Traben-Trarbach is one of the most famous towns of the Moselle Valley in Germany. Travelers flock to this destination on the river, for its delicious wine, historic centre, and outdoor activities. So is Traben-Trarbach worth visiting in Germany? Here’s the what to know before you go, and best things to do in Traben-Trarbach.
How to Get to Traben-Trarbach Germany
First off, you should know how to get to Traben-Trarbach! Most international visitors will be flying into one of the larger airports like Frankfurt, before making their way to the Moselle.
The best way to get around this beautiful region is by renting a car. We always use this website to find the best deals and compare different companies.
While there are some local buses connecting the larger towns, renting a car will give you the freedom to explore on your own. If you don’t want to drive once you get there, there is another fun option! Hop on the local wine train, which makes a short scenic route from Traben-Trarbach to Bullay.
Another popular way to visit Traben-Trarbach is by campervan. All around the Moselle, you’ll see couples and families camping along the river.
Where to Stay in Town
There are plenty of accommodations in Traben-Trarbach if you’re not planning on camping. They range from family run boutique hotels to historic luxury stays. We recommend staying right in the town and these are a few of the most popular options.
Moselglamping: Are you looking for a completely unique experience? Then this is the place for you!
The luxury glamping site overlooks Traben-Trarbach Germany in all its glory. This is perfect for travelers wanting to stay in nature, while still having all the comforts and amenities.
Hotel Goldene Traube: Just steps from the main walking street and town center. This small boutique hotel has an ideal location with modern rooms.
Romantik Jugendstilhotel Bellevue: The historic hotel dates back to 1903, and has been transformed into a beautiful spa hotel. Romantik Jugendstilhotel Bellevue is great for a romantic and relaxing holiday.
What is Traben-Trarbach Known For?
Traben-Trarbach is a charming town which sits in the middle of the Moselle River in Rhineland-Palatinate. Over the years, it’s become one of the more famous places to visit for international travelers visiting the region.
However, you should know that the Reisling wine has been bringing people to Traben-Trarbach for centuries! In fact, in the early 1900s, it was the second largest wine trading city in Europe after Bordeaux.
The first thing you’ll notice as you approach town is the massive Traben-Trarbach bridge connecting the two sides across the river. This is the shining symbol of the area, and is definitely worth making the trip over for the views.
The historic centre is filled with colorful Art Nouveau architecture and so many great cafes and restaurants. It’s a popular stop for both cyclists and river cruise ships, especially in the warm summer months.
While there are many things to do in Traben-Trarbach Germany, the main draw to the town is the Moselle wine! The old town is surrounded by vineyards throughout the hillsides. Be sure to try the local Reisling at one of the many winery storefronts on your visit.
Our Visit to Traben-Trarbach Germany
Our first trip to Traben-Trarbach was quite different than you might expect! It was actually a stop along our route with Boat Bike Tours.
Over 7 exciting days, we cycled up the Moselle River through France, Luxembourg, and Germany. The ship would act as our floating hotel, where we would sleep and eat while on board.
This was such a fun way to experience the Moselle Valley for the first time, and we highly recommend it! Read all about our adventure with Boat Bike Tours here to see for yourself.
This may have been our introduction to Traben-Trarbach Germany, but it wouldn’t be the last time we’d visit. We ended up staying the Moselle for an entire month in the small village of Reil.
Reil is located just 10 minutes drive from Traben-Trarbach. We used it as our home base to get around to many other amazing towns. Here’s 8 magical towns to visit on the Moselle River, and more of our favorite individual places we wrote about below.
Due to Traben-Trarbach being so close to Reil, we made so many trips here to hit the grocery store, the Saturday market, and simply stroll around the old town. There were also many fun wine festivals to attend here during the month of July.
Things to do in Traben-Trarbach
So what are the best things to do in Traben-Trarbach Germany? While it is small, there are so many outdoor activities, historic sites, and culinary experiences to enjoy in this town!
Saturday Market: One of our favorite weekend markets around the Moselle. Great place to pick up some local goods or souvenirs.
Famous Bridge: Be sure to take a walk out onto the bridge during your visit. It’s such a stunning view of both sides of the Moselle River, and connects the two sides of Traben and Trarbach.
Hiking Trails: There are so many great hiking trails all around Traben-Trarbach. Many are loops that start from the town centre, while others will take you down the river to other villages in the Moselle. We use the app AllTrails where you can easily see all the routes.
Boat Tour: It’s time to get out on the water! Take a day trip with one of the boat companies or even rent a kayak to explore on your own. There is also a hop on hop off boat which leaves from here, and stops in other towns such as Bernkastel-Kues.
Wine Tasting: Without a doubt, one of the best things to do in Traben-Trarbach is to taste the Reisling wine. Stop into any of the local weinguts or restaurants and order a glass. We especially loved Weingut Friedrich Storck which is right in the town center.
Grevenburg Castle: When looking up from town, you’ll see the ruins of a 14th century castle. One of the best hikes is a 3 mile loop which goes from the river to Grevenburg and back. There is even a tavern on the castle grounds to grab a drink with a view.
Is Traben-Trarbach Worth Visiting?
Absolutely! If you couldn’t tell, this was one of our favorite towns on the Moselle River.
We visited multiple times over our month stay, and even made another stop here on our VIVA cruise.
From the wineries to the outdoor activities and old town architecture, there’s so many great things to do in Traben-Trarbach Germany!
If you’re lucky enough to be visiting during the summer, keep an eye out for the wine festivals. There are fair rides, tons of food, and even live music.
Have any questions on this article or want to share if you think Traben-Trarbach is worth visiting? Leave us a comment below!
Safe Travels,
Brigitte & Jake