Cochem is a charming town on the Moselle River that’s perfect for exploring by boat. The scenic Moselle River offers stunning views of vineyards, castles, and historic townscapes, making a boat tour a must-do activity. Among the options, the Cochem, Moselle: Wine experience hike with boat trip stands out for combining a boat ride, vineyard walk, and wine tasting in one day — a true taste of regional life. If you’re more interested in history, the Castle, boat and wine tour offers guided castle visits and self-tasting experiences. And for those looking for a relaxed evening, the KD Panoramic Evening Cruise provides a peaceful way to soak in the sunset over the river. Each of these tours offers a different way to experience Cochem’s beauty and culture, ensuring there’s something for every type of traveler.
Quick Overview
Below, we’ve rounded up four top boat tours and cruises in Cochem, each with distinctive features:
- An immersive wine experience hike combined with a boat trip (details here)
- A castle and wine tour that pairs a guided castle visit with a scenic river cruise (details here)
- An active bike and boat tour with wine tasting (details here)
- A relaxing panoramic evening cruise along the Moselle River (details here)
1. Cochem, Moselle: Wine experience hike with boat trip
Starting your day with a boat trip on the Moselle to Bruttig, this tour blends scenic navigation with a delightful vineyard hike. The 5-hour experience costs about $105 per person and is rated 4.6 out of 5 based on 9 reviews. The journey begins at the Moselpromenade 15, where you’ll board a boat for a 20-minute ride across the river to Bruttig, a quiet village surrounded by vineyards. Once there, you’ll enjoy a hike through the vineyards, stopping for wine tastings and local snacks provided by a winegrower. This is a perfect tour for wine lovers who want to see the countryside, taste regional wines, and walk off some of that Riesling.
What makes this experience unique is the combination of boating, walking, and wine tasting integrated into a single outing. The winegrower’s dinner adds a hearty touch, making it more than just a tasting—it’s an authentic local experience. The tour concludes with a bus ride back to Cochem.
Bottom Line: If you love the idea of combining a scenic river cruise with a vineyard walk and wine tasting, this tour offers a well-rounded taste of the Moselle region. It’s particularly suited for active travelers who enjoy both nature and wine.
2. Cochem, Moselle: Castle, boat and wine tour
At number 2, the Castle, boat and wine tour offers a comprehensive look at Cochem’s highlights in about 6 hours. For around $85 per person and a rating of 3.9 out of 5 from 26 reviews, this tour is a solid choice for history and wine buffs alike. It kicks off with a guided tour of Cochem’s iconic Reichsburg Castle, where you’ll learn about its history and enjoy commanding views of the river and town. Afterward, you’ll hop on a scenic boat trip across the Moselle, passing vineyards and riverside villages.
A key highlight is a wine tasting at a local winery, where you’ll sample 4 different wines from a single tray, making it easy to compare and savor. Reviewers mention that even if there’s a slight delay, everything runs smoothly, and the experience is “a beautiful day in Cochem.”
Bottom Line: This tour balances castle history, scenic boat cruising, and wine tasting at a moderate price, making it ideal for travelers interested in cultural sights with a relaxed pace.
$85 per person
3. Cochem: Bike and Boat Tour with Picnic and Wine Tasting
For those who prefer a more active adventure, the Bike and Boat Tour with Picnic and Wine Tasting spans about 7 hours and combines cycling, boating, and local flavors. Priced with a focus on experience, this tour includes riding approximately 10 kilometers along the Moselle, then taking a boat cruise to enjoy the scenery from the water. The highlight is a picnic lunch on the riverbank, paired with a wine tasting of three selected samples.
Rated 3.7 out of 5 based on 35 reviews, this experience is perfect for travelers who want to blend outdoor activity with leisurely tasting. One review mentions some logistical confusion with tickets and meeting points but overall describes the experience as “great and enjoyable.”
What makes this tour stand out is the chance to experience both land and water in one day, plus the opportunity to explore Cochem town on your own afterward.
Bottom Line: Ideal for active travelers who enjoy cycling and scenic boat rides with a casual wine tasting in between. It’s a good choice if you want to make the most of your day with a combination of exercise and leisure.
4. Cochem: KD Panoramic Evening Cruise on the Moselle River
Ending our list, the KD Panoramic Evening Cruise offers a peaceful 2-hour escape along the Moselle River. Priced at just $28 per person and rated 3.6 out of 5 from 17 reviews, it’s the most affordable way to enjoy Cochem’s illuminated landmarks. The cruise departs in the early evening from Cochem harbor, sailing on the MS Moselprinz. As you drift along, you’ll see the Imperial Castle, Old Town, and Reichsburg Castle all beautifully lit, with the open deck providing fresh air and unobstructed views. When weather permits, a DJ adds a relaxed, lively atmosphere.
This cruise is less about activity and more about savoring the ambiance and scenery in a laid-back setting. Reviewers mention the wind and the view as highlights, although some note that the ratings reflect the simple, straightforward nature of the experience.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those seeking a tranquil, scenic evening on the river, especially if you enjoy a relaxing cruise without a packed schedule.
$28 per person
How to Choose the Right Boat Tour in Cochem
When choosing among these options, think about what kind of experience appeals most. If you’re into wine and want an active day, the wine hike (more info) offers a full sensory experience. For a mix of history, scenery, and wine tasting, the castle and boat tour (more info) is ideal. Active travelers who want to combine cycling and boating might prefer the bike and boat tour (more info). Finally, if your aim is a relaxed evening, the panoramic river cruise (more info) offers a scenic wind-down.
Consider your budget, schedule, and interests. For example, families might enjoy the scenic evening cruise, while wine enthusiasts might prefer the wine hike or castle tour with tastings. Booking early, especially in peak seasons, ensures you get your preferred time and experience.
Cochem’s boat tours provide a delightful way to see the town from a different perspective—whether through tasting regional wines, exploring castles, or simply drifting along the river at sunset. Each experience offers something unique, so think about what best matches your travel style. Don’t hesitate to reserve in advance — Cochem is popular, and these tours fill up quickly in the summer. Happy sailing!