Mosel Valley

The Mosel Valley, which is situated in southwest Germany and stretches into France and Luxembourg, is full of charming cities and fairytale castles. The villages of Cochem and Burg Eltz are especially beautiful in the winter, offering breathtaking river views, historic castles, and lots of hills for hiking—all of which become even more wonderful when dusted with snow.

The Mosel Valley's castles and historical sites are ideal to visit in the winter because the fog and snow add to the mystery and the sites are almost empty, away from the large crowds you'll see in the summer. The region's Christmas markets, particularly the traditional ones at Zell a der Mosel and Bernkastel-Kues, light the valley in December. The local Old Town centers are worth exploring, even in the dead of winter. The streets are lined with fairytale-like half-timbered buildings, which make for great photo opportunities. Even if river cruises aren't offered in the winter, you may still go from Koblenz to Cochem by train and enjoy the same beautiful scenery.