Traben-Trarbach

Traben-Trarbach is one of the most charming wine towns along the Mosel River, in the Rhineland-Palatinate region of Germany. In addition to its vineyards, it is famous for its castle ruins and fine Jugendstil architecture.

Traben and Trarbach were originally two villages on opposite sides of the Mosel River connected by a bridge. In 1904, the cities merged to become Traben-Trarbach. In 1969, the city annexed Wolf, a village 4.5km north of downtown Traben-Trarbach, also located on a bend in the Mosel River.

Get in

By plane

Mosel Flugplatz is a tiny airstrip on Mont Royal that serves small private planes.

Frankfurt-Hahn Airport (IATA: HHN) is 20km east of Traben-Trarbach. Ryanair and Wizzair operate passenger service to/from Frankfurt-Hahn Airport. From the airport, a bus to Bullay operates every 2 hours and trains run regularly from Bullay to Traben-Trarbach.

Luxemborg Airport (IATA: LUX) is 95km southwest of Traben-Trarbach

Frankfurt Airport (IATA: FRA) is 130km east of Traben-Trarbach. Trains connect the airport to Traben-Trarbach. Buses (€16, 90 minutes) operate from Frankfurt Airport to Frankfurt-Hahn Airport, which is 20km east of Traben-Trarbach.

Cologne/Bonn Airport (IATA: CGN) is 165km north of Traben-Trarbach.

Metz-Nancy-Lorraine Airport (IATA: ETZ) is 191km southwest of Traben-Trarbach and has a few seasonal flights.

By train

Traben-Trarbach is a stop on the Moselwein-Bahn train and a 20 minute ride from Bullay. From there, faster IC or RB trains will take you further to Koblenz (1 hour).

By car

from the directions of Trier or Koblenz, take the A1 to exit 125 Wittlich Mitte. From there, just follow the signs. Alternatively, take the more scenic B53 route along the Mosel River.

By bike

Mosel Bike Route is a marked bike route that runs from Metz to Koblenz and passes through Traben-Trarbach. The route generally does not have slopes.

See

The city bridge, gate, and castle wall (which is now a restaurant). On the top of the hill, on the old castle wall, is a great view of the city.

Do

• Sightseeing Boat Tours Along the Moselle River, Along the river banks, [1]. May to October: 10AM-5PM. Sight seeing boat trips along the Moselle River are easily available from May to October and include from 1-hour return trips, trips to Bernkastel-Kues that stop at various towns along the river, and trips to Trier, Zell, and Cochem.  edit

• Canoe Tours Along the Moselle River, [2]. Rent a canoe and paddle your way down the river. €48 for a day trip.  edit

• Hiking and Biking - The tourist office has some maps. Easier paths are in the valley, but the vineyard hilltops have great views.

• Wine tasting

Festivals and events

• Mosel Wine Festival - annually on the second weekend of July

Drink

This is wine country. Some of the river bank vineyards have the names of the "Weingut" (wine house) it belongs to indicated in huge white letters. In town, you can try samples at really every tiny restaurant or café, of which there are plenty. Look for signs indicating Weinprobe or Weinverkauf or anything of the kind. Prices differ, but you'll typically get about 6 samples for under €10. Several of the wine houses also have distilleries, producing brandy and sweet liquors.

Sleep

Traben-Trarbach has a broad scale of lodging options, from top end hotels to lovely cheap camping sites. There are also many bed & breakfast style "Gästezimmer" available. Booking in advance is advised; otherwise, look for signs that say "Zimmer Frei" (Room free).

Budget

• Wolfer Camping Site, (Just north of the town of Wolf, 4.5km north of Traben-Trarbach, along the river side, entrance where Im Luxgraben meets the river side.), ☎ +49 6541 9174 ([email protected]wolf.de), [3]. Open from 15 April to 15 October. Quiet, family-run camping site with many spots directly on the water, overlooking the vineyards on the other side of the river. Many guests stay for the entire season, but this place is welcoming to short term visitors too, even for a night. Most of the free spots are usually at the far end of the camp side, a bit far from the bathrooms and the electricity division points. There's a small playground for children, but nothing special. The small store has basic needs and wine (of course!). There's no check in/out time but the office is open from 8:00-12:00 and from 14:30-22:00. €8 for a large tent plus car, plus €5 per adult. Shower coins €1 (4 minutes). Additional charges for waste disposal and electricity..  edit

Mid-range

• Mosel Hotel Zum Anker, Rißbacher Str. 3, ☎ +49 6541 8182370, [4]. Single: €60; Double: €90.  edit

• Pension Haus Würzgarten, Litziger Hirtenpfad 1, ☎ +49 6541 1006 ([email protected]), [5]. A family business in a house with a nice garden. Free WiFi and bicycle rental. Single: €40-45; Double: €60-66, breakfast included.  edit

Splurge

• Das NEUE Moselschlösschen, An der Mosel 15, ☎ +49 6541 8320 ([email protected]), [6]. €130-280.  edit

Get out

• Cochem
• Bernkastel-Kues
• Zell

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