Beilstein and Cochem: two gems on the banks of the Moselle.

During our tour of Germany we decided to spend the night in Beilstein with my wife and son, and the next day we visited Cochem and the Burg Eltz. It was one of the best decisions of the trip, because both Beilstein and Cochem are two spectacular villages that are only a few kilometers apart and can be perfectly toured on the same day.

The road through the Moselle valley already anticipates what is coming. The route passes through huge vineyards that cover the mountain slopes and follow the course of the river, forming one of the most famous wine-growing landscapes in Germany. Even if one is not a wine lover, it is worth simply driving around the area enjoying the views.

We chose to stay at the Hotel-Café Klapperburg and it ended up being much more than just a hotel. From the time I contacted each other by email, until we left, we were made to feel very comfortable. Even though we are Argentinian and do not speak German, they went out of their way to communicate with us both during dinner and breakfast, always with an excellent predisposition.

The dinner was very good, with typical dishes, abundant and very well prepared. The three of us had dinner for around 60 euros, a price-quality ratio that we thought was excellent.

Breakfast also deserves a special mention. It is served in a very picturesque room decorated with a huge collection of old coffee grinders, which gives a unique personality to the place. It is one of those details that make one remember an accommodation even long after the trip.

But the best of Beilstein comes when you go for a walk.

The town seems frozen in time. Its cobbled streets, half-timbered houses, small squares and the almost total absence of modern buildings make one feel like walking through a perfectly preserved medieval village. Everything is very well kept and the atmosphere is incredibly quiet, especially when the evening falls and most of the visitors have already left.

It is a small place, so it is easy to get around, but precisely that size makes it very special to spend a night and enjoy it without haste.

The next morning we had breakfast and took a short walk to the ruins of Beilstein Castle and then took a short trip to Cochem, which we already knew from a previous trip and to which we really wanted to return.

If Beilstein falls in love with its tranquillity, Cochem impresses from the first moment with its size and the image of its castle dominating the entire city from the top of the hill. It is one of those views that appear on postcards and, when you see it in person, it is even more impressive.

This time we did not tour the interior of the Castle of Cochem, but we did go up to the entrance to enjoy the views and take many photos. That walk alone is completely worth it.

The historic center is also very beautiful, with many more shopping streets, restaurants, cafes, and shops than Beilstein. It is noticeable that it receives much more tourism and offers a greater number of activities, although without losing the charm of the traditional buildings that characterize the entire Moselle region.

If I had to sum up the experience, I would say that Beilstein and Cochem do not compete with each other, but complement each other perfectly. Beilstein invites you to slow down, sleep in a fairytale setting and enjoy the silence of the valley. Cochem, on the other hand, offers more movement, an imposing castle and a historic center with a lot of life.

The next day we continue our tour to the spectacular Burg Eltz Castle, but that visit deserves a separate note.