Alken, Germany, is a fantastic base for exploring the Moselle Valley by boat. Its location along the river means you’re perfectly situated to hop aboard a variety of scenic cruises. What we love about Alken is how it combines accessible starting points with a wide range of experiences—from relaxing day trips to full-day explorations—so travelers of all interests can find something that suits. For example, a return trip to Cochem on a historic boat offers a relaxing way to explore a charming town, while a full-day cruise to Koblenz showcases the region’s castles and vineyards at their finest. Plus, these trips often include commentary, so you learn a bit about the landscape and history as you go.
If you’re considering your options, we’ve narrowed down the three best boat tours in Alken based on reviews, value, and unique features. Whether you’re into short sightseeing cruises or full-day adventures, each offers a different way to see the Moselle River and its surroundings. Let’s take a look at what each has to offer.
1. From Alken: Return Day Trip by Boat to Cochem
This return day trip to Cochem offers a relaxed way to enjoy the river scenery and explore a picturesque town. For around $32 per person, you’ll board the MS Goldstück, a comfortable boat with commentary that brings the landscape to life. The tour includes a 40-minute river cruise, passing through the enchanting Moselle Valley, with stops along the way to admire castles and the lush landscape.
Once in Cochem, you have about 2.5 hours of free time to wander the charming old town, explore the market square, or hike up to the Reichsburg Castle for panoramic views. The tour’s highlight is the leisurely pace, allowing plenty of time to soak in the scenery and enjoy a relaxed lunch in Cochem. The reviews are quite positive, with a 4.6-star rating from 94 reviews, emphasizing how smoothly the trip runs and the quality of onboard commentary. Many travelers appreciate the balance of scenic cruising and free exploration.
Bottom line: This trip is perfect if you want a manageable, scenic day out with a taste of Cochem’s charm. It’s ideal for travelers with limited time who want to combine sightseeing with some leisure.
2. 2-River Day-trip by boat to Koblenz and return from Alken
For those wanting a full-day adventure, the 2-River Day-trip to Koblenz is a standout. At around $33 per person, this 8-hour cruise offers a comprehensive look at the Rhine and Moselle rivers, passing castle ruins, terraced vineyards, and mountain slopes. The journey includes multiple stops, with a roughly 2.67-hour cruise through scenic landscapes, and plenty of time to explore Koblenz’s Deutsches Eck—the famous spot where the Moselle and Rhine rivers meet.
The tour is lauded for its detailed itinerary, passing notable sights like Winningen’s vineyards and Kobern-Gondorf. The highlight for many is the free time in Koblenz, where you can stroll the riverside paths or visit local cafes. The reviews give it a 4.6/5 rating from 80 reviews, with travelers praising the smooth logistics and interesting commentary. It’s a well-rounded option for travelers who want to see the region’s castles, vineyards, and historic sites without rushing.
Bottom line: This trip is a good pick if you love river scenery, castles, and a full day of sightseeing with plenty of flexibility in Koblenz. It’s especially suited for travelers eager to see both Moselle and Rhine highlights.
3. From Alken: Moselle Valley Sightseeing Cruise
If you’re short on time but want a taste of the Moselle’s beauty, the Moselle Valley Sightseeing Cruise provides a 1.5-hour journey for just $18 per person. Departing from Alken, this round-trip cruise takes you past iconic castles like Thurant and Bischofstein, along with charming riverside villages and steep vineyards. It’s a straightforward, affordable option for those wanting to see the landscape without committing to a full day.
During this cruise, you’ll enjoy close-up views of steep slope vineyards where Riesling grapes flourish, and you might spot ancient castles perched above the water. Reviewers note that this tour offers “unique views of the Moselle valley”, making it ideal for travelers short on time but eager for memorable scenery. The shorter duration means you can combine it with other activities or tours in Alken or nearby towns.
Bottom line: Perfect for a quick, scenic escape, this cruise is recommended if you want an affordable, relaxing glimpse of the Moselle’s vineyards and castles.
How to Choose
When deciding among these tours, consider your time constraints, interests, and budget. The return day trip to Cochem is best if you want a manageable half-day with a charming town as your destination. For a full-day exploration of both valleys, the Koblenz trip offers a comprehensive experience—ideal for history and castle lovers. If your schedule is tight but you still want scenic views, the Moselle sightseeing cruise delivers in a short, affordable package.
Booking early is advisable, especially in peak seasons. Think about whether you prefer a shorter, scenic cruise or a full-day adventure exploring multiple highlights. For example, if you love castles and vineyards, the Koblenz trip might be your best bet. If you’re traveling with limited time but want a relaxed, scenic experience, the Cochem trip is a great choice.
Final Thoughts
Alken offers a variety of boat tours suitable for different tastes and schedules. For a relaxed day with a taste of Cochem, the return trip on the MS Goldstück is hard to beat. If you want the full experience of the Moselle and Rhine valleys, the day-trip to Koblenz delivers a packed itinerary with ample sightseeing. Or, if you’re just looking for a quick taste of the river’s beauty, the Moselle sightseeing cruise offers a simple, affordable option.
No matter your preference, these trips provide a fantastic way to see the region’s castles, vineyards, and villages from the water. We recommend booking early, especially if you’re traveling during peak season, to ensure you get your preferred date and time. With these options, you’ll find a boat tour in Alken that will make your Moselle trip truly memorable.