Around the beginning of September, the charming German town of Bernkastel-Kues hosts its annual wine festival, Weinfest der Mittelmosel. Just an hour's drive from the Ramstein/KMC Area, this festival is a must-visit for everyone. Spanning five days, it features over 20 wine stands, various forms of entertainment, and numerous events, making it a favorite among wine enthusiasts.
My first experience at the festival was unfortunately marred by poor planning. I arrived early on opening day with only a few hours to spare, witnessing the setup, enjoying a single glass of wine, and then having to leave. This year, however, I made much better plans and look forward to fully enjoying the festivities!
In 2023, the main festival was set up along Route 53, also known as Gestade, which intersects with the city's scenic Brücke Bernkastel-Kues bridge. For a reliable landmark, use the Mosel Grill's address: Gestade 9, 54470 Bernkastel-Kues, Germany. If you're planning a day trip, I recommend arriving early to avoid heavy traffic and parking difficulties. The best way I've found to navigate this area is by driving right through the heart of it, crossing the bridge, and parking in one of the garages across the river. Parking near the festival at the designated lots is virtually impossible during the event, so I wouldn't even attempt it.
You might consider taking the train, but unfortunately, there is no direct train service to Bernkastel-Kues. Driving is your best option. Luckily, the festival's website has a dedicated section for parking and bus shuttle services, which is incredibly helpful for planning your visit.
You'll find a variety of food and wine vendors lining the streets, offering delicious treats and local wines. Across the river, there is a fairground and craft market, which is an excellent spot to visit if you're bringing children and they need a break. The amusement park opens at 2 PM on Friday, and on the final day of the fair (Tuesday), they host Family Day, offering discounted entrance fees. This makes it a perfect outing for families looking to enjoy the festivities together.
When visiting Bernkastel-Kues, be sure to look up! The surrounding hills are adorned with lush, green vineyards, enhancing the area's charm and beauty, especially from spring to fall. The region primarily cultivates the Riesling grape, and the valley's flint and slate composition yields a variety of earthy, spicy, and rich wines. For a more in-depth description of the area and its wine culture, I found this blog post very informative. While I'm no sommelier, it offers valuable insights into what makes this wine region so special.
Be sure to include a visit to Burg Landshut in your plans. These castle ruins overlook the valley, offering stunning views of the city and the Moselle River. You can even enjoy a meal at the restaurant inside the castle or sip a glass of wine on the terrace. Highly recommended!
You can reach the castle by hiking up a steep trail (use your GPS walking feature), or by driving up a narrow road with a small parking lot at the top. A third option is to take the Burg Landshut Express, a yellow shuttle bus. I wouldn't recommend driving up during the festival, as it can be quite challenging. If you choose the hiking route, be prepared for an uphill climb!
For another scenic view, consider hiking up to Schützenhaus. This restaurant offers outdoor dining with beautiful vistas. Their reviews are quite positive, and I particularly enjoyed their fish and chips.
I've attempted to drive to this restaurant a few times but always encountered roadblocks, making it difficult to find a clear route. Consequently, I’ve given up on driving there. Instead, I usually opt for the steep trail. It’s a great way to burn some calories before indulging in the delicious food and balancing out all that wine!
Don't forget to visit the famous advent calendar square! Here you can see what it looks like during their Christmas Market (Weihnachtsmarkt) in December of 2022. They count down the days by opening a numbered window which is accompanied by a special Christmas performance.
Comentários