Audio Guide of Cochem Castle

The castle is usually open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM during the summer season, with reduced hours until 3:00 PM in winter. The interior is only accessible through professional guided tours that depart every few minutes; I recommend checking the exact schedule on their official website before going.

General admission costs approximately €8.50 for adults and €4.50 for children, a price that includes the mandatory guided tour. There are very affordable family rates and group discounts; you can see the updated price list here.

The guided tour through the interior lasts about 40 minutes, but I suggest planning between 1.5 and 2 hours for the complete experience. This will give you time to explore the outer courtyards, enjoy the stunning views of the Moselle River, and take photos at a leisurely pace.

Although its origins date back to the 11th century, it was destroyed by French troops in 1689 and remained in ruins for centuries. It was rebuilt in the 19th century by entrepreneur Louis Ravené in Neo-Gothic style, turning it into a jewel of German Romanticism rather than a medieval defensive fortress.

To enjoy it without the rush, the ideal time is to arrive at opening (around 9 or 10 AM) or visit late in the afternoon on weekdays. The months of May and September offer the most pleasant weather and the most colorful vineyard landscapes, while avoiding the peak tourist season in August.

Due to its historic structure, accessibility is very limited; there are many steps and steep cobblestone paths that make wheelchair access to the interior impossible. However, visitors with reduced mobility can reach the main courtyard to enjoy the views.

Right in the village, I recommend visiting the historic Mustard Mill (Senfmühle) and the fascinating Bundesbank Bunker. To round off the day, a boat ride on the Moselle will let you admire the imposing silhouette of the castle from the water.

The walk up from the village is steep and takes about 15-20 minutes; if you want to save energy, use the shuttle bus (Reichsburg-Shuttle) that departs from the bus station in the center of Cochem. Wear comfortable shoes, as the terrain is uneven even in the courtyards.