The German section of the Moselle runs for around 250 kilometres in a north-easterly direction right through the federal state of Rhineland-Palatinate, from the European border triangle to its confluence with the Rhine at Koblenz (river km 0).
The "Mosella" of the Romans
On its winding course, the river crosses ancient cultural land: even the Romans valued the "Mosella" as a transport route; today, the volume of goods transported amounts to more than twelve million tonnes, making the Moselle one of the most important waterways in Europe - mainly thanks to the regulation with thirteen barrages and locks between Koblenz and the French town of Thionville. The expansion was completed in 1964 as part of Franco-German co-operation.
Deep-cut loops
The German section is divided into the Upper, Middle and Lower Moselle. The last section, the 100 km or so from Pünderich to Koblenz, is the most attractive: the almost canalised river makes its way through the Rhenish Slate Mountains in deeply incised loops. The steep slopes on both sides have been used for viticulture since early times.
Castles and Riesling on the banks
The vines for "Winninger Burgberg", "Alkener Uhlen" and "Löfer Sonnenring" ripen there on terraces. Unsurprisingly, Riesling accounts for more than half of the vineyards. In addition to the wine, the castles and medieval towns characterise the panorama of the "Terrassenmosel". Thurant Castle near Alken and the Imperial Castle of Cochem, which towers impressively over the river bends of the "Cochemer Krampen", are popular destinations for boat crews.
Relaxed despite commercial shipping
The river has long been established as a recreational boating area, with numerous clubs and harbours also offering guests sufficient mooring facilities, for example in Koblenz, Winningen or Senheim. Many communities also have public moorings which, although not always suitable for overnight stays, are at least suitable for shore leave. Despite the rush hour traffic, navigation on the Moselle is largely relaxed; navigation is easy: the fairway is buoyed throughout when there are obstacles such as bridges, islands or barrages. There are special locks for pleasure craft (information on the right).
The Middle and Upper Moselle will follow soon.
Chartering in the district
TheMarina Winningen offers a spacious Delphia 1350 Escape with 6+2 berths from Winningen. The modern displacer costs between 1595 and 2475 E per week, depending on the season. Contact: Marina Winningen Mosel, Inselweg 3, 56333 Winningen, Tel. 02606-22 96. www.marina-winningen.com/charter
Boat charter-Schwanke in Güls near Koblenz specialises in open sports boats (example: Hellwig Marathon V 485, length: 5.05 m, 80 hp, daily price: 230 E). Licence-free boats with 15 hp are also on offer. Boat charter-Schwanke Im Gülserbootshafen 31, 56072 Güls, Tel. 0171-276 24 71.
Nautical information
For navigability, shipping traffic and lock operation on the Lower Moselle (from km 0 to 115.6), the Koblenz Waterways and Shipping Office responsible. Tel. 0261-981 90 As with the entire course of the river, the five barrages on the Lower Moselle (Koblenz, Lehmen, Müden, Fankel, St. Aldegund) are equipped with recently modernised leisure boat locks. Vessels up to 18 metres long, 3.30 metres wide and with a draught of 1.50 metres must use them when they are in operation. Locking is semi-automatic in self-service mode. The drop height is 6 to 7.50 metres. The large navigation locks may also be used during closures.
Messages for shipping with nautical information, such as warnings or closures on the Moselle, are available on the Internet at www.elwis.de
