Located where the Elzbach River flows into the Moselle, Moselkern is a picturesque town in the German state of Rhineland-Palatinate. It’s home to beautifully preserved half-timbered buildings that include a 16th-century town hall and lies on the doorstep of the fairytale-like Burg Eltz.
Things to do in Moselkern
Stroll through Moselkern to admire its historic buildings, such as the 18th-century Church of Saint Valerius with its Romanesque tower. Charming timber-framed buildings line the streets, together with villas constructed from locally quarried stone. Don’t miss the Swiss Chalet-style railway station dating back to 1909.
One of Moselkern’s most important architectural landmarks is its 16th-century town hall, which is considered an impressive example of Mosel-Franconian architecture. During the 19th century, it was used as a school and later as a shelter for the homeless before being inhabited by nuns of the Servants of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Guided tours are available to explore the interior or you can coincide your visit with a culinary wine tasting.
A short drive from Moselkern will take you to Burg Eltz, a medieval castle owned by the same family that has occupied it since the 12th century. It rises atop a rocky spur surrounded on three sides by the Elzbach River and on the route of an ancient Roman trade road. Burg Eltz is open seasonally to the public, with its treasury filled with porcelain artefacts and armoury.
Getting around Moselkern
Moselkern is around 30 minutes’ drive from Koblenz and 1.5 hours from Frankfurt Airport, which has flights to destinations across the globe. Regular trains connect to the Moselkern railway station and the town is small enough to explore on foot. Renting a car is the most convenient way of getting around the region.