Can anyone give me information on the boat service that runs on the Mosel, particularly the short leg between Beilstein and Cochem?

We're planning on taking bus 716 to get between the two towns, but it might be fun to take a little boat trip in one of the directions. Thanks in advance.

Robyn >-

There are several trips daily from 30 April to 31 October.
www.kolb-mosel.de/Pages/beginnstart.html

The boat trip takes 1:00 hour. The boat leaves from Beilstein at 12.00 13.30 15.00 17.30, daily from 30 April to 31 October. In November on inquiry.

The single trip is 10 Euros, the return trip 12 Euros.

http://www.moselfahrplan.de/

Thanks for the links. I poked around the website (with my Langenscheidt dictionary in hand) and found the time-table and prices.

I also found information about "Cochem zur Burg Eltz". Could someone help me decipher this? Does this include a shuttle to Burg Eltz, or do you have to hike? Is it easier to hike to the Castle from Karden than it is from Moselkern?

We don't mind hiking up to the castle, however we would like to have an alternative plan, which includes an automobile, in case we have bad weather that day. Any other suggestions? Robyn >-

From Moselkern the hike is 45 min, from Karden 90 min.

http://www.burg-eltz.de/e_index.html

"Cochem zur Burg Eltz":

The boat will dock at Karden. From there you will hike to Burg Eltz and back (the way back takes a little less time since it is downhill).

The boat operates only on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday.

That "Cochem zur Burg Eltz" boat ride ends in Treis-Karden. You can probably hike from there - that's what the blurb atop the schedule says - but it's probably a bit further than from Moselkern. Consult a good map.

We'll be doing Burg Eltz on Thursday, so that eliminates the boat to Karden alternative. We'll stick with going to Moselkern - anyway, 45 minutes is a lot shorter than 1 1/2 hours.

I'm really looking for an alternative to get to the castle in case of rain. Is anyone aware of a shuttle or tour from Cochem?

Thanks, everyone. Robyn >-

cochem-Beilstein is also an easy and lovely bike ride - bike lanes the whole way

bike rentals at Cochem's train station and other locals and hotels may provide them.

The Mosel is one of Europe's premier biking venues.

Thanks, PalenQ, we'll have to look into your suggestion. If the weather's nice, it might be fun to bike around.

Although, after our experience biking in Delft, the Netherlands I swore I would never let my husband near a bike again. But a pleasant bike path along the Mosel would be easier to navigate through than the bicycle-busy streets of Delft during rush hour. So we might give it a try. Robyn >-

If you decide to take the walk from Moselkern to Burg Eltz - this page I put together might be of assistance. Gives you an idea of what you will be seeing along the way... Ben
http://www.bensbauernhof.com/burgeltzfrommoselkern.html

Ben - Several weeks ago I printed out your web page about hiking to Burg Eltz, to include in my travel packet, so we will definately be using it as a guide to get us to the castle. Thanks for a very comprehensive set of directions.

Now, lets pray for no rain on Thursday, 11 October, the day we plan to hike to Burg Eltz.

Robyn >-

artstuff - yes you cannot possibly get lost along the Mosel - if you go off the river you'll be facing a several-hundred foot climb.

I led bike trips along the Mosel for a decade and everyone just loved biking here - no doubt the awesome scenery but also didn't have to worry about navigating - right along the river.

Winds at time in this natural wind tunnel can be hellish however - they usually blow down the gorge-like valley IME

biking to Moselkern is also easy from Cochem and then walk up to Burg Eltz - i've done the walk a few times and it's not that bad - does not seem like you're climbing as much as you see when you end up up there.