willis

where would you stay for a week...cochem (mosel) or bacarach (rhein)? we will stay in one of these villages for a week in may.
thanks.

TheTripmeister

Both Cochem and Bacharach are worthwhile. As far as getting around, the advantage to Cochem is the bridge which allows quick passage to the other side of the Mosel. In Bacharach, youŽd have to either take one of the ferries across the Rhein, or drive a distance to reach the next bridge should you wish to visit the numerous vineyards on the north side.

If "getting to the other side" is not an issue, you may want to consider staying just up the road from Bacharach in Oberwesel at the hotel-castle Schönburg for a unique experience: www.hotel-schoenburg.com

quokka

Both Mosel and Rhine valley are interesting and offer a lot of places to visit. For a one-week stay, though, I'd prefer the Mosel valley.
Reason: The Rhine valley is narrow. On both sides of the river you'll find a main road with heavy traffic and a ditto train route. The steep slopes of the hill hardly leave space for one or two rows of houses. It's hard to find a place in the Rhine valley where you won't hear the noise of cars and trains. The Mosel valley is quieter. There is only one main road, and the (one) train route leaves the valley here and there. On the river bank that does not have the main road, you'll find a small street or just a bicycle path.

According to your other thread, you are planning to explore the valley by bike? Both sides of the Rhine valley have bicycle lanes next to the main road, so it's possible to cycle, but the Mosel valley will be much more pleasant.

So count this as a vote for Cochem.

harzer

While I support the preference for the Moseltal I think it is a common error to get fixated on the better known tourist towns as places to stay, whereas pretty much any village that appeals to you as you pass through will reward you with its individual charm.

On the Mosel I have stayed in Beilstein, Alf, Enkirch and Urzig on different occasions and not regretted it.

Harzer

bilboburgler

Harzer makes a lot of sense. For me I've stayed in both and neither is a village just a spread tourist trap of a town. What is great is the Mosel or the Rhine just not those towns.

I guess I might look at Trabb and Trabech (still touristy but better) or Bernkastel (again a better Cochem)

I like Trier as a city so I might stay in a village near there

Try searching on "mosel" or "Bike" and see if my recent posting on where to stay is still live.

Rhine

I might look at Rudesheim or any of the villages on the Rheingau but crossing the river is more of a pain

Finally don't ignor Wurtemburg (on another tributary) the views are more approachable and the wine is less grand more unique)

bilboburgler

It's called

"Germany Mosel Bike"