From Alken: Day Trip by Boat to Cochem

Journeying along the scenic Moselle River is a captivating way to experience the natural beauty and historic charm of Germany’s Moselle Valley. Setting sail from the quaint town of Alken, travelers can enjoy a 7-hour boat excursion that offers a unique perspective on the region’s castle-dotted landscapes and picturesque villages. With opportunities to explore the charming Old Town of Cochem and marvel at the impressive Cochem Reichsburg castle, this day trip promises an unforgettable adventure for those seeking to discover the Moselle’s captivating allure. What secrets and surprises might this journey unveil?

Contents hide

1 Overview of the Boat Trip

2 Departing From Alken

3 Cruising the Moselle River

4 Exploring Cochem

5 Return Journey to Alken

6 Boat Accessibility

7 Booking and Pricing

8 What to Expect

9 Frequently Asked Questions

Key Points

A 7-hour excursion from Alken to Cochem along the scenic Moselle River, with prices starting at €27 per person.
Depart from Alken and cruise downstream for 40 minutes, passing by Burgen, Bischofstein Castle, and through the Müden Lock.
Enjoy a 40-minute cruise along the Moselle River, admiring the picturesque vineyards, charming villages, and castle-dotted landscape.
Explore Cochem’s historic Old Town for 2.5 hours, including visiting the Cochem Reichsburg castle and browsing local shops.
Return to Alken via a 1-hour river boat trip, passing by Bischofstein Castle and through the Müden Lock.

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Overview of the Boat Trip

The boat trip from Alken to Cochem along the Moselle River is a 7-hour excursion that’s likely to sell out, with prices starting at €27 per person.

Passengers will depart from Alken on the MS Goldstück and cruise along the river, passing by Burgen, Bischofstein Castle, and through the Müden Lock. The river boat journey takes 40 minutes each way, with onboard commentary in German, Dutch, and English.

Upon arrival in the charming town of Cochem, travelers will have 2.5 hours of free time to explore the Old Town, visit the Cochem Reichsburg for panoramic views, and browse local shops.

The return journey to Alken takes another hour each way, with a photo stop along the Moselle Valley.

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Departing From Alken

From the charming town of Alken, passengers embark on the MS Goldstück, the vessel that will ferry them along the scenic Moselle River to the historic town of Cochem.

The boat departs from Alken, setting sail on a 40-minute journey downstream.

Along the way, passengers will catch glimpses of the picturesque Burgen and Bischofstein Castle, and witness the passage through the Müden Lock.

The onboard commentary, delivered in German, Dutch, and English, provides insights into the history and natural beauty of the region.

This river boat journey marks the start of an enriching day trip, transporting travelers from the quaint town of Alken to the charming destination of Cochem.

Cruising the Moselle River

As the MS Goldstück casts off from Alken, passengers embark on a captivating 40-minute cruise along the Moselle River.

Along the journey, they’ll witness the stunning Burgen and Bischofstein Castle while navigating through the Müden Lock, all while an onboard commentary in multiple languages provides insightful details about the region’s history and natural wonders.

The river boat journey offers a range of delights:

Passing by picturesque vineyards and charming villages
Admiring the castle-dotted landscape of the Moselle Valley
Learning about the local culture and traditions from the onboard guide
Taking in the serene beauty of the winding river and its surrounding hills

Exploring Cochem

After the tranquil river cruise, passengers arrive in the charming town of Cochem, where they’ll have 2.5 hours to freely explore the historic Old Town. The centerpiece is the Cochem Reichsburg, a stunning castle perched atop a hill that offers panoramic views of the Moselle Valley. Visitors can also stroll through the quaint market square, lined with half-timbered buildings and local shops selling regional specialties.

Attraction	Description
Cochem Reichsburg	Impressive hilltop castle with panoramic views
Market Square	Charming town center with half-timbered architecture
Local Shops	Opportunity to browse and purchase regional goods
Free Time	2.5 hours to explore at your own pace

With its picturesque setting and historic charm, Cochem is the perfect destination to cap off this delightful day trip along the Moselle River.

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Return Journey to Alken

The boat then embarks on the return journey, transporting passengers back along the Moselle River to Alken. This one-hour river boat trip provides another opportunity to take in the stunning Moselle Valley scenery.

Along the way, travelers can expect:

A photo stop along the picturesque Moselle River
Onboard commentary in German, Dutch, and English
Passing by the Bischofstein Castle and through the Müden Lock

Arrival back in Alken, where the day trip began.

With the return journey complete, guests have experienced a full day of exploring the charming town of Cochem and the scenic Moselle River region.

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Boat Accessibility

The boat only accepts cash payments and isn’t suitable for those using electric wheelchairs, as it has stairs without a lift. Passengers with limited mobility may find it challenging to board and move around the vessel.

However, the boat is generally accessible to most visitors, provided they can manage the stairs. The crew is happy to assist passengers as needed.

It’s important to note these accessibility considerations when booking the Alken to Cochem boat trip to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience for all. Those with concerns are encouraged to speak with the tour operator prior to making a reservation.

Booking and Pricing

Prices for the Alken to Cochem boat trip start from €27 per person, making it an affordable option for those looking to explore the picturesque Moselle Valley.

Booking in advance is recommended, as the trip is known to sell out quickly. Visitors can reserve their spot and pay later, ensuring a stress-free experience.

The boat ride itself is a 7-hour journey, with:

Departures from Alken on the MS Goldstück
Cruise along the Moselle River, passing by historical landmarks
2.5 hours of free time to explore the charming town of Cochem
Return journey back to Alken

This day trip offers a unique opportunity to take in the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the region.

What to Expect

On the day trip from Alken to Cochem, visitors can expect a leisurely boat ride along the scenic Moselle River, passing by historic landmarks and picturesque landscapes.

The cruise aboard the MS Goldstück takes approximately 40 minutes each way, with onboard commentary available in German, Dutch, and English.

Upon arrival in Cochem, travelers will have 2.5 hours of free time to explore the charming Old Town, visit the impressive Cochem Reichsburg castle, and browse the local shops and market square.

The return journey by boat offers a chance to soak in more of the stunning Moselle Valley scenery.

While the boat isn’t suitable for electric wheelchairs due to stairs, it provides a delightful way to experience the beauty of this German region.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Boat?

Yes, passengers are allowed to bring their own food and drinks on the boat. However, there may be refreshments available for purchase onboard as well. It’s best to check with the operator for any restrictions prior to the trip.

Is There a Bathroom Available on the Boat?

Yes, there are bathroom facilities available on the boat for passengers. The boat is equipped with restrooms that can be accessed during the river cruise.

Is the Boat Trip Suitable for Children?

The boat trip is generally suitable for children, though the stairs without a lift may present challenges for young kids. Parents should consider their children’s abilities when deciding if this excursion is a good fit for their family.

Can I Reserve a Specific Seat on the Boat?

Passengers can’t reserve specific seats on the boat. The boat operates on a first-come, first-served basis. However, the boat has ample seating so everyone should be able to find a spot. Reservations are recommended to secure a spot on the popular trip.

What Is the Cancellation Policy if I Can’t Make the Trip?

The cancellation policy allows for full refunds up to 24 hours before the scheduled departure. However, tickets are non-refundable within 24 hours of the trip. Travelers should review the policy carefully before booking.