands out impressively amid the vineyards. A detour through the town center, with its old manor farms and half-timbered houses, is well worth it. Across from Rachtig lies the former Cistercian convent of Machern, within whose walls you’ll now find, among other things, a museum, a wine cabinet, and a convent brewery with a taproom.

The destination of this stage is the medieval town of Bernkastel-Kues, with its romantic alleyways, impressive half-timbered houses, and Landshut Castle looming above it.

Impressions

The Moselle Bike Trail in the Zeller Land Region

View of the wine-growing village of Briedel

General information

Directions

Start: "Zeller Schwarze Katz" fountain – Zell (Mosel) Town Hall – cross the street and turn left, following the Moselle until you reach the roundabout – there, cross the street and continue straight ahead toward Briedel on the Moselle Bike Path – and continue on to Bernkastel-Kues.

Safety Guidelines

Your safety is our top priority. By preparing well and following the safety guidelines below, you’ll create the best conditions for a safe outdoor experience.

Make sure to stay well-hydrated

Bring plenty of drinking water and drink regularly. It can get very hot in the summer, especially during hikes and bike rides along the Moselle.

Ticks

Check your body thoroughly after your outing and use a suitable insect repellent if necessary.

Oak processionary moth

Avoid contact with the caterpillars of the oak processionary moth and their webs. The fine stinging hairs can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions.

Weather Check

Check the current weather forecast before starting your hike or bike ride. In case of thunderstorms, heavy rain, or strong winds, you should postpone your outing or end it early.

Stay on the marked trails

Stay on the marked hiking and biking trails. This protects nature and yourself and avoids unnecessary risks.

Forest Fire Risk

Pay special attention to the current wildfire risk, especially during the summer months. Avoid open fires and smoking in the forest as well as in areas with dry vegetation.

Dogs

Please keep dogs on a leash whenever possible and be considerate of wildlife, grazing animals, and other visitors.

Emergency

In an emergency, you can reach emergency services throughout Europe by dialing 112. Provide your location as precisely as possible and, if possible, use your cell phone’s location feature.

Equipment

Sturdy Footwear

Wear sturdy, non-slip footwear on hiking trails. Nature trails, slate paths, and steep vineyard trails can be slippery, especially after rain.

Headwear

Wear a hat in warm weather. There are very few shaded areas, especially on the open trails through the vineyards.

Sun Protection

Apply plenty of sunscreen with an appropriate SPF and protect yourself from intense sunlight.

Tip

During the summer months, bike buses run between Traben-Trarbach and Bernkastel. Please note: Advance reservations are required: www.radbusse.de

The Moselle Cycle Route from Zell (Mosel) to Briedel is currently closed. You’ll need to ride along the B53 there.

Getting there

Take the B53 to cross to the opposite side of the Moselle (via the Bullay double-deck bridge or the Zell-Kaimt highway bridge). Then continue straight ahead to the market square (City Hall, Balduinstr. 44, 56856 Zell (Mosel)).

Parking

Parking along the Mosel Promenade in Zell (Mosel) — subject to a fee

Free parking is available on Brandenburg and Am Bahnhof streets

Public transit

Take the train to Bullay and then cycle on to Zell (Mosel)

Maps

Cycling and Hiking Map of the Middle Moselle, ISBN 978-3-7473-0079-4

Moselle Bike Trail: Perl–Koblenz, ISBN 978-3-89920-198-7

Available at the Zeller Land Tourist Information Office, Balduinstr. 44, 56856 Zell (Mosel)