One town we love to visit again and again is Bernkastel-Kues. We already stopped here in 2019 during our Moselle road trip . Nestled on the gentle slopes of the vineyards, it lies picturesquely on the Moselle River and impresses visitors with its well-preserved old town, featuring narrow streets and centuries-old half-timbered houses. The Landshut Castle ruins tower above Bernkastel-Kues, offering a breathtaking view over the Moselle Valley and the surrounding vineyards. In every season, a special magic lends the small town its unique charm. Here are four exceptional sights, along with our culinary and insider tips, including accommodation recommendations.
Heavenly views from the Skywalk on the Kues Plateau
A recently opened highlight in the newly redesigned spa gardens of Bernkastel-Kues is the Skywalk. From this viewing platform, visitors can enjoy a spectacular view of the Moselle River, Bernkastel-Kues, and the castle ruins opposite. The Skywalk not only offers a breathtaking perspective of the surroundings but also invites visitors to take a relaxing stroll amidst the vineyards and the seven-hectare spa gardens. At the heart of the spa gardens is the spa visitor 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 12th-century Cistercian convent sits idyllically on the banks of the Moselle River. From a leisurely stroll through the herb and rose garden to a refreshing break in the ice cream parlor, and regional delicacies such as freshly brewed monastery beer and fine wines in the rustic wine shop – visitors will find a perfect blend of history and culinary delights. Those wishing to delve deeper into the past can visit the monastery's toy and icon museum. A brewery, a bistro-café, and free parking for buses, cars, and cyclists complete the offerings, making Machern Monastery an ideal and diverse destination. With its Baroque hall and small chapel, Machern Monastery is also a popular wedding venue . The registry office in Bernkastel-Kues offers special ambiance and event weddings at Machern Monastery as an additional service.
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 Hotel DEINHARD's , everything revolves around wine, art, culture, and culinary delights. This modern boutique hotel in a prime location in the heart 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 enthusiasts will be in their element here. The airy, high ceilings in the elegant rooms impress with a harmonious combination of modern furnishings and stylish design. The color scheme, lighting, and generous, floor-to-ceiling windows allow plenty of natural light to flood the rooms. Private balconies with stunning views of the Moselle River complete the picture.
A special feature: A small, private chapel for weddings . In the historic connecting wing between the new building and the old structure, a chapel is located under the roof, designed and created as a complete work of art by the artist W. Gies. Inspired by the elongated space with its exposed beams, Gies designed a "pathside 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.
Romantic, rustic ambience – Doctor Weinstuben
The Doctor Weinstuben is an institution in Bernkastel-Kues. Here you can enjoy excellent wines and delicious regional dishes in a rustic, cozy atmosphere. The Bernkasteler Doctor is considered one of the most famous and once most expensive vineyard locations in the world. Since the builders of the former tithe house were once owners of the Bernkasteler Doktorberg, the Popp family gave the inn the name "Doctor-Weinstube". The winding rooms and creaking wooden floorboards give the restaurant a very special charm for cozy evenings. On warm summer nights, the day can be rounded off in the romantically designed courtyard of the Doctor Weinstuben with first-class Moselle wines. Surrounded by old walls and lush wisteria, the courtyard seems like a little retreat in the middle of the small town.
Vegetarian dishes available
Asian & modern – Restaurant DIAN
If you fancy Asian cuisine in Bernkastel-Kues, you shouldn't miss the DIAN restaurant in the DEINHARD'S hotel. The new restaurant offers a creative mix of traditional Asian flavors and modern influences. Perfect for anyone looking for something exotic and who likes to try new things. The modern design of the restaurant is complemented by a striking hanging obelisk, which gives the premises a creative touch.
Vegetarian & vegan dishes available
Bernkastel-Kues blossoms
There's a lot happening in Bernkastel-Kues. This year alone, the town has recorded 800.000 overnight stays and 1,5 million day visitors and spa guests. It has long since developed a wide range of leisure activities for young and old alike – and boasts a wealth of extraordinary sights, many of which remain largely undiscovered. Whether it's a lively party on a Moselle riverboat or a fun-filled bachelor/bachelorette party combined with a wine hike – the possibilities are as diverse as they are exciting. You can find more enchanting Moselle towns here.
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This article was written as part of a press trip with Rheinland-Pfalz erleben. Thank you very much for that!
