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White river cruise ship MS Switzerland sailing on the Rhine River with forested hills and waterfront buildings in the background under blue sky.

Cycling Cruise on the Beautiful Moselle (Saarburg–Koblenz)

8 Days / 7 Nights
Easy
White river cruise ship MS Switzerland sailing on the Rhine River with forested hills and waterfront buildings in the background under blue sky.

The essentials at a glance

Cycling cruise along the Moselle River from Saarburg to Koblenz through Germany's wine regions. The route covers approximately 225 km over 6 cycling days on mostly flat, car-free paths with some hilly sections. Highlights include medieval Bernkastel-Kues, the historic town of Trier, picturesque Beilstein known as the 'Sleeping Beauty of the Moselle', Cochem with its impressive Reichsburg Castle, and the confluence of the Moselle and Rhine at Deutsches Eck in Koblenz.

The history of this part of Germany stretches back more than 2,000 years to Roman times. Along the way, you will encounter atmospheric half-timbered towns, rolling vineyards, and iconic sights such as the Porta Nigra in Trier and the spectacular confluence of the Moselle and Rhine in Koblenz. Saarburg – often referred to as “Little Venice” – is another of the journey’s special highlights.

At 544 km, the Moselle is the Rhine’s longest tributary and has historically been an important trade route in Germany, while the Saar, at 246 km, is the Moselle’s longest tributary.

The cycling routes are of a high standard and mainly follow smooth, paved sections, making the journey comfortable to ride. The route is therefore also well suited to cyclists with limited experience.

This trip is also available in a version that runs from Koblenz to Saarburg. See it here.

 

 

The Route

The tour is a category 1 and you cycle along car-free paths, country roads with little traffic and paved cycle paths. There will also be stretches on dusty farm tracks and gravel roads, with a few short stretches along main roads. These are cycle routes that invite you to enjoy the surroundings at a leisurely pace. The routes are mostly flat with some hilly sections. However, there will be a few steep climbs and descents along the way. It is always possible to skip a bike leg and stay on the boat instead.

Two cyclists on a paved path along the Mosel River with green hills, village houses reflected in calm water, and lush vegetation.

Itinerary

See the day-by-day itinerary below.

You arrive at the boat in Saarburg and are shown to your cabin. Boarding takes place between 4:00 and 5:00 pm. You will spend the evening and night in Saarburg.

Today, you cycle from Saarburg along the idyllic nature reserve surrounding a former meander of the Saar River. The route continues to Wasserbillig in Luxembourg and from there to the Igeler Säule.

Later, you arrive in Trier, where the boat is already waiting for you.

After breakfast, you cycle via Pfalzel, a charming little town on the Moselle with historic buildings and peaceful surroundings, continuing towards Riol and Mehring. Here, you pass through a beautiful landscape characterised by vineyards, gentle riverbanks, and small villages scattered along the Moselle.

Together, Riol and Mehring make up the largest wine-producing area in the Moselle-Saar-Ruwer region and are known for their long tradition of winemaking, particularly white wines grown on the steep slopes along the river. Along the way, you experience the characteristic combination of nature, culture, and vineyards that defines the entire Moselle Valley.

Today, you cycle to Bernkastel-Kues. The medieval market square, with its many half-timbered houses, is the perfect place to take a break and enjoy the charming surroundings.

Along the way, you visit Neumagen-Dhron, Germany’s oldest wine village. The route then continues to Piesport, the oldest wine-producing community along the Moselle.

Be sure to take some time here to enjoy the region’s popular wines.

From Bernkastel-Kues, the route continues towards Traben-Trarbach along the right bank of the Moselle. You follow the river’s many bends through the beautiful countryside before reaching Zell an der Mosel, known for its wine-growing area “Zeller Schwarze Katz”.

In Zell, take the opportunity to sample some of the excellent wines from the Moselle region and experience the area’s winemaking traditions first-hand.

The beautifully preserved historic centre of Beilstein, often referred to as the “Sleeping Beauty of the Moselle”, awaits you as one of the most atmospheric highlights of the journey. The small town is idyllically situated along the Moselle and is known for its almost fairytale-like atmosphere, with narrow streets, old half-timbered houses, and a peaceful, timeless charm.

Today’s stage ends in Cochem, where the impressive Reichsburg Castle towers high above the town. The castle offers a fascinating glimpse into the area’s medieval history and spectacular views over the Moselle Valley. Cochem is a delightful little town with a charming old quarter, where narrow streets, colourful half-timbered houses, and cosy squares create a lively and authentic atmosphere.

Today, you can choose to spend the day on board and relax on the sun deck while the beautiful Moselle landscape slowly drifts by. In the afternoon, there is an opportunity to take a walk at the “Deutsches Eck” in Koblenz, where the Moselle and Rhine meet at a striking and historic river confluence.

For experienced cyclists, there is a beautiful and varied cycling stage from Cochem to Koblenz. The route follows the Moselle through vineyards, small villages, and steep river valleys, with the landscape constantly changing between open views and more hilly sections. Along the way, you can take a detour to the impressive Burg Eltz, idyllically hidden among wooded surroundings and considered one of Germany’s best-preserved medieval castles.

The route then continues through Alken towards Koblenz, where the Moselle meets the Rhine. Here, the day’s cycling ends in a city rich in history and with a lively atmosphere along the riverbanks.

You leave the boat by 9:00 am at the latest and travel back to Denmark or continue your journey elsewhere. It is possible to take the train back to Saarburg. The journey takes approximately two hours and costs around €25–30 per person.

See the boat

Prices and dates

Prices per person in EUR

Price includes

ACCOMMODATION

  • 7 nights in an outside cabin on your chosen deck


FOOD & DRINK

  • Full board on board the boat (breakfast, lunch, afternoon coffee and dinner)
  • Welcome drink


CYCLING & EXPERIENCES

  • 6 days of cycling (approximately 225 km in total)
  • Daily briefing on the following day’s route
  • Detailed digital route descriptions, maps and other materials (in English)
  • A guide on board the boat, available for advice and assistance

OTHER

GENERAL

  • Transport to/from Germany
  • Administration fee: DKK 165
  • Cancellation and travel insurance
  • Drinks on board the boat
  • Tips

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

The following can be selected on the booking form when you book the trip:

  • ​​​​​​​Rental of bicycle/e-bike (selected when booking the tour)


Use the “Calculate Price” function on this page to see the total cost of the trip, including any optional extras you wish to add.

PARKING

Parking is available at or close to the harbour. Parking can be booked in advance and must be arranged before arrival.

Bikes

You can choose between these bikes on the tour
Red unisex touring bicycle with 21-speed gearing, equipped with bright yellow panniers on front and rear, parked on grass.
7-speed Unisex Bike
Hub gears with coaster brake

High-quality unisex touring bike with coaster brake on the rear wheel.

Body size approx. 155cm - 190cm.

46cm
51cm
56cm
Red electric bicycle with yellow panniers parked on green grass. The e-bike has a front basket and rear pannier bag, both in bright yellow.
Unisex 7-speed E-bike
Hub gears with freewheel

High quality unisex e-bike with comfortable low entry.

Body size approx. 148cm - 195cm.

46cm "XS"
46cm
51cm
56cm

Practical information

Here you can get answers to various questions about your trip
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It is possible to alone on this tour and stay in a double room. This can be selected on the booking form.

All departures require at least 75 guests. Departures are cancelled minimum 21 days before departure (which rarely happens)

Upon request, it is possible to bring your own bicycle on this tour. Approval from the boat is required, as there is a limit to the number of bicycles that can be accommodated. Your bicycle must be insured, and you must understand that it will be stored together with rental bicycles, packed tightly, and handled by the onboard staff.

Please note that the boat disclaims responsibility for damages and theft of privately brought bicycles.

If bringing an e-bike, it is required that the battery can be removed and brought into the cabin.

There will be a handling fee for bringing your own bicycle - see details on the booking page.

The flights to/from Luxemburg (closest airport) are not included in the price. You can easily find a suitable flight via a flight booking engine such as Momondo or Skyscanner.

Notice: we recommend that you book with us and wait for the confirmation before you book your flights.

It works like this:

  1. You book your chosen holiday with us
  2. We confirm your holiday (usually within 2-4 business days)
  3. You arrange your transportation

Get a quote
If you prefer that we handle your flight, then we would be happy to arrange this for you. You simply book a quote below the map on this page and we will return with a quote as soon as possible (usually within 48 working hours). Please note that we add a handling fee of 45 euro to each flight and this means that the flight will be cheaper if you book it yourself.

On this journey you will stay on the boat. The price on this page is based on cabins on the main deck, but on the booking form you can choose to upgrade to cabins on the upper deck. The cabins are approximately 11 square metres in size and have a private shower/toilet.

The following is included in the price

  • 7x breakfast
  • 6x packed lunch for cyclists or lunch snack on board (non cyclists)
  • 6x afternoon coffee break
  • 7x 3-course-dinner
  • For a stress-free start to your trip, it is recommended to arrive at the starting point early in the evening of the day before. The individual return journey will take place on the last day of the trip.
  • The indicated cycling distance is an approximation and may differ from the actual distance.
  • This journey is not suitable for people with reduced mobility.

 

Spoken language on board
On cycling cruises, German is typically the primary language on board, as a large proportion of the participants are German-speaking, and the crew is generally also most comfortable communicating in German. At the same time, participants come from a wide range of countries, making English a natural supplement. The guides speak good English and can, when needed, conduct briefings and provide practical information about the day’s cycling tours in English. You therefore do not need to speak German to feel well informed and take an active part in the tours.

 

Further important information about your trip by bike and boat
There is always a possibility of changes in the schedule and programme. In the event of extremely high or low water levels, the shipping company reserves the right to bridge parts of the route with a bus or to cancel the trip at short notice without liability (water level is force majeure). The same applies in the case of officially arranged lock and/or bridge repairs not previously announced or in the case of engine damage not caused by the fault of the ship.

Also be aware that your riverboat is both your "holiday hotel" and a working machine, constantly moving with engine power, even at night (sometimes with lock and bridge passengers and consequent ejection and retraction of structures). Particularly noise-sensitive guests are advised to bring earplugs. Lock passages are particularly associated with noise nuisance - it is the same on all boat trips - and unfortunately cannot be changed!

Please note that storage space in the cabin is very limited. In your luggage you should pack good rainwear (jacket and trousers), a helmet, sun hat and sun cream and sports shoes.

Tips are not included in the price.
It is customary to tip the crew of the riverboat at the end of the trip. The level is about 7-10€ from each participant. per day. On a trip like this of 7 days duration, about 50-70€ per person would be appropriate - depending on your experience.
There will typically be an envelope in the cabin for this purpose, or information will be provided to this effect at the end of the trip.

We recommend taking out travel insurance that covers at least illness, accident, repatriation, lost holiday, luggage and liability. As a customer, you are responsible for taking out the necessary travel insurance to cover these costs.

Before taking out insurance, you should check whether you are already covered by travel or cancellation insurance through your home insurance company, credit card or similar - please note that there may be differences in insurance coverage.

After booking this trip, you get access to various discount schemes.

Join the special ‘Bering Cycling Holidays’ group on Facebook. Here you'll be notified about new holidays, special offers and much more.

Link to the group

Note: you need to request membership, but everyone is approved.

When you book a trip with us, we plant a tree in Kenya.

Bering Travel partners with Growing Trees Network, which has been planting trees in Kenya since 2020 in collaboration with Seniorer uden Grænser (Seniors Without Borders). The trees are planted with small-scale local farmers in the Mount Kenya region, as well as at schools, where the fruit helps supplement students’ diets and is incorporated into their learning.

The trees are planted using the shamba method – a sustainable approach that combines reforestation with agricultural crops. This keeps the soil covered with vegetation throughout the year, helping to prevent nutrient loss and reduce erosion.

The contribution to tree planting comes directly from Bering Travel’s own earnings and is not added to the price of your trip.

This initiative is not intended as a carbon offset for travel, but as a way to make a positive contribution.

Read more

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