A Beautiful Day in Bernkastel-Kues

In the Morning: Watch the Old Town Awaken
Start your day early at the historic market square—when the alleys are still quiet, the half-timbered houses really come into their own. Admire the famous Spitzhäuschen, stroll over to the early Gothic St. Michael’s Church, and soak up over 400 years of the city’s history. If you’d like to delve deeper, start the audio tour right here—conveniently on your smartphone, guided by Mosella and Doctor.

Mid-morning: In the Footsteps of Cusanus
Cross the Moselle Bridge to reach the Kues district, where the city’s most famous son was born: Nikolaus von Kues (1401–1464). Visit St. Nikolaus Hospital (Cusanus Foundation)—one of Germany’s oldest social institutions—and immerse yourself in the intellectual legacy of this great scholar in the historic chapel and medieval library. Regular guided tours bring the visit to life.

Lunch: A Stop with History
Return to the Old Town and enjoy a meal in one of the traditional wine taverns, featuring typical Moselle dishes and a glass of Riesling.

Afternoon: Up to Landshut Castle
The crowning finale of a day of culture takes you up to the Landshut Castle ruins. The medieval fortress, built on the foundations of a 4th-century Roman fort, offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the Moselle loop, the Old Town, and the vineyards. Whether you walk through the vineyards or take the convenient Burg-Landshut-Express, once you reach the top, history comes to life.

Tip: A visit to the castle in the evening is especially atmospheric—and the Burg Landshut restaurant, nestled within the historic walls, is the perfect way to end the day.
 

Morning: Coffee & a leisurely stroll
Start your day with a coffee and homemade cake at Café Hansen right on the market square or at Kleine Genussmomente (Am Kirchhof 10)—a small patisserie offering freshly baked specialties. Then just go with the flow: Around the market square and in the surrounding old town alleys, you’ll find unique, independently owned shops—offering fashion, jewelry, crafts, and regional treasures.

Mid-morning: Browsing the Old Town
Discover the Schieferlädchen (Graacher Straße 21) with souvenirs made from regional slate, browse for handmade gift ideas at Kleine Liebe (Am Kirchhof 9), or stop by the historic candy shop “Bonbon Willi” (Burgstraße 8) for a nostalgic souvenir. You’ll find fashion, shoes, and accessories along Römerstraße and around the market.

Lunchtime: Wine Stand & Break
From May through October, it’s worth stopping by the Bernkastel-Kues wine stand: Wineries that rotate weekly serve their wines—the perfect spot for a relaxing glass of Winzer Riesling during your stroll, with a view of the Moselle.

Afternoon: Over to Kues
Cross the Moselle Bridge into the Kues district. Here, it’s worth visiting the wine shop at St. Nikolaus Hospital, located in historic vaulted cellars—a large selection of Moselle Riesling to taste and take home. If you love fine foods and spirits, stop by Fine Spirits & Cigars by Günnis (Cusanusstraße 1). On the way back: one last look at the Moselle, Landshut Castle, and the half-timbered silhouette of the Old Town.

Tip: Wind downin style —with a glass of wine and a sweeping view of the Moselle and the Old Town from the rooftop bar at DEINHARD’s.

Morning: Hike up to Landshut Castle
Start your active day with a hike up to Landshut Castle through the vineyards—a moderate climb with increasingly spectacular panoramic views as your reward. If you’d like to extend the tour a bit, follow the Family Loop Trail (4.2 km) or the Cusanus Hiking Trail (3.5 km, approx. 2.5 hours) through the town and up the hillsides. Along the way, it’s worth taking your first break at the Bistro Schützenhaus on Burgberg—which offers a unique view of the city.

Lunch: A Stop with a View of the Moselle
Back down in the Old Town, it’s time for a hearty lunch break: Moselle cuisine and regional wine included.

Afternoon: Boat ride or spa gardens
Choose how to spend your afternoon as you please: A relaxing Moselle boat cruise from Bernkastel-Kues offers a whole new perspective on the vineyards and the Old Town. Or: Hike up to the Kueser Plateau to the spa gardens with the Skywalk—the viewpoint rewards you with a sweeping view of the Moselle, the Old Town, and Landshut Castle. If you still have energy, set out on one of the five loop trails right in the spa gardens.

Evening: A Delightful End to the Day
Round out your active day in a cozy wine bar or wine tavern—with a glass of Middle Mosel Riesling, regional dishes, and the satisfying feeling of a fulfilling day on the Mosel.

Tip: If you’ d like to discover the Old Town in a completely different way, the Wine and Lemonade Hunt is just the thing for you: On this puzzle trail, the route leads from one wine bar to the next—and only the solved puzzles reveal where to go next. At the end, 5 glasses of wine await you in 4 different establishments.