Each of Croatia’s islands is beautiful and unique. Each offers a different experience. After you finish the highlights of the Croatian mainland, consider visiting Mljet, Croatia’s “greenest” island for a retreat.
Why you should visit Mljet
Mljet, Croatia’s southernmost island, is the place to go if you’re looking for a peaceful break surrounded by nature, forests and lakes.
Visiting Mljet, Croatia’s “greenest” island
It’s a crowd-free alternative to Croatia’s busier, more vibrant islands. Imagine unspoilt nature, gentle walks, bike rides, and swimming at quiet beaches and beautiful lakes.
Mljet is a perfect day trip from the busy Dubrovnik. It’s an easy ferry ride from the mainland.
Our visit to Mljet National Park
Our yacht slipped into the small settlement of Pomena in Mljet National Park. We had left Dubrovnik early, before breakfast, giving us the morning to enjoy activities on the island before sailing on.
Arriving in Pomena Harbour
Several other yachts were already docked in the port. The port is one of the closest entrances to the National Park.
The best things to do in Mljet National Park
Mljet National Park is best known for its two turquoise saltwater lakes and the Church of St Mary and Benedictine Monastery, which dates back to 1151 and sits in the middle of the larger lake.
A short 20-minute walk from the port along a paved forest path, then a gravel path brings you to where the two saltwater lakes meet.
Swim in the lakes
Swimming in Mljet’s turquoise lakes
The national park has a few swim spots. When we arrived, people were already swimming in the clear turquoise waters of the lakes. A small bridge gives walkers and cyclists access to the two lakes from above, and swimmers access both from below.
The bridge connecting Mljet National Park’s two saltwater lakes
Hire a bicycle
Mljet National Park is a great place to cycle around. The paths looping around the park are well signed, letting you enjoy the natural surroundings at a quicker pace.
We noticed it was cheaper to rent the bikes at the port than at the lakeside vendor. The only downside with renting at the port is having to take the bike up the pathway to reach the lakeside bike trail.
Take a hike
We decided to take a hike around the lakes. The hike (more like a walk) followed the cycle path around the lakes, and we had it almost to ourselves.
A 45-minute anti-clockwise walk from the bridge between the lakes takes you along a path to one of the closest points to the small island where the Church of St Mary and Monastery are situated. You’ll be surrounded by lush greenery all the way.
St Mary’s Church and Monastery
There is also a ferry taxi service/restaurant at this point
For other walking and hiking options on Mljet, see this post.
Take a ferry ride on the lake
A ferry on the lake
Take a ferry ride on the lake and visit St Mary and the Monastery on the island. While we didn’t have time to visit, our readings informed us that the small church is serene and quiet, and the Monastery gardens are equally tranquil.
Explore Pomena
The charming small settlement of Pomena
The small settlement of Pomena is home to around 50 full-time inhabitants. The numbers swell in the summer months. We found the port and bay area compact and quiet. It was a nice place to sit and watch the comings and goings in the harbour before we re-boarded our yacht after we walked around the lakes.
Our conclusion
Unspoilt natural beauty and tranquillity are the key features of spending time on Mljet and in the National Park.
Our time on the island was short and limited because of windy weather preventing our yacht from sailing to Mljet the previous day. However, our morning exploring the National Park gave us insight into an island remarkably different from most popular Croatian islands which draw tourists.
If you love nature, enjoy hiking and prefer quiet, laid-back evenings by the water, then you’ll love visiting Mljet, Croatia’s “greenest” island.
Mljet is the perfect Croatian island if you enjoy nature, like hiking and prefer quiet, laid-back evenings by the water.
In case you’re interested
We took the opportunity to experience the Croatian islands and coastline on a week-long sailing on a small ship. It was the perfect way to see and enjoy more of each unique island. Read more through the link below.
Stunning beaches, a quaint historic old town and a charming but vibrant main town. Add rolling hills covered in vineyards, olive groves, lavender, rosemary farms and small fishing villages, and Hvar Island is a perfect holiday destination. Here’s a guide to visiting beautiful Hvar Island.
We spent time on the island as part of a cruise on a small yacht travelling between Split and Dubrovnik.
Hvar was the first stop on our cruise after setting off from Split
A short history
Founded by the Greeks in 384 BC and originally named Pharos, Stari Grad retains its ancient qualities through its stone alleys, lanes and archways. On the agricultural plains, the most preserved Greek plot division system in the Mediterranean continues today.
After Roman and Byzantine rule, Slavs took over the island before the Turks and Venetians. Finally, following a period under the Habsburg monarchy, Hvar became part of Dalmatia in 1813.
Stari Grad
Stari Grad has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2008. Evidence of its multi-layered history is blended throughout the town in its ancient ruins and architecture.
Stari Grad Riva
The port is right in the old town, and the town’s promenade (Stari Grad Riva) is a few steps from where we docked.
We arrived in the early autumn, when the promenade and town were quiet; summer tourists had departed, leaving us to wander at leisure. We could imagine the old town busy with day-trippers from the main town, Hvar, during peak summer season.
Stari Grad Riva on Croatia’s Hvar Island
In early October, a few stores on the promenade were still open, hoping to capture some end-of-season trade. Everyone else, including most restaurants and cafes, had shut up shop to rest over the winter.
The township
The squares, streets and alleys leading away from the promenade are charming to stroll around. A blend of architecture makes for interesting exploration. For example, as you walk the streets near the harbour, stop to see Tvrdalj.
Tvrdalji Castle
Tvrdalj, the Castle of Petar Hektorovic
Tvrdalj, the Castle of Petar Hektorovic, is the fortified Renaissance summer home of the renowned 15th-century Croatian poet. Behind the stone-walled entrance, you’ll find a haven designed to shelter poets, travellers and locals from an Ottoman attack. A fishpond and tower are the central features.
The Castle opens from May to October for limited visiting hours. Unfortunately, it was closed during our time in Stari Grad.
Church of St Peter
As we explored the town, the streets were quiet except for the chiming of church bells, which enticed us to the far end of town.
On a rise bordering pastures is a little church. We arrived as the congregation emerged from the building singing and chanting, with the menfolk carrying a statue of Mary and child and women following behind. After the procession passed, we stepped inside to have a look.
An evening at Hora Hvar
The island’s deep-rooted wine-making traditions, lavender fields, and olive groves are centred on Hora Hvar, the Stari Grad Plain, where centuries-old Greek stone walls mark plots across over 80 hectares of land.
Sunset at Hora Hvar
Our evening destination was FarmHouse Agroturism Pharos, where the Žuvela family continues ancient farming traditions, producing high-quality wine, lavender, olives, and fresh vegetables on 32 hectares.
The rustic buildings of Hora Hvar
Tastings and learning
We were served cherry and fig liqueurs on arrival, watched the sun set over the farm, and enjoyed an evening of delicious delicacies, wine, and liqueurs, accompanied by a lesson about wine and food production on the farm.
First course – Platters of cheese, salami, salted and preserved anchovies, and preserved meat pate, served with bread and a selection of olive oils from the farm (virgin, extra virgin, and infused), accompanied by a light white wine.
Second course – Grilled fish with sautéed courgettes, stew of slow-cooked veal and lamb with potatoes, eggplant and courgettes and a green salad. It was accompanied by another white wine similar to a moscato, which was not sweet but more robust than the first. A glass of red wine followed.
Dessert – Fresh sugar plums and figs were served with a rosé wine to finish the evening.
Take a morning walk around the bay
Before we sailed, there was time for an hour’s walk along the promenade to the other side of the inlet. Small resorts and holiday villas line the waterfront. In the summer, all would be busy with holidaymakers.
A blissful morning walk around Stari Grad harbour
At this time of year, they were all closed up for the winter, and not a soul was about, apart from a couple of our fellow cruise guests.
We felt like we had the island to ourselves!
Hvar
Compared to Stari Grad, Hvar was much busier.
Because there was a wait for the yacht to dock in port, and to maximise our time in the town, guests were delivered to the shore by water taxi.
Port side in Hvar Town
Instead of joining some guests on a guided tour, we spent our afternoon and evening exploring at leisure.
Hvar Town
A walk up to Spanjola Fortress
Spanjola Fortress was built in the 1500s and sits atop a hill overlooking Hvar town, the port and islets.
After a steep stairway from the main square through Porta di Datallo, a winding path surrounded by rockeries takes you up to the Venetian fortress.
Rockeries and shaded paths lead up to Spanjola Fortress in Hvar
The views on the way up and from the Fortress walls are stunning.
Views from the path on the way up to Spanjola Fortress
Explore the streets and alleyways
We returned to the harbour front at a much slower pace, taking the time to explore the streets and alleyways leading off the staircase to our left and right. Each was lined with private homes, cafes, and a treasure trove of small boutiques.
Spend time in St Stephen’s Square (Pjaca)
Dalmatia’s largest square, Pjaca runs from St Stephen’s Cathedral to the harbour. Built from reclaimed land in the 1800’s, the square was once part of the harbour.
St Stephen’s Cathedral in Hvar Town
The long cobbled square with the Cathedral at the far end is full of cafes and restaurants. It hosts events and concerts during the summer. When we visited, the square was being dismantled following what we imagine was the final event for the summer season.
St Stephen’s Square in Hvar Town
Stroll along the Riva
While it would be busy during the summer season, we found the promenade away from where yachts and other boats dock a tranquil area to spend time in.
Evening views of Hvar Town and Spanjola Fortress
Small stores, bars and eateries line the promenade, which continues around the cove. We enjoyed some downtime before dinner, sitting on a bench watching the comings and goings on the harbour as well as locals out for evening strolls.
Enjoy a Dalmatian meal
One of the beauties of travelling on Sail Croatia’s Elegance cruise through the southern Croatian islands was eating like kings and queens onboard for breakfast and lunch.
For our evening meals, we chose our own dining options at the ports we visited.
A selection of main courses
In Hvar, we sat back and thoroughly enjoyed a Dalmatian meal complete with paired wines at Dalmatino. Delicate polenta entrees, Dalmatian-style gnocchi and risotto dishes teased our taste buds, while the decadent desserts completed the meal perfectly.
An after-dinner stroll for night views
An after-dinner stroll followed the promenade, where we found a scenic spot at the far end of the cove to admire the night lights around Hvar harbour front and the illuminated Fortress.
Night views of Hvar Port and Spanjola Fortress
Our conclusion
Two different experiences on one Croatian island.
Stari Grad provided a relaxed start to our cruise of the southern Croatian islands. In our opinion, it is quieter and more family-friendly while still giving you access to the sea and beaches. It’s the perfect part of Hvar Island to spend time in if you want a beach holiday with a historic element.
For a long time, Hvar Town had a reputation as a summer party town, with plenty of nightspots for those who wanted a night out after a day at the beach. Today, with noise restrictions and earlier closing times for nightclubs and open-air bars, Hvar Town is a pleasant place to stay if you’re looking for beautiful beaches, idyllic coastal scenery and plenty of dining options.
We enjoyed each for its individual uniqueness.
In case you’re interested
We explored the southern Croatian Islands on a small ship. We tell you all about the small ship experience in our blog below. Click on the link to read all about sailing in southern Croatia.
Full of spectacular scenery and a mecca for those who enjoy the outdoors, Interlaken is one of Switzerland’s top destinations.
Why Interlaken is one of Switzerland’s top destinations
Nestled between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, Interlaken is situated in the Bernese Oberland region of the Swiss Alps. Because of its unique locations, it serves as the ideal base for exploring Lauterbrunnen, Jungfraujoch, and Grindelwald, as well as the towns and villages around both lakes.
Our drive from Lucerne to Interlaken
Sheer cliffs and the towering mountains of the Bernese Oberland surrounded us on the drive. We had driven through tunnels bored into hills to ascend the mountain.
The subsequent descent took us alongside sheer mountain drops interjected with a lush, scenic countryside where small hamlets were tucked into the mountainsides, finally arriving at Lake Brienz.
Truly spectacular!
Lake Brienz
The road towards Interlaken wound its way along Lake Brienz. The Lake, like Lake Thun on the other side of Interlaken, is one of Switzerland’s popular holiday spots. Holidaymakers come to the lakes for the tranquillity, to engage in water sports, and enjoy the mountain hiking trails.
The picturesque village of Brienz, at the other end of the lake from Interlaken, is favoured by local holidaymakers in the summer months. Pretty wooden chalets line the road on either side as you drive through.
Interlaken
Expect to find Interlaken township busy with tourists and holidaymakers. Plenty of hotel accommodation and easy access by train to hikes and day tours make Interlaken an attractive destination.
Stroll around the town
Relatively compact, the town is a delight to explore on foot. A major tourist destination, you’ll find plenty of stores selling souvenirs and Swiss-made products, including watches and chocolates. And, if you’re planning on hiking in the area, you’ll find stores catering to any last-minute items as well.
Walk along Hoheweg Promenade
Stretching from East to West Interlaken, Hoheweg is the city’s charming main promenade. Be prepared to be dazzled by the views of the Jungfrau mountains from the large flower garden lined around Hohematte Park halfway along Hoheweg. This was one of our highlights.
Spectacular views from Hohematte Park
During the day, you can watch paragliders taking off from Harder Kulm and landing in the parklands.
Go up to the top of Harder Kulm
Take yourself up to the top of Interlaken’s local mountain, Harder Kulm.
A funicular will take you to the top of the mountain and its viewing platform within 10 minutes. Gaze at the spectacular scenery from the cable car windows and marvel further when you step onto the glass-floored platform.
For the not-so-faint-hearted, there is an initial steep trail which starts at the village station, which then takes you on forest paths to the top.
Relax in the Kursaal Gardens
In the city centre but away from the hustle and bustle is the Kursaal Gardens with its cultural centre. You can admire the alpine views while relaxing in the lush gardens, featuring a beautiful fountain.
The Cultural Centre in the Kursaal Gardens
Another feature in the park is the statue of the famed Indian film director Yash Chopra. He was given the title of “Ambassador of Interlaken” for increasing the city’s popularity through his films. Many were shot in the mountains in the area, which, in turn, led to Interlaken becoming a major destination for Indian tourists.
Statue of the famed Indian film director Yash Chopra in the Kursaal Gardens
Wander along the river
The quieter riverside paths are another way to remove yourself from the centre of the main city area. Take yourself into the side streets and along the treelined waterways.
We walked along the paths, admiring the variety of homes along the riverbanks.
Follow the walking paths along Lake Brienz
Because we chose to stay in the small settlement of Ringgenberg on the banks of Lake Brienz, we took the opportunity to walk along the lakeside trail to Interlaken and back on our morning walks.
Morning views on the walking trail alongside Lake Brienz
The trail offers excellent vantage points to take in the lake and the most stunning mountain views.
Things to do near Interlaken
As we mentioned earlier, Interlaken serves as the launch pad for hiking and visiting some of Switzerland’s most beautiful alpine villages and towns, located around Lakes Brienz and Thun.
Lauterbrunnen
Lauterbrunnen is not far from Interlaken. We drove for 20 minutes along the road through lush green valleys, accompanied by incredible mountain scenery, to reach the village.
Scenery on the drive to Lauterbrunnen from Interlaken
Along with the mountain scenery and access to the cogwheel trains that link to Jungfraujoch, Lauterbrunnen Valley’s biggest drawcard is the 72 waterfalls that cascade down the rock faces of the mountains surrounding the village. The Staubbach Fall, with a nearly 300 metre drop and located in the heart of the village, is the most well-known.
Lauterbrunnen village with the Staubbach Fall
Trains run regularly from Interlaken to Lauterbrunnen daily.
Grindelwald
At the foot of the Eiger mountain, Grindelwald is another pretty alpine village. The Eiger mountain towers over the village and is in sight everywhere you go,
For some serious hiking, the village provides access to the challenging Eiger Hiking Trail and its spectacular scenery via cable car.
Grindelwald is best known as the gateway to visiting the Eiger Glacier and Jungfraujoch (the highest train station in the world). Take the Eiger Express Cable Car from Grindelwald. The panorama as the cable car takes you to the glacier, followed by the cogwheel train up to Jungfraujoch, is said to be one of the best views of the Alps.
A view of the mountains from Grindelwald village
For information. We decided not to visit Jungfraujoch during our stay in Interlaken. While the views over the Alps and glaciers from Jungfraujoch are said to be truly spectacular, Jungfraujoch is also a major tourist destination with many tour groups and independent travellers ascending daily. We would not enjoy the experience amongst the crowds. We deferred the experience until our stay in Zermatt, where it’s less crowded.
Visit the towns and villages of Lake Thun
Leissigen
Leissigen is a picturesque small village nestled on the banks of Lake Thun. With small chalets overlooking the river, it’s ideal for a stay on the lake, perfect for water sports or a quiet getaway within easy access to the mountains.
Beatenberg
After visiting Leissigen, we drove up to Beatenberg. Beatenbeg is known for the St Beatus Caves and church. We think the main attraction is its location!
Views of Lake Thun from the grounds of Hotel Meielisalp in Beatenberg
Perched above Lake Thun, a drive up the mountainside from Leissigen found us at the entrance of Hotel Meielisalp. A stroll to the back of the property after parking led us to a viewpoint offering spectacular views over Lake Thun and beyond.
Spiez
The small town of Spiez sits on a bay on the shores of Lake Thun, surrounded by vineyards. Its castle stands out prominently as you drive towards the town and the popular lakeside promenade.
Views over Spiez
Thun
Give yourself plenty of time to explore another of Switzerland’s most beautiful cities.
A covered bridge crossing the river in Thun
The city’s iconic landmark, the medieval castle, is perched protectively over the old town. Wander through the old town, over the bridges crossing the Aare River to reach the castle.
Thun Castle above the old town
One of our favourite spots was Schadau Park on the edge of Lake Thun. Wander the shaded paths of the park until you reach the 19th-century Schadau Castle on the banks of the lake to take in the spectacular views of the Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau mountains.
Schadau Castle
Views of the mountain range from Schadau Park
Where we stayed
We chose to take advantage of being in the lake region by staying outside of Interlaken in the small village of Ringgenberg on the shores of Lake Brienz.
This little village is a 45-minute walk or a quick 5-minute train ride from Interlaken, but it feels like you’re a world away from the busy tourist trap. We thoroughly enjoyed walking the well-marked trail to and from Interlaken, taking in some amazing lake and mountain views along the way.
Log chalets in Ringgenberg village on Lake Brienz, Switzerland
The village itself is made up of beautiful log chalets and gardens laden with flowering plants in the summer.
We stayed in an apartment at Chalet Diana Lakefront, from where we could enjoy our meals and a glass or two of wine from our little patio, enjoying stunning views of the lake.
Views of Lake Brienz from our accommodation
In case you’re interested
Our travels have taken us to other towns and cities in Switzerland, which we believe are worth visiting. Please take a look at another of our recommendations below.
The Rhine Valley, with its beautiful landscapes, charming towns surrounded by picturesque vineyards, is high on our list of places to visit on a German road trip. We were fortunate to see much of the Upper Middle Rhine Valley while driving the scenic Rhine Castle and Romantic Rhine route. Short on time? Read on as we tell you how to get a taste of the Rhine Valley.
Driving to the Rhine Castle route to Koblenz on our first day in Germany, we looked across the Rhine River to hills covered in vineyards and small towns hugging the riverfront. We were glad that we had made some time to explore that side of the river on the return leg.
In particular, there was one town we wanted to visit, Rüdesheim am Rhein.
Rüdesheim am Rhein
Rüdesheim am Rhein is a charming town just over one hour’s drive (65km) from Frankfurt. It’s the perfect town to get a taste of the Rhine Valley. If you’re not convinced, then look at any riverboat cruise itinerary travelling the Upper Middle Rhine Valley, and you’ll find the town on their itinerary.
The town is a great way to experience the local architecture, the Rhine Valley and wine.
Rudesheim am Rhein’s lovely Marktplatz
Rüdesheim am Rhein architecture
Dating back to the 15th century, the town has an old town filled with medieval buildings. The best way to experience the town’s charm is to walk up one of the alleyways leading from the riverfront and stroll through the town. You’ll find beautiful half-timbered houses and squares in a compact area.
The beautiful half-timbered houses on Oberstrasse
Rüdesheim am Rhine wine
The UNESCO World Heritage Upper Middle Rhine is renowned for its picturesque vineyards, which produce world-famous Riesling and Pinot Noir wines. The countryside is dotted with world-famous winegrowers. And, there’s no better place than Rudesheim am Rhein’s old town to sample some. You’ll find plenty of local wine cellars which offer tastings and wine for purchase when strolling through.
An underground wine cellar in Rudesheim am Rhein
Stroll along Drosselgasse
The heart of Rüdesheim is the town’s most popular and scenic street, Drosselgasse. The lively cobblestoned street is filled with historic inns and restaurants serving local dishes.
Historic Drosselgasse is where you’ll find old inns and restaurants
Ride the Cable Car or drive to the Niederwald Monument
The Niederwald Monument was constructed between 1871 and 1883 to commemorate the unification of Germany, which took place when 25 individual states merged into one nation following the Franco-Prussian War. If you are in Rüdesheim, visiting the monument by making your way up the hills is highly recommended.
The majestic Niederwald Monument overlooking the Rhine Gorge
The monument sits majestically on a pedestal overlooking the Rhine Gorge, perched above the valley in a park. It’s one of Germany’s most revered monuments.
How to get a taste of the Rhine Valley
The park offers the public a terrace overlooking the vineyards and across the Rhine River to the towns, vineyards, and countryside of the west bank.
Views over the Rhine River and valley from the Niederwald Monument terrace
The panoramic view is absolutely worth the effort. Savour the scenery from above.
If you have extra time
Take the ferry between Rüdesheim and Bingen. A short six-minute ferry ride will offer you the opportunity to view both sides of the river from the water and stroll through the walkable town and riverfront.
Our opinion
Being on both the river cruise and tourist bus routes, be prepared to share your Rüdesheim experience with the crowds. We returned to visit in mid-September at the end of our summer road trip in Germany to find that there were lots of tourists milling around the town.
In our opinion, there are other, more enchanting towns in the Rhine Valley. It is, however, the perfect place to get a taste of the Rhine Valley if you have time constraints.
In case you’re interested
Have plenty of time and want to see more? Please take a look at some of our other experiences in the Rhine Valley.
We were staying in the historic city of Koblenz at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers, setting aside one day to drive around the area surrounding Koblenz. In particular, the town of Cochem is a must-visit destination. Discover why you’ll love visiting the magical town of Cochem on the Moselle River.
The drive from Koblenz to Cochem
The one-hour drive from Koblenz to Cochem is filled with scenery. We wound our way along the Moselle River, catching glimpses of castles and small towns on the other side. Vineyards accompany us along the road and line the banks across the river.
Scenery on the drive betweeen Koblenz and Cochem
Cochem
Picturesque Cochem is best known for its castle, half-timbered houses sitting in small squares, medieval cobblestone streets, vineyards and its riverside promenade.Spend a day wandering the streets, strolling the river promenade, or sitting at a cafe watching the activity around you. We spent a few hours in Cochem doing a little of each.
Reichsburg Castle
Reichsburg Castle perches majestically on the hill, towering over the town and surrounded by grapevines. It is the first thing you catch sight of as you drive around the bend.
Reichsburg Castle perched on the hill above Cochem
A version of the castle has been on the site since the 12th century. It was heavily damaged during the Nine Years’ War in the late 17th century, and remained in ruin until the 19th century, when a wealthy Berlin businessman restored it.
A walk up the hill on a path from the town centre was the first thing to do on our itinerary. The terrace provided the perfect vantage point to gaze over the spectacular views of Cochem and the Moselle.
Views over Cochem and the Moselle River from the Reichsburg Castle terrace
With much more to see, we didn’t take a tour of the castle’s interior. The castle tour takes about 40 minutes, leading you through the displays of tapestries, wood panelling, Baroque paintings, and armoury.
A stroll around Cochem Altstadt
Back down in the old town, we meandered through the cobbled streets and alleys lined with beautiful old homes, stores and wine cellars to reach the main square (Marktplatz).
Beautiful half-timbered houses in Cochem’s Altstadt
Marktplatz is where you’ll find the Town Hall and the best collection of half-timbered houses in Cocham, along with Martinsbrunnen, the water fountain featuring St. Martin (the town’s patron saint) atop.
Enderttor City Gate
Wandering through the old town, we found ourselves at the city gate to find our perfect lunch spot, a busy little bakery with seating outside, from where we could eat our lunch, gazing at the Enderttor.
Endettor City Gate from our lunch venue
The largest of Cochem’s gates, built in 1332 with a guardhouse attached, Enderttor is one of the town’s major landmarks.
River promenade
Next to the old town, there’s a walkway next to the Moselle River that transforms into a pretty parkland path. as you walk further away. It’s a lovely spot to sit and watch the activity on the other side of the river. Walking back towards the town, you’ll find yourself looking up at the fantastic view of Cochem Castle up above.
Parkland by the riverfron promenade in Cochem
On the promenade closer to the town, you’ll find tour boats offering cruises up and down the river, while across the road, there are plenty of cafes and restaurants to dine at while watching the river activity.
Next to the upper part of the old town, the riverside walkway broadens into a park, and just before the Skagerrak-Brücke (bridge), beside the quay for tour boats, you can turn back for the ultimate view of Cochem Castle on its high roost.
Skagerrak-Brucke
Stunning views from the bridge
The Skagerrak Bridge offers one of the best views of the Castle perched above the town amongst the grapevines, as well as the township itself. We didn’t find much else on the other side of the bridge, however, but it was worth walking across for another perspective of the landscape.
Drop into a wine cellar in the Old Town
Surrounded by wineries, there is no better opportunity than in Cochem to visit a wine cellar or two for tasting and to buy some renowned local wine.
One of the wine cellars in the centre of Cochem, where we purchased some local wine
We took the opportunity to visit a couple of wine cellars where helpful staff explained the local varieties and assisted us in purchasing a few bottles of wine to enjoy later.
Our conclusion
Cochem was a wonderful choice to take a day excursion to. Its proximity to Koblenz meant that it was not an onerous drive to reach, while giving us a chance to experience the magic of this fairytale town. We highly recommend visiting o staying in the town if you’re planning a trip to the Rhine Valley.
One more thing…
While you’re in the area, be sure to make a side trip to see the romantic medieval Burg Eltz located in the mountains between Cochem and Koblenz.
After arriving at the parking lot, the beautifully maintained castle of turrets and towers is reached by a short walk on a forest trail after arriving at the car park. Alternatively, regular shuttle buses run between the car park and the castle.
On a sunny afternoon, we found the walk pleasant with the castle appearing impressively before us as we rounded a corner.
Eltz Burg appeared out of nowhere in the countryside as we rounded a corner
The castle is one of the best medieval fortresses in Germany. Built over 900 years ago, it’s been owned by a branch of the Eltz family since its construction.
In case you’re interested
We visited Cochem on a day trip from our base in Koblenz, a beautiful city on the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers. We arrived in Koblenz by driving the scenic Rhine Castle Route. Read more about our time in the Rhine Valley and our recommendations by clicking on the links below.
