RIEZ Open Air Festival 2026
The RIEZ Open Air on the Moselle is a cult event for fans of punk, hardcore, and rock. Three days of music, camping, and a great vibe in nature.
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Moselle
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River
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Highlights of 2026
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The Moselle, with a total length of 544 kilometers, is the Rhine's longest tributary, flowing through France, Luxembourg, and Germany. It rises in the southern Vosges Mountains at Col de Bussang and joins the Rhine at the Deutsches Eck in Koblenz. Within Germany, the river forms the border between the Eifel and Hunsrück low mountain ranges for much of its course. The Moselle is world-renowned for its extremely winding loops and the steepest vineyards in Europe, where the Riesling grape is primarily cultivated. Historical cities such as Trier, Germany's oldest city, and pretty towns like Bernkastel-Kues and Cochem line its banks. The river landscape is shaped by thousands of years of cultural history dating back to Roman times. Between 1958 and 1964, the Moselle was developed into a major waterway for shipping and now features numerous locks and dams. The Moselle Valley features tourists diverse opportunities for cycling, hiking, and visiting numerous medieval castles.
- Location: Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany
- Top sights: Leizenberg · Sankt Maternus · Klettersteig Erden
- Nearby: Wittlich (8 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 0 | 1 | 4 | 8 | 12 | 16 | 18 | 18 | 14 | 9 | 5 | 1 |
| Rain mm | 65 | 55 | 55 | 46 | 72 | 70 | 70 | 75 | 55 | 61 | 64 | 74 |
📋 Practical info
Getting there
Accessing this scenic section of the river is straightforward via regional trains connecting through Rhineland-Palatinate. Road travelers usually use the well-maintained riverside highways that link the famous wine-growing settlements.
Best season
Spring and early autumn are widely regarded as the most pleasant times to explore these riverbanks and vineyards. Late summer brings the harvest festivals, while the moderate local climate usually ensures enjoyable hiking conditions mostly year-round.
Terrain & paths
The immediate riverside paths are predominantly flat and well-paved, catering comfortably to relaxed walking and cycling. Venturing up into the iconic wine-growing slopes involves navigating steeper, narrower paths that demand a bit more physical effort.
What to bring
Comfortable and sturdy footwear is essential if you plan to climb the terraced vineyards overlooking the water. A light rain jacket can be handy during unexpected showers, and bringing along sun protection is advised for the exposed hillside trails.
Parking
Parking options are widely available in the designated public lots of the quaint towns lining the valley. While roadside parking is occasionally possible, it is best to use established town car parks to avoid obstructing the narrow village roads.
Safety
Visitors should remain cautious of the busy barge and river cruise traffic if taking small boats onto the water. On the vineyard slopes, watch your step on the sometimes slippery slate stones, particularly after periods of heavy rainfall.
Time needed
Exploring this captivating stretch of river can easily occupy visitors for a full day of sightseeing and wine tasting. Many travelers choose to spend several days cycling the entire length of the regional paths to fully immerse themselves in the atmosphere.
Geography
Facts
- Total length of the river is 544 kilometers
- Joins the Rhine at the Deutsches Eck in Koblenz
- Bremmer Calmont is the steepest vineyard in Europe
- Developed for large-scale shipping from 1958 to 1964
- Flows through France, Luxembourg, and Germany
- 242 kilometers of its course lie within Germany
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Moselle (5)
Sankt Anna
Sankt Anna church building in Erden, a place of worship.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time for a Moselle river cruise?
From May to October, the landscape is most beautiful, especially during the wine harvest in September.
Are there well-maintained cycling paths along the Moselle?
Yes, the Moselle Cycle Path runs almost flat along the riverbank through the vineyards.
Which castle on the Moselle is a must-see?
Reichsburg Cochem and Burg Eltz are among the most famous and photogenic landmarks in the region.
Is swimming allowed in the Moselle?
Due to shipping traffic, caution is advised; official swimming spots are rare.
What is the typical grape variety of the region?
Riesling dominates the steep-slope viticulture and is world-renowned for its quality.
Moselle: where is it located?
Moselle is located in Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany.
Moselle: what is there to see?
Highlights include Leizenberg, Sankt Maternus, Klettersteig Erden.
Moselle: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Moselle: why is it worth visiting?
The Moselle, with a total length of 544 kilometers, is the Rhine's longest tributary, flowing through France, Luxembourg, and Germany.
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