Mosel Cycle Path: Wine Country Adventure Through Germany
Vineyards in Mosel-Radweg. Photo by Tristan Schmurr
The Mosel Cycle Path (Mosel-Radweg) is one of Germany's premier riverside cycling routes, stretching 248 kilometers from the tri-border region at Perl to its confluence with the Rhine in Koblenz. This 4-star ADFC-certified route guides cyclists through Europe's steepest vineyards, medieval wine villages, ancient Roman sites, and impressive castles, offering an perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Trail Characteristics
Moselle river. Photo by Tristan Schmurr
The route follows the meandering Mosel River, primarily on dedicated cycling paths separate from vehicle traffic. The trail is notably flat, making it accessible to cyclists of all skill levels, with minimal elevation changes throughout the journey. The surface is almost entirely asphalt which makes this bike trail suitable for all type of bikes(road, gravel, mtb or trekking).
Infrastructure
Mosel-Radweg Bike Path. Photo by Tristan Schmurr
- Regular access to towns and villages
- Numerous wine-tasting points
- Excellent railway connections along the route
- Frequent rest areas and picnic spots
- Bike repair stations in major towns
- Seven ferry crossings for river transfers
Road Surface
- Almost entirely asphalt surfaces
- Some sections with concrete pavers
- Dedicated cycling paths for majority of route
- Limited shared road sections in urban areas
- Well-maintained throughout all seasons
Difficulty
Family cycling on a Mosel-Radweg Bike Path. Photo by Tristan Schmurr
The Mosel Cycle Path is considered easy to moderate due to:
- Minimal elevation changes
- Predominantly flat terrain
- Separated from vehicle traffic
- Regular rest stops and facilities
- Suitable for casual cyclists and families
Navigation
Mosel-Radweg Bike Route Signage. Photo by Tristan Schmurr
- Well-marked with consistent signage
- White signs with green text
- Option to cycle on either riverbank in many sections
- Clear connections to intersecting cycling routes
- Alternative routes through wine villages
Highlights and Must-See Attractions
Mosel-Radweg Bike Route with steep hills next to it. Photo by Tristan Schmurr
The cycling trail offers diverse attractions including:
- Europe's steepest vineyards
- Medieval wine villages and towns
- Roman archaeological sites
- Historic castles overlooking the river
- Traditional wine festivals (seasonal)
- UNESCO World Heritage sites
- Local wine tasting opportunities
- Scenic river landscapes
How to Access the Mosel Cycle Bike Trail
By train (recommended option):
- Direct rail service to Perl (starting point)
- Regular connections from Koblenz (endpoint)
- Extensive rail network along entire route
- Free bicycle transport on regional trains (after 9 AM on weekdays)
- Bike-friendly stations at major stops
Planning Tips for Your Bike Trip
- Best cycling season: April to October
- Recommended duration: 3-7 days depending on pace
- Extensive accommodation options in wine villages
- Regular boat services for alternative transport
- Special "RadBus" service available April to October
- Combine cycling with wine tasting tours
- Multiple options for parking in Trier or Koblenz
- Consider ferry crossings for route variations
- Book accommodation in advance during wine festivals
- Connect to other major cycling routes at various points