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Mosel in the winter?

Posted by (Concord, Nc, Usa) on

Planning a trip for December 2014. I’ve done a lot of research & have a few questions.

While the main reason we are heading to Germany is for the Christmas markets, I don’t want to go into market overload and so we are trying to sprinkle in some other activities, namely wine. Haha. We are focusing on Bavaria and Salzburg.

I was originally planning on 2 nights in Bacharach and and one night in Cochem. My question is, is it worth going to this region in the winter (will things be open?) or is it better saved for a different spring/fall trip? Or for less time? If we skip the Mosel and the Rhine, any suggestions of stops for wine?

I’d love to visit a spa but won’t make it to Baden Baden. Any other suggestions that won’t break the bank?

When we went to Austria/Switzerland last year two of our favorite stops were Hallstatt and Wengen. We’re looking for a scenic stop for a day or two of relaxation. There are so many options, I’d love to hear what people’s favorites (that are easily accessible via train to Munich or Salzburg).

One other question, I really want to visit Neuschwanstein. I know Fussen is one of the best spots to easily access Neuschwanstein but are there any other towns that are easily accessible by train?

Posted by
12040 posts

"I’d love to visit a spa but won’t make it to Baden Baden" There's over a hundred spa resort in Germany. Rick Steves, for some reason, focuses only on Baden-Baden. On the Rhine itself, you have Bad Honnef and Wiesbaden, just off the river are Bad Neuenahr (connected to well-preserved, walled Ahrweiler), Bad Kreuznacht and Bad Dürkheim (further south). All of these towns are also known for wine, particularly Bad Dürkheim. There's several thermal resorts near Frankfurt as well.

Keep in mind that the glorious Technicolor scenery that people enjoy in summer is considerably more muted in winter. The atmosphere is very damp, and the sun sits relatively low in the sky, so things generally look rather gray and hazy. This will probably limit some of the vistas you may have expected on the Rhine and Mosel. Sites like castles usually don't close, but many restaurants, and of course, souvenir stands, lock their doors in winter.

" I know Fussen is one of the best spots to easily access Neuschwanstein but are there any other towns that are easily accessible by train?" I'm not sure I understand this question. Are you asking if you can reach Neuschwanstein from another town besides Füssen by public transportation? Not really. Füssen is the closest transportation hub.

Posted by
3 posts

Thanks Tom, that was my exact question regarding Fussen.

And yes, I understand that the views will be more muted in the winter. That's what got me thinking that it may not be the best time to visit Cochem & Bacharach. Thanks for the suggestions, I'll check them out.

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