A Way of St. James through wine country: about 157 kilometers from Koblenz along the Moselle to Trier – through vineyards, medieval villages and Roman history.
The Mosel-Camino is a German Way of St. James that follows the Moselle from Koblenz to Trier. It links two poles: the route begins at the Deutsches Eck in Koblenz, where the Moselle meets the Rhine; it ends in Trier, Germany's oldest city, with its Roman monuments.
In between lie steep vineyards, castles, medieval wine villages and tight river bends. It's a comparatively gentle, enjoyable route – and in Trier an important link in the European network toward France and Santiago.
The route is part of the German network of Ways of St. James that carries pilgrims from central and northern Europe toward France and Spain.
Ideal for a compact, scenic Way of St. James in Germany – with wine, history and easy access. Perfect as an introduction to pilgrim walking or as a stage of a longer journey toward France.
Less suitable if you expect a consistently flat profile: the paths through the vineyards are sometimes steep. There's little Spanish-style pilgrim infrastructure (albergues) – mostly guesthouses and inns.
From the Deutsches Eck in Koblenz the route follows the Moselle upstream, sometimes by the bank, sometimes high above the vineyards with wide views over the river bends. Past towns such as Cochem (with its imperial castle), Beilstein and Bernkastel-Kues.
In the final part the valley widens; the route reaches Trier with its Roman monuments, the Moselle alongside to the finish.
Over about 157 kilometers with nearly 3,900 meters of climb, the route is moderately hilly: the climbs into the vineyards are demanding, with views as the reward. Comfortably done in 6–7 days. Waymarked with the German scallop shell.
Accommodation (guesthouses, inns, occasional pilgrim lodgings) is well spread along the Moselle valley.
The constant companion is the Moselle with its tight bends and steep vineyards – one of Germany's oldest wine regions. Tastings along the way are part of the experience.
The goal is Trier, Germany's oldest city, with the Porta Nigra, the Constantine Basilica and the cathedral – a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a worthy finish.
The Mosel-Camino ends in Trier – a central hub of the German Ways of St. James. From here the route Trier – Le Puy ("Chemin des Allemands") continues toward France, where it links to the great French Ways of St. James (including the Via Podiensis) and so, ultimately, to the way to Santiago. Many see the Mosel-Camino exactly this way: as an enjoyable first stretch of a long journey.
The best time is spring to autumn (the harvest in autumn is especially lovely). Accommodation is in guesthouses, inns and occasional pilgrim lodgings. A pilgrim credential is useful for stamps and pilgrim lodgings.
Germany is more expensive than Spain. Budget roughly €50–80 per day (guesthouses/inns rather than albergues), plus food. With simple lodgings and self-catering you'll get by for less.
The starting point is Koblenz, an ICE rail hub on the Rhine.
Alte Brennerei Apartments
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Alte Weinstube Burg Eltz
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Alter Winzerhof
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Altes Fachwerkhaus Mutter Mosel
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Altes Zollhaus
Open season unknownEverything you need for the Mosel-Camino, shipped to your door.
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