DEHUROENTR

Plizio Visual Lab

Zell an der Mosel

Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Landmark
—°10
Zell an der Mosel (Germany)

Weather…

Zell an der Mosel is positioned in one of the tightest and most scenic loops of the Middle Moselle. The town is globally famous for its 'Zeller Schwarze Katz' (Zell Black Cat) wine label. According to legend, a black cat hissed at a wine merchant to point out the best barrel; today, this feline mascot is celebrated throughout the town in statues, fountains, and wine labels. The town's architectural highlight is Schloss Zell, a late-Gothic castle from the 16th century that now houses a hotel and restaurant. The area is a magnet for hikers and cyclists. The 'Collis-Steilpfad' trail involves climbing steep slate paths and ladders up to the Collis Tower, which provides a wide-open aerial view of the Moselle loop and the Marienburg monastery on the opposite hill. The riverfront promenade is lined with wine taverns and cafes, excellent for relaxing after a day of exploring the terraced vineyards. Viticulture is the lifeblood of Zell, shaping both the landscape and the local economy. Zell is best reached by car or by bus from the nearby Bullay railway station. The prime time to visit is from August to October, during the wine festivals and the grape harvest. Culinary highlights include regional Rieslings paired with local dishes like vineyard salads or tarte flambée. Exploring the historic wine cellars in the town center is a mandatory experience for any visitor.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C01481216181814951
Rain mm655555467270707555616474

📋 Practical info

🚪
Visiting
Zell an der Mosel is freely accessible. The vineyards and easy on the eye old town invite exploration; some wineries open their doors for visits and tastings.
🕒
Typical hours
Wineries typically have regular opening hours from spring to autumn, often in the afternoons. In winter, appointments are common. The tourist office provides information.
📷
Photography
Photography is allowed in the old town and vineyards. At wineries, ask beforehand if photos are allowed in the cellar and during the tasting.
⏱️
Time needed
A leisurely walk through the old town along the Moselle takes about one to two hours. With a wine tasting and cellar tour, plan for half a day.
➕
Combine with
Combine Zell with the neighbouring town Cochem (Reichsburg castle) or a boat trip on the Moselle. The wine villages Pünderich and Alf are also worthwhile.
🧭
Getting there
Zell is easily reached by train (Moselle line) or by car via the B53. The station is central, just a few minutes' walk to the old town.
💡
Insider tip
Try the local wine 'Zeller Schwarze Katz' directly from the winemaker in the vineyard - many offer a small tasting with a memorable view of the Moselle loop.

Geography

Population
4,402 (2015)
Coordinates
50.02639, 7.18361

Facts

  • Origin of the 'Zeller Schwarze Katz' wine brand
  • Zell Castle dates back to the 16th century
  • Collis Tower offers panoramic Moselle views
  • Located on one of the tightest loops of the river
  • Over 4 million vines grow in the surroundings
  • The Round Tower is part of the old town walls
  • Hosts a major wine festival every June
  • Situated directly on the Moselle cycle path

Explore nearby

Notable places around

📍Traben-Trarbach10 km · SWExplore →
Cochem Imperial CastleCochem Imperial Castle13 km · NExplore →
MoselleMoselle13 km · WExplore →
📍Bernkastel-Kues15 km · SWExplore →
📍Kastellaun19 km · EExplore →
📍Wittlich21 km · WExplore →
Eltz CastleEltz Castle23 km · NEExplore →
📍Simmern/Hunsrück24 km · EExplore →

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 Zell an der Mosel (10)

Moselblick🌿 nature

The Moselblick provides remarkable views of the river landscape in Zell an der Mosel.

alter Fährmast🏺 historical

The alter Fährmast preserves the ruins of an old ferry mast in Zell an der Mosel.

Römisches Bergheiligtum auf dem Beinter Kopf🏺 historical

This archaeological site features the remains of a Roman mountain sanctuary in Zell an der Mosel.

Wilhelmshöhe🌿 nature

Wilhelmshöhe is a popular viewpoint offering scenic vistas over Zell an der Mosel.

Moselbrücke Zell📍 landmark

Moselbrücke Zell is a road bridge crossing the Mosel river near Zell.

Ehemalige Synagoge Zell📍 landmark

The former synagogue in Zell on the Moselle, now a memorial and cultural site.

Lönshöhe🌿 nature

Lönshöhe is a designated viewpoint providing beautiful outlooks across Zell an der Mosel.

Wein-und Heimatmuseum🏛 museum

The Wein-und Heimatmuseum in Zell an der Mosel exhibits local wine history and cultural heritage.

🕒 We,Fr,Sa 14:00-17:00🆓

Marienthaler Hof🏺 historical

The Marienthaler Hof features the ancient ruins of an old estate in Zell an der Mosel.

Runder Turm📍 landmark

Round Tower in Zell an der Mosel, built in 1229, listed heritage.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What does 'Zeller Schwarze Katz' mean?
It is the name of Zell's most famous vineyard. Legend has it that a black cat once defended the best barrels.
What is the 'Cochemer Krampen'?
It is a striking loop of the Moselle river where Zell is located. The landscape is characterized by extremely steep vineyards.
Is there a lookout tower in Zell?
Yes, the Collisturm is a prominent brick tower above the vineyards and a popular hiking destination with views of the Moselle valley.
Is Zell good for cycling?
Yes, the Moselle Cycle Path is flat and very well-developed here, well-suited for relaxed tours along the river.
When is the wine festival in Zell?
The local wine festival usually takes place on the last weekend of June, featuring music, wine tastings, and a parade.
Zell an der Mosel: where is it located?
Zell an der Mosel is located in Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany.
Zell an der Mosel: what is there to see?
Highlights include Moselblick, alter Fährmast, Römisches Bergheiligtum auf dem Beinter Kopf.
Zell an der Mosel: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Zell an der Mosel: why is it worth visiting?
Zell an der Mosel is positioned in one of the tightest and most scenic loops of the Middle Moselle.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → Most beautiful beaches → OpenStreetMap →
Europe
Explore with Plizio Discover more places in Europe
More places in Germany →

Nearby cities

Mainz — Zell an der Mosel (Germany)
Mainz
Mainz is the state capital of Rhineland-Palatinate and boasts over 2,000 years of history dating back to the Romans.
Ludwigshafen — Zell an der Mosel (Germany)
Ludwigshafen
Ludwigshafen is the largest city in the Palatinate and globally recognized as the headquarters of the chemical giant BASF.
Ludwigshafen — Zell an der Mosel (Germany)
Ludwigshafen
Ludwigshafen am Rhein is an important industrial location in Rhineland-Palatinate, home to the BASF Group.
Koblenz — Zell an der Mosel (Germany)
Koblenz
Koblenz is located at the Deutsches Eck, the confluence of the Moselle and Rhine, and is a historic fortress city.
Trier — Zell an der Mosel (Germany)
Trier
Trier in Rhineland-Palatinate is proudly the oldest city in Germany, founded by the Romans around 16 BC.
Kaiserslautern — Zell an der Mosel (Germany)
Kaiserslautern
Kaiserslautern is known for the Palatinate Forest and 1.
Worms — Zell an der Mosel (Germany)
Worms
Worms is one of Germany's oldest cities, significant in the Nibelung legend and Reformation history.
Neuwied — Zell an der Mosel (Germany)
Neuwied
Neuwied is on the Rhine and is often called the Dyke City.
Neustadt an der Weinstraße — Zell an der Mosel (Germany)
Neustadt an der Weinstraße
Neustadt an der Weinstraße is a central hub of Palatinate viticulture, located at the eastern edge of the Palatinate Forest.
Neustadt — Zell an der Mosel (Germany)
Neustadt
Neustadt an der Weinstraße is a center of German viticulture.
Frankenthal — Zell an der Mosel (Germany)
Frankenthal
Frankenthal is a medium-sized city between Worms and Ludwigshafen.
Pirmasens — Zell an der Mosel (Germany)
Pirmasens
Pirmasens was long the center of the German shoe industry.
Bad Kreuznach — Zell an der Mosel (Germany)
Bad Kreuznach
Bad Kreuznach is a traditional spa town on the Nahe river.
Zweibrücken — Zell an der Mosel (Germany)
Zweibrücken
Zweibrücken is the city of roses and horses.
Andernach — Zell an der Mosel (Germany)
Andernach
Andernach is one of the oldest cities in Germany, on the Rhine.