Sunday Morning Jam Session

Well...it was mostly a mustard affair, but 'A Mustard Session' just doesn't have the same ring.

Yumm-O! I may have found a calling - Senfmueller

The historic mustard mill dating back to 1810

We set out this weekend for the quaint medieval village of Cochem, Germany.  Cochem lies on the left bank of the Moselle River further downstream from Trier and is famous for its wines, its history and perhaps most importantly its Mustard Mill! The Moselle flows from the Alsace region of France, through Luxembourg (comprising the border between Luxembourg and Germany for approximately 40km) then onto the Rhine in Germany. This river valley is an important wine region for all three nations, and is the main wine growing area in Luxembourg. Only about an hour and a half drive from the Ville,  Cochem is a perfect little day trip and just enough off the beaten path to remain unexpectedly beautiful.

The Reichburg of Cochem

It sits atop a high bluff over the village along the Moselle

Aside from the river and the natural beauty of Cochem, one of the main attractions is the Reichburg, or Imperial Castle. The original structure was built in the 1100's and was overrun and subsequently destroyed by Frances King Louis XIV in the 1600's (I'm seeing a pattern around here).   


Louis Fréderic Jacques Ravené, a rich businessman from Berlin, bought the ruins and restored the castle in 1868...as a SUMMER HOME! I think rich may be an understatement.

The Reichburg is poised just above the ancient town of Cochem which alone is worth seeing. The Old Town is a maze of skinny streets and almost claustrophobic alleyways. The charming architecture really gives the sense that you've gone back in time.  Some of the buildings are built right into the cliffs along the river bank, and many of the shops have caves from which they sell the local wines and liquors. This impromptu day trip was taken during the winter season, so many shops were closed as their owners are off on seasonal holidays. We can't wait to get back to sample more of Cochem's offerings. Tschüs!

Looking down over Cochem and the Moselle from the castle above.

Cochem's main square along the river

Here's a gingerbread house...

...with Dachshund lace curtains!

Old Town looking at the Catherdral's Bell-tower.

One of the many vineyards along the slopes surrounding the town of Cochem.

A restaurant and wine seller built into one of the cliffs along the Moselle River.