The 'Mosel-Radweg’ or the Moselle Cycle Route is a long-distance cycle route through France and Germany along the Moselle. You will cycle through the rich landscapes of the Moselle Valley and through the countless wine regions. The Moselle also divides the two low mountain ranges, the Eifel and Hundsrück, and runs all the way to Deutsches Eck in Koblenz in Germany, where the Moselle flows into the Rhine.
The official start of the route is in Metz in France. Most of the Moselle Cycle Route is asphalted and the route runs close to the river. Cyclists are sent to the right and sometimes the left bank of the river, depending on the route and infrastructure. The bike path from Metz to Koblenz has a total length of 311 km.
Despite the surrounding vineyards, the route along the Moselle is relatively flat. Due to the many possibilities to shorten the route by boat or train, the Moselle Cycle Path is also suitable for less experienced cyclists and for families with (smaller) children.
Various options are available on the route from Trier to Koblenz which offers everything a cyclist could want. With wine-growing vineyards as far as the eye can see, beautiful towns, pretty villages, culinary delights from the region and many other highlights await cycling enthusiasts on the Moselle. In addition to the classic 7-day cycling tour, you can opt for a quieter 9-day variant or a dedicated family holiday along the Moselle Cycle Route.
The Moselle divides two low mountain ranges, the Eifel and Hundsrück. The area has several rivers such as Lahn, Saar and Kyll. The rolling river valleys all have their unique and special flair. Countless castles and palaces can be found along the various routes.
Small wine towns invite you for a local wine tasting and you will also find local brewers including the Bitburger beer brewery.
Source of the Moselle
The origin of the Moselle is in the Vosges at 715 meters above sea level, at the Col de Bussang about 4 km away from the village of Bussang.
The course of the Moselle
The Moselle is the second longest tributary of the Rhine at 544 km. You first cycle through France, you can also visit Luxembourg on the way, and the river flows into Germany.
Outlet
In Koblenz, on the artificially raised headland "Deutsches Eck", the Moselle flows into the Rhine.
Height profile
The Moselle Cycle Route is only signposted from Metz at an altitude of approx. 171 m and ends at approx. 60 m above sea level on the Rhine.
Metz
The city of Metz is known for its stained glass windows. Here the Seille flows into the Moselle. Visit numerous museums from the Roman and Renaissance periods, such as the Cour d'Or. The Basilica of St. Pierre aux Metz, the Templar Chapel and the Imperial Quarter are also worth a visit.
Thionville
Thionville (also called Diedenhofen in German) is the centre of French steel production. The largest inland port in France for the transport of metallurgical products is also located here. This city has been a point of contention between Germany and France. The belfry, the town hall and the "Tour aux Puces" flea tower bear witness to an eventful history.
Schengen
Schengen is a small wine village of great importance. The place was previously called Remerschen and was renamed in 1985 after the Schengen Agreement was signed. The European Museum and a European monument are located here on the banks of the Moselle. In 2010, part of the Berlin Wall was erected as a monument. Schengen water castle is also worth a visit.
Luxembourg
The city of Luxembourg is not located directly on the Moselle but is the starting point for a beautiful bike ride along the Moselle. In the capital of the Grand Duchy, history and modernity are perfectly combined. Visit the palace, the Bockfelsen, the Place d'Armes in the city centre or the banking museum. Many EU and European Court of Justice administrative buildings are located on Kirchberg-Platteau.
dominik-ketz-rheinland-pfalz-tourismus-gmbh.jpg "Panoramic hike overlooking Trier")
Saarbrücken
The university town of Saarbrücken is also not located directly on the Moselle but is also a wonderful starting point for a bike ride along the Moselle cycle path. The city is considered the economic and cultural centre of Saarland. Take a leisurely stroll through the old town with the beautiful Town Hall, the Ludwigskirche and the Saarland Staatstheater!
Trier
Trier is the oldest city in Germany and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Many Roman monuments testify to the age of the city, such as the amphitheatre, the Barbara thermal baths, Porta Negra, the Roman bridge or the Igler column. In the university town, you can also admire monuments from the Middle Ages, such as the House of the Three Kings or the oldest cathedral in Germany, the high cathedral of St. Peter.
Piesport
The Romans were already represented here in Piesport and impacted the region and the city. During excavations, a glass beaker was found in a coffin, which is now exhibited in the Rheinisches Landesmuseum in Trier. You can also admire the 85 m high natural monument directly on the Moselle, the Mosel-Lorelley, a steep rock massif.
Traben-Trarbach
The first electronic street lighting in Germany was installed in Traben-Trabach together with the Bavarian town of Bad Reichenhall. There is much more to discover her from the romantic Parkschlösschen Bad Wildstein, the fortress Mont-Royal, the bridge gate to the Moselle bridge or the former slate, and Gondau ore mine.
Cochem
You’ll need to plan enough time in Cochem to see the city properly. A ride on the chairlift to the Pinnerkreuz is worth it! We recommended visiting the old toll gate and the historic mustard mill. In the Reichsburg Cochem, you can admire the Leche lime tree, which has been growing in the courtyard for 550 years.
Koblenz
In Koblenz, the Moselle eventually flows into the Rhine. Those who have not yet cycled enough will find an onward connection to the Lahn or Rhine Cycle Path(s). The city is one of the oldest in Germany and parts of Koblenz are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Make sure you allow enough time to visit the city. Although about 87% of the town was destroyed during World War II, there is still much to discover thanks to the painstaking reconstruction.
