Updated on November 14, 2024 by Angelika

Welcome to my last "12 out of 12" for 2023. Unbelievable that the year is almost over again ...

I've been visiting Trier since Saturday, mostly in bad weather, but I didn't find it too bad because I've been visiting lots of churches and museums. In the evening, I strolled around the Christmas market to take some photos. I don't like the crowds, but I do like the color that Christmas markets bring to the winter grey. Trier inspired me - in my opinion, it is one of the most beautiful Germany's most attractive cities, with one of the most beautiful Christmas markets.

The weather forecast for the Moselle valley was a little better than for Trier, so I decided to drive to Cochem today and get an impression of the area, which I don't even know yet. Despite the gloomy weather, I was surprised with some great views. It must be simply wonderful here in late summer. I'll definitely be back!

Setting off into the Moselle valley: the most scenic route to Cochem

I plan my route precisely on my iPad, because I want to drive along the Moselle and don't want to take the fastest route, but the most beautiful one. It later turns out that my plan doesn't work out due to roadworks.

Winter is certainly the worst time of year to drive through the Moselle valley. The upside is that there really isn't much traffic on the main and country roads. At Piesport, I stop at the side of the road to take a photo of the small village reflected in the river.

Landshut Castle: A view over Bernkastel-Kues and the Moselle valley

Near Bernkastel-Kues, I drive up the narrow winding roads to Landshut Castle. I have to walk a little way from the parking lot. Shortly before I arrive at the castle, I can already enjoy beautiful views over the vineyards to the castle, into the Moselle valley and over Bernkastel-Kues. How wonderful it must be here in late summer, when the grapes are hanging on the vines and hopefully the sun is shining brightly!

The mild climate doesn't just seem to be good for the wine. There is even a rose blooming here.

There is a Christmas tree in the castle courtyard. Unfortunately, the panorama restaurant is only open at weekends in winter. I would have loved a cappuccino with river view.

Arrival in Cochem: the Reichsburg in mystical fog

It's already 2:30 p.m. when I park my car in Cochem. I say goodbye to my plan to visit Cochem Castle. It is only open until 3 p.m. and I would first have to climb the mountain on which it stands. I decide to look for a good photo spot, which I find on the Skagerak Bridge in the middle of the town. The wafts of mist give the castle an almost mystical appearance ...

Sweet break at Café Flair

At the Café Flair I take a break. The interior is obviously from the 1980s, but the cakes here are delicious and homemade. I can't remember the last time I had apple strudel this good.

Market square and the magic of half-timbered houses: Cochem's old town during Advent

Now I'm refreshed for my tour of the old town. The market square in Cochem is beautiful. The pretty half-timbered houses are home to small stores and cafés - it must be lovely to enjoy a glass of Moselle wine here on a warm summer evening. The Martinsbrunnen fountain is decorated with Snow White and the seven dwarfs during the Christmas season. This also delights the adults.

Christmas market at Endertplatz: rain and tranquillity

On the way back to my car, it starts to rain again. As a result, there's not much going on at the Christmas market on Endertplatz. I think it's nice that the fountain has been decorated with an Advent wreath.

After the weather forecast - which doesn't look too good for tomorrow - I pack some of my things, because tomorrow I'm going back home.

Planning for the journey home: Churches, monasteries and Christmas markets

I want to set off early, as I have planned a few side trips on the way: In Trier, I want to visit the church of St. Paulin with its magnificent baroque interior by the Würzburg court architect Balthasar Neumann see. Then drive up to St. Mary's Column on St. Mark's Hill and see Trier from above.

On my way back to Saarland, I will stop off at Germany's oldest monastery, the Benedictine Abbey of St. Mauritius in Tholey. Since 2019, the monks have been naming three stained glass windows in the main choir of the abbey church by Gerhard Richter The artist donated the designs for his last major work to the monastery. 29 further windows, also new, were created by the Afghan artist Mahbuba Maqsoodi. What an exciting combination! I have to see it! From Tholey, it's only a few kilometers to St. Wendel, where, next to the late Gothic Wendalinus Basilica, there is supposedly the most beautiful Christmas market in the Saarland. Let's see if I can manage this program!

These posts might also be interesting for you:

Bucket List Deutschland - The Story of My Tagline

As a former controller, I was previously only familiar with claims from the financial sector, where claims and receivables (from debtors) are involved. read more

12 of 12 November 2023: Excursion to the Schiller Town of Marbach

November 12, 2023 is Schiller Sunday in Marbach. Every year, Marbach celebrates Schiller's birthday for one week. read more

12 of 12: City tour through Herrenberg

12 of 12 - the 12th of the month in 12 pictures - has become a beloved tradition among bloggers read more

12 of 12: My August 12, 2023 - Walk through Sindelfingen

For 12 of 12 in August, I wanted to make a day trip - to Marbach am Neckar or at least to Herrenberg. read more