5 tips for a sustainable city break in Berlin
September 22, 2023
- Germany
Lois Weeterings
Content
The cozy town of Bernkastel-Kues in Germany is often called the heart of the Moselle Valley, and for good reason. This picturesque medieval town is known for its half-timbered houses, excellent Riesling wines, and panoramic views over the winding river. Take your time here; wander through the historic streets, enjoy a wine tasting at one of the local vineyards, and hike up to the old castle ruins for a breathtaking view of the hills. Whether you’re visiting for the wine, the views, or the romantic atmosphere, Bernkastel-Kues is one of the most beautiful places to visit on the Moselle. Here are our top tips for what to do in Bernkastel-Kues, from scenic walks to unforgettable wine experiences.Â
What are the most beautiful sights in Bernkastel-Kues?
In the historic center of Bernkastel-Kues, you’ll find some truly stunning sights. It’s exactly why we consider Bernkastel-Kues one of the most surprising city break destinations in Europe. These are the most beautiful places to visit in town.
1. Marktplatz
The highlight of Bernkastel-Kues is undoubtedly the Marktplatz, the town’s historic center. This medieval square is a true feast for the eyes, surrounded by beautifully preserved half-timbered houses with ornate gables dating back to the 17th century. Around the square, you’ll find plenty of cafés and restaurants where you can relax on a terrace, enjoy a snack, and sip on a glass of local Riesling. The Marktplatz is the perfect starting point for exploring the charm and history of Bernkastel-Kues.Â
2. Spitzhäuschen
From the Marktplatz, it’s hard to miss Bernkastel-Kues’ next iconic landmark: the Spitzhäuschen. This is the town’s most photographed spot. Built in 1416, this charming half-timbered house with its distinctive pointed roof is one of the oldest buildings in Bernkastel-Kues. Today, it houses a cozy wine bar, where you can sample some of the best local wines from the Moselle region.
3. Rathaus
Another must-see landmark on the Marktplatz is the impressive Rathaus. This striking red-and-white building showcases late Renaissance architecture from the 13th century. Its distinctive features include a curved Baroque roof, detailed coats of arms, and the statue of the Savior, Salvator Mundi. On the left side of the building, you’ll find the old pillory, where criminals were once publicly humiliated. Today, the former Rathaus houses a well-regarded restaurant, making it a perfect stop for history lovers and foodies alike.
4. Graacher Tor
Just a few minutes’ walk from the Marktplatz is the Graacher Tor, dating back to around 1300. This is the last remaining gate of Bernkastel-Kues, which once connected the town to the nearby village of Graach. Like many historic gates in Germany, the Graacher Tor originally served as a defensive gate and prison. It also provided shelter for the homeless. Today, it houses a small museum, making it a fascinating stop for anyone interested in local history and the medieval heritage of Bernkastel-Kues.
5. Burg Landshut
One of the absolute highlights of Bernkastel-Kues is Burg Landshut. The ruins of this 9th-century castle were once the home of the Archbishops of Trier. The hike up is steep and challenging, but in our opinion, it’s well worth the effort. At the top, you’re rewarded with panoramic views of the Moselle Valley and its rolling vineyards. For just €1, you can climb the castle tower, just make sure to bring cash. Prefer not to hike? No problem, you can take the yellow vintage bus from the center of Bernkastel straight to the castle.Â
The best wineries in Bernkastel-Kues
The Moselle vineyards are bathed in sunshine during the summer months, creating perfect conditions for growing the Riesling grape. Visiting the picturesque town of Bernkastel-Kues goes hand in hand with tasting one (or more) of these local wines. Riesling grapes are grown across several vineyards belonging to different wineries in the region, and did you know that the Moselle has various soil types that influence the grapes? This diversity produces a range of Riesling wines, each with its own character. The best way to experience these wines is by visiting one of the region’s charming wine estates. Here are our two favorite wineries in Bernkastel-Kues:
1. Weingut Dr. Loosen
Weingut Dr. Loosen has been run by the Loosen family for more than 200 years, making it one of the best-known wineries in the region. You can taste wines at the winery that carry the label GG, Grosses Gewächs. This is a term used for a producer's best dry wines made from a classified Grosse Lage vineyard. Vineyards can only earn this title if they meet strict production standards. Impressively, all grape harvesting is done by hand, due to the steep slopes of the vineyards, ensuring the highest quality for every bottle.Â
Weingut Dr. Loosen is located just outside the city center of Bernkastel-Kues. You can either walk there or park right in front of the winery. Curious to taste the wines of Dr. Loosen? It’s recommended to book a wine tasting in advance, either by email or phone, as visits are only possible with a reservation.Â
2. Weingut Dr. Pauly-Bergweiler
The winery of Dr. Pauly-Bergweiler is a classic, traditional winery, and its charm is visible in every detail. Both the property and its interiors reflect timeless elegance. Located right in the center of Bernkastel-Kues, it’s a popular spot for wine tastings, so it’s highly recommended to book your visit in advance. With as many as 15 vineyards, this winery also produces wines that may carry the prestigious GG (Grosses Gewächs) label.Â
If you book a wine tasting, you can choose five wines from an extensive list, featuring different styles of Riesling, from dry to sweet. Of course, you can ask for recommendations, but here’s a tip in advance: don’t miss the GG from last year. It’s always a standout!
The best places to eat and drink in Bernkastel-Kues
Of course, you can enjoy excellent food and drinks in Bernkastel-Kues. In the town’s charming center, you’ll find plenty of restaurants and bars serving traditional German dishes such as Flammkuchen, sauerkraut, Wiener schnitzel, and freshly baked pretzels. While menus in larger German cities often focus on a wide range of beers, here the emphasis is naturally on the region’s excellent wines, making it the perfect place to pair local dishes with a glass of Moselle Riesling.Â
These are great restaurants in Bernkastel-Kues to remember:
Schützenhaus: dining out with a panoramic view of the Moselle
Rieslingweingut Erben Karl Dillingeren: an atmospheric Riesling bar with tasty appetizers
Weingut & Gästehaus Schmitz-Bergweiler: a nice wine bar
Ristorante Pizzeria Da Salvatore: the best Italian restaurant in Bernkastel-Kues
The best place to stay in Bernkastel-Kues
During our wine trip through the Moselle, we decided to stay in Bernkastel-Kues. Two nights in this charming town is ideal for exploring the sights, wine culture, and cozy restaurants. Want to stay longer? Then it’s definitely worth venturing into the beautiful surrounding countryside as well. But what is the best place to stay in Bernkastel-Kues? Below, we share three of the top-rated hotels in Bernkastel-Kues, each offering a unique experience. Be sure to also check out the full overview of the best hotels in Bernkastel-Kues.
1. Hotel Moselauen
Located in the heart of Bernkastel-Kues, Hotel Moselauen is a charming hotel with beautifully designed interiors. It offers a generous breakfast and is within walking distance of excellent restaurants. The hotel is also an ideal starting point for exploring the Moselle Valley by bike.
2. Burgblickhotel
Just 300 meters from the Moselle River is Burgblickhotel. The hotel features modern rooms, a cozy wine bar serving regional wines and tasty snacks, and a restaurant offering creative and traditional German dishes. It’s a wonderful place to enjoy gastronomy in an authentic atmosphere.
3. Weingut & Gästehaus Schmitz-Bergweiler
The small, family-run Weingut & Gästehaus Schmitz-Bergweiler is located in the heart of the wine town, right on its own vineyard. Here, you can buy chilled wines at great prices and enjoy them on the rooftop terrace with views over the town. A truly unique experience for wine lovers.
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Also discover the fairytale village of Beilstein on the Moselle
Are you enchanted by the charm of Bernkastel-Kues? Then a visit to the fairytale village of Beilstein on the Moselle should definitely not be missed. This small village, with its medieval streets, vineyards, and impressive castle ruins, is a true gem along the river. Discover what makes Beilstein so special in our full article: Beilstein: a medieval gem on the Moselle.
Lois Weeterings
A dreamer and adventure seeker, always on the lookout for new experiences. But also a hard worker with a thousand ideas racing through my mind. As a personal travel consultant and travel blogger, I share my passion for faraway destinations, thrilling adventures, and winter sports. With deep knowledge of places like Namibia, Colombia, the ABC Islands, and the Middle East, I’m here to help you craft a trip you’ll never forget. Through my personal stories and expert tips, I aim to inspire you to explore the world your way. Always with my camera in hand, I’m determined to capture every magical moment and share it with you.
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