The Moselle Railway Line: Koblenz to Trier
In this series on hidden rail gems, I will introduce you to a relatively unknown yet highly scenic train ride. Today, let’s explore the railway line along the Moselle River between Koblenz and Trier.
The Moselle Railway Line
In the previous chapter of Hidden Rail Gems, we travelled on the Oravița to Anina railway line in Romania — this time, we’re in Germany to take a train along the scenic Moselle Line between Koblenz and Trier.
Many foreign rail travellers are quick to point to the railway lines along both banks of the Rhine River between Koblenz and Mainz as being among the most scenic in Germany.
However, the Moselle Railway Line, known in German as the Moselstrecke, can easily match the Rhine Valley railway when it comes to scenic beauty.
The Rhine Valley is not the only scenic railway line in Germany along a river. ©AndyBTravels
Koblenz
We begin our journey in Koblenz, the city located at the confluence of the Moselle and Rhine rivers.
The actual spot of the confluence, a promontory within walking distance of both the main railway station and the old town of Koblenz, is known as the Deutsches Eck (“German Corner”) and is well worth visiting before taking the train.
Koblenz Hbf. ©AndyBTravels
Vineyards and river views
The railway line between Koblenz and Trier runs mostly along the left (north-western) bank of the Moselle, so if you’re travelling from Koblenz to Trier, the best views will be on the left-hand side of the train.
From the train, you can enjoy sweeping views over the vineyards on steep slopes for which the Moselle is famous.
The railway line runs parallel to the Moselle as it meanders through the valley, even crossing it a few times between Koblenz and Trier, so you’ll get some great views from the train across the river and the surrounding hills.
It’s well worth making a stopover along the route if you have time in picturesque towns like Cochem, and famous sights such as Eltz Castle and the beautiful town of Bernkastel are also not far from the railway line.
View from a train along the Moselle Railway Line. ©AndyBTravels
Crossing a bridge over the Moselle. ©AndyBTravels
Trier
The city of Trier is considered the end of the Moselle Line, although the railway continues further south along the river beyond the city.
On the west bank, the railway line continues to the border town Wasserbillig in Luxembourg, where it diverts from the river and heads towards the capital, Luxembourg City.
On the east bank, another railway line continues south along the River Moselle, which forms the border between Luxembourg and Germany here, until reaching the town of Perl, where it enters France.
Trier is also well worth a visit, as it is the oldest city in Germany, dating back to Roman times, with the iconic Roman city gate, the Porta Nigra, and the charming market square being the top sights to admire.
Porta Nigra in Trier. ©AndyBTravels
Market square, Trier. ©AndyBTravels
Trains on the Moselle Railway Line
Most trains along the Moselle Railway Line between Koblenz and Trier are Regional Express (RE) or Regional Bahn (RB) trains.
There is also an InterCity (IC) train between Düsseldorf and Luxembourg that runs on the Moselle Railway Line between Koblenz and Trier.
This InterCity train is operated by CFL, the national railway company of Luxembourg, and between Koblenz and Trier, it is classified as an RE train, meaning you can also use it on this stretch with a Deutschland Ticket or other regional train pass.
Rail tour of the Moselle and Rhine
Travel agency Tailormade Rail offers 8-day trips from the UK to the Romantic Rhine and Moselle by train.
Rail holiday packages start from £849 per person and include 7 nights in a hotel, as well as all train tickets.
Every rail holiday is fully customisable — you can decide when to travel, adapt the route to suit your plans, upgrade hotels and rail journeys to your liking, and even add extra nights or change destinations.
Make sure to mention AndyBTravels when you make your booking at Tailormade Rail, and you’ll receive a free rail-related gift from me!
Conclusion
One of Germany’s most scenic train rides is along the Moselle Railway Line between Koblenz and Trier, offering superb views of the sloping vineyards lining the riverbanks.
It’s not just the train ride itself that’s scenic, but also the starting and ending points of Koblenz and Trier, as well as towns along the route like Cochem, which are all well worth a visit.
