The small city of Cochem, Germany, along the Mosel River, is a treat for anyone who loves history and beautiful destinations.
I am sailing with Viking River Cruises. This destination is one of the stops on the Zurich to Paris itinerary. As promised, the tour included a grand tour of Cochem Imperial Castle and the city center.
The first stop is the castle, which was first mentioned in 1130. Occupied by King Konrad III in 1151, it was declared an Imperial castle.
In 1688, the castle, overrun by French King Louis XIV's troops during the Nine Years' War, was destroyed.
The castle complex lay in ruins before it was bought by the Berlin businessman Louis Fréderic Jacques Ravené for 300 Goldmark in 1868 and then reconstructed in the Gothic Revival style.
The castle, located high on a hill overlooking the city, offers an understanding of 19th-century wealth and a spectacular view of the city and river.
We moved between rooms: the entry, living area, dining room; past suits of armor, ornate furnishings, and décor as our guide explained the castles’ long and storied past.
After our tour, we walked down the hill to the city, passing fountains, sculptures, half-timbered buildings, and other ornate architecture.
Because the city is so easy to navigate, I opted to peruse a flea market, finding one-of-a-kind treasure before walking back across the bridge spanning the river to Viking Freyja.
It was another wonderful day exploring Viking's many historic ports before we sailed toward our next destination.
Click here for more information about Viking Cruises and their many River, Ocean, and Expedition itineraries.
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