Moselsteig side route Cochem Knights' Round

start: Valley station of the Pinnerkreuz chairlift
destination: Valley station of the Pinnerkreuz chairlift

difficult
20,06 km
6 hours
945 m
380 m
85 m
80 / 100
80 / 100

The town. The castle. And the best views. One route - with three attractive variants

1st variant:

This side route initially leads you from Cochem in serpentine climbs up to the Pinnerkreuz viewpoint. From there, it continues on flat paths to Wackelei, from where you can see the Mosel with the town of Cochem and the Reichsburg, as well as the Winneburg ruins. Afterwards, you cross the Endert Valley to finally climb up to the Winneburg ruins. Further on, you ascend to Wilhelmshöhe and then across the plateau and Antonius Kopf to the Hubertushöhe viewpoint. Here you can see the Mosel loop at Cochem, the Eifel, and the Hunsrück. The descent goes through the valley of the Märtschelt and past the Knippwiese to the Reichsburg, before returning to the Mosel and the starting point of the route in Cochem. This first variant is the longest, at about 16 km.

Under the 'Route description' section, you will find a detailed description of this variant.

If you prefer shorter hikes, you can also enjoy the Cochem Knights' Round in sections:

2nd variant:

This route can be shortened: opposite the Cochem chairlift, a path leads over Victoriahöhe (rest area) up to Wilhelmshöhe. From there, you have the option of either heading towards Winneburg and then returning via the previously described route over Wackelei and Pinnerkreuz back to Cochem. This variant totals about 8 kilometers.

3rd variant:

As with variant 2, you ascend over Victoriahöhe opposite the chairlift in Cochem. However, from there, you follow the path toward Antoniuskopf/Hubertushöhe and Reichsburg Cochem. This variant is also about 8 kilometers long.

All three variants can, of course, also be hiked in the opposite direction.

The route length given in the infobox is automatically calculated by the system and in this case is not correct. The elevation and duration details refer to variant 1. The correct distances for the variants are found in the text above.

Impressions

View from the Wakelei viewpoint into the Moselle Valley

Reichsburg and the Moselle from the Hubertushöhe

View from the St. Rochus Plague Chapel to the Mosel River towards Ebernach

Half-timbered houses around the Cochem marketplace

General information

Directions

The Cochem Knights' Round starts at the valley station of the Pinnerkreuz chairlift. Together with the Moselsteig, which this side route follows up to the mountain station, you go across the chairlift parking lot to the footbridge that leads over the Endert stream. On the other side of the stream, the path follows a rocky trail, ascending steeply in many zigzags. The path quickly gains altitude via steps, and soon you can look over the rooftops of the Mosel town of Cochem.

The path continues to wind further up the mountain. You should definitely not miss the detour to the Pinnerkreuz viewpoint. The view of Cochem and the Reichsburg Castle is magnificent! From here, it is only a few spectacular meters to the mountain station of the chairlift with the adjoining gastronomy on the Pinnerberg (observe opening hours).

Behind the terrace café, the Moselsteig and the side route now split. The ascent is accomplished, and the Cochem Knights' Round now winds along a truly enchantingly beautiful path through the steep slope in the direction of Wakelei. There used to be a fairy-tale forest in this wooded area. After crossing a side valley, the side route reaches the slate rock spur of Wakelei.

A wonderful spot for a rest: from the deck chair you have an outstanding view of the next intermediate destination, the ruins of Winneburg. It lies at about the same height as Wakelei. Unfortunately, the valley of the Endert stream still lies in between, but the path into the valley is beautifully scenic. The path winds along the slope. At first only moderately downhill, but the closer you get to the Endert stream, the steeper the path becomes. The street in the valley is crossed near the Winneburg Hotel. The following ascent on the other side of the valley leads over a forest road. The incline is consistent but extends over almost 2 kilometers. Fortunately, the forest here also provides shade from time to time. To visit the ruins of Winneburg, you have to take a short detour at the top. But it is worth it! You feel like in the Middle Ages. You enter the interior of the castle complex via a wooden bridge. The walls made of slate rock are massive. The secluded forest location contributes to the special flair.

Back on the main path, another side valley is circumnavigated before the Moselsteig side route branches off onto a path that now leads steeply downhill. A few meters further on, you get another view up to Winneburg. The path ends at the vintner's house (residential house). In the wooded small valley you have reached at the vintner's house, the forest road now leads uphill. The incline is consistent over the next just under one kilometer. The forest road stays in the valley floor and very close to the stream. After climbing about 100 meters in altitude, the path winds back towards the Mosel Valley in a serpentine. The path still ascends. Not as steep anymore, but noticeable. Finally, the Wilhelmshöhe is reached. Here there are unexpected views in the direction of the Mosel.

After the break to catch your breath, the ascent is not yet completely done. However, the further ascent is more moderate. The forest road finally exits the forest at Antoniuskopf and allows for a free view over the fields and the high plateau of the Eifel.

At the highest point of the side route, the path crosses the district road leading to Cochem. Then, after a small patch of forest, the forest edge path offers you a nice panoramic view towards the Hunsrück. For a short stretch, it goes downhill through farmland. The Märtschelt stream, which flows into the Mosel, is not crossed. The Cochem Knights' Round now leads mostly just below the edge of the slope towards the Mosel Valley. A very varied, exciting section of the path. Sometimes with an open view, then accompanied by hedges or in somewhat denser forest, the path finally reaches the Hubertushöhe viewpoint. The rest area with a hut and spectacular views of the Reichsburg Castle and the Mosel will surely encourage a longer break in the hike.

The further course of the side route leads only downhill. After a steep descent, the path finally reaches the Märtschelt stream, which you can comfortably cross on the footbridge. Going further downhill, the path now approaches the Reichsburg, the landmark of Cochem (observe opening hours). Unexpectedly, the castle complex emerges between the trees. A visit is connected with a short detour. The Cochem Knights' Round leads along a vineyard in front of the castle. A great perspective on the castle awaits you!

The footpath into town passes the Pest Chapel St. Rochus. From here you also have a nice view again of the Mosel with the rock spur Brauselay located on the opposite river side. Via stairs, the Cochem Knights' Round now reaches the narrow alleys of the old town. Across the timber-framed Market Square and past the church, you come to the Mosel Bridge and Endertstraße. Together with the Moselsteig you can now stroll back to the starting point at the chairlift valley station or reach the train station via the Moselsteig access path.

Equipment

sturdy footwear
weather-appropriate, practical hiking clothing
rucksack provisions

Tip

The ascent to Pinnerkreuz should be tackled as early as possible in the morning or with the help of the chairlift in high temperatures, as the sun already shines on the slope very early here and the dark slate rock additionally heats up the path.

The best picnic spots are located at Wakelei, at the Winneburg ruins, and at Hubertushöhe.

Getting there

Starting point: Cochem via the B 49 and Endertstraße

Destination: Cochem via the B 49 and Endertstraße

Parking

A parking garage is located in close proximity to the chairlift on Endertstraße. There is also a city parking lot behind the train station in Cochem. The majority of parking spaces in Cochem are subject to fees or time restrictions.

Public transit

A marked Moselsteig access trail leads from Cochem train station to the Mosel Bridge. From there you can follow the Moselsteig about 0.3 km to the valley station of the chairlift.

Cochem is a station on the Mosel railway line.

Literature

"Side Routes Volume 2" - 17 premium circular hikes from Bernkastel-Kues to Koblenz by ideemedia

Authors: Ulrike Poller, Wolfgang Todt, Publisher: ideemedia, 160 pages, format: 11.0 x 16.4 cm, ISBN: 978-3-942779-60-9, €12.95

Maps

Moselsteig leisure map - Map 3: Zell (Mosel) - Koblenz (Stages 15 - 24), ISBN: 978-3-89637-421-9

Additional Information

Mosellandtouristik GmbH

Kordelweg 1, 54470 Bernkastel-Kues; Phone: 06531/97330

www.moselsteig.de

Tourist Information Ferienland Cochem

Endertplatz 1, 56812 Cochem; Phone: 02671/60040