A small town that we always like to visit is Bernkastel-Kues. In 2019 we already visited it on our Mosel Roadtrip stopped. Nestled in the gentle slopes of the vineyards, it is picturesquely situated on the Moselle and impresses with its well-preserved old town with narrow streets and centuries-old half-timbered houses. The Landshut castle ruins tower over Bernkastel-Kues, offering a fabulous view of the Moselle valley and the surrounding vineyards. In every season, a special magic gives the small town its unique charm. Here are four extraordinary sights as well as our gourmet and insider tips with accommodation recommendations.


Heavenly views from the Skywalk on the Kues Plateau
A recently opened highlight in the newly designed Spa park of Bernkastel-Kues is the Skywalk. This viewing platform offers a spectacular view of the Moselle, Bernkastel-Kues and the castle ruins opposite. The Skywalk not only shows a heavenly perspective of the surroundings, but also invites you to take a relaxing walk amidst the vineyards and the seven-hectare spa park. In the center of the spa park is the spa guest center - the best place to go for tips and information about leisure activities.



By boat to Machern Monastery
Directly opposite Zeltingen, just a relaxing boat trip or a short bike ride from Bernkastel-Kues, this former Cistercian monastery from the 12th century is idyllically located on the banks of the Moselle. From a leisurely stroll through the herb and rose garden to a refreshing break in the ice cream parlor to regional delicacies such as freshly brewed monastery beer and fine wines in the rustic wine shop - visitors will find a successful mix of history and enjoyment here. Those who want to delve deeper into the past can visit the toy and icon museum in the monastery. The offer is complemented by a brewery, a bistro-café and free parking for buses, cars and cyclists, which makes Machern Monastery an ideal, varied excursion destination. In addition, the Machern Monastery with its baroque hall and small chapel also a popular place to get marriedThe registry office in Bernkastel-Kues offers as a special and additional service, special ambience and event weddings in the Machern Monastery




The history of wine – wine tasting at Hotel DEINHARD´s
In the heart of Bernkastel-Kues, opposite the Moselle riverside promenade, lies DEINHARD's - a boutique hotel dedicated to the world of wine. With its 54 elegant rooms and suites, it offers much more than just a place to stay overnight. Here, the wine and cultural landscape of the Moselle comes to life.
A special highlight is the wine tasting, which takes place in a historic cellar. This place, together with the exclusive wineBANK Mosel - a club for real wine lovers - provides exciting insights into the region's wine tradition. The permanent exhibition "Education Wine" deepens knowledge about the art and science of winemaking.
After an exciting tour, the rooftop lounge invites you to linger. From here you have a breathtaking view over the roofs of the old town, the Moselle and of course the vineyards.




Cylinder House Museum: Journey back in time to the automobile age & romance on four wheels
The Zylinderhaus Museum in Bernkastel-Kues is a paradise for vintage car lovers and technology fans. Carefully restored cars, motorcycles and everyday objects from the early 20th century are waiting to be discovered here. In addition to the historic vehicles, there are also impressive exhibitions on the history of technology that fascinate young and old alike. A visit invites you on a nostalgic journey through time, perfect for a rainy day on the Moselle. Events and weddings are also held here from time to time. If you want to have a really unusual wedding and love cars, you can even get married in the Zylinderhaus Museum.




Overnight stays in Bernkastel-Kues
Bernkastel-Kues offers a variety of charming accommodation options - from rustic half-timbered houses to quaint wine bars and modern boutique hotels. Whether you are looking for a cozy guesthouse or luxurious comfort, the selection in this small Moselle town is very varied. The Moselle is always within reach and many accommodations offer wonderful views of the surrounding vineyards.

For romantics – The fairytale hotel
Our personal favorite hotel in Bernkastel-Kues is undoubtedly the Märchenhotel. We stayed here in 2011 and 2019 and were enchanted by the romantic ambience time and again. Each room in this hotel is dedicated to a different fairy tale. From "Rapunzel" to "The Frog Prince" to "The Princess and the Pea" - each room tells its own story, which comes to life through the loving and detailed design.


For art lovers – The Hotel DEINHARD´s
At the hotel DEINHARD´s is all about wine, art, culture and enjoyment. This modern boutique hotel in a prime location in the middle of Bernkastel-Kues offers not only comfortable rooms, but also exclusive insights into the world of wine. The guided tours through the historic cellars and the unique wineBANK Mosel are particularly interesting. Design lovers will get their money's worth here. The airy high ceilings in the elegant rooms impress with a harmonious combination of modern furnishings and stylish design. The colors, lighting conditions and the generous, floor-to-ceiling windows let in plenty of daylight. There are also private balconies with a wonderful view of the Moselle.







special feature: A small in-house chapel for weddingsIn the historic connecting wing between the new building and the old one, there is a chapel under the roof, which was designed and implemented as a total work of art by the artist W. Gies. Inspired by the elongated room with open beams, Gies designed a "roadside chapel".
Culinary delights in Bernkastel-Kues
The culinary scene in Bernkastel-Kues is surprising in its diversity. Here, traditional Moselle recipes meet modern, creative cuisine. For gourmets, the small town offers a range of restaurants that serve both regional specialties and international cuisine. Wine lovers should definitely visit the local wine bars, where fine wines from the surrounding vineyards can be sampled.

Vegetarian & Vegan food in Bernkastel-Kues
Vegetarians and vegans also get their money's worth in Bernkastel-Kues. Several restaurants in the city now have plant-based dishes on their menus. The fresh, regional ingredients, which vary seasonally and thus always provide new, exciting taste experiences, are particularly popular. Our favorite is the Taj Mahal, where super delicious Indian-Pakistani dishes are delicacies.
Best view – Burg Landshut Restaurant
The restaurant at Landshut Castle scores points with its modern interior, a wonderful view and simple but delicious dishes. The castle sits high above Bernkastel-Kues and offers an incomparable view of the Moselle valley and the vineyards from its terrace. If you want to enjoy the view, you can either reach the castle in about 20 minutes on foot or drive up comfortably by car.


