Port information & tips for Bernkastel-Kues
Bernkastel-Kues is the picturesque heart of the Middle Moselle and an essential highlight of any river cruise through the romantic wine-growing region. The town enchants with its idyllic location amidst steep vineyards and its charming medieval flair, which immediately transports visitors to another time. Impressive sights include the historic marketplace with the iconic Spitzhäuschen, the majestic Landshut castle ruins, and the renowned Mosel-Weinmuseum. Cruise ships dock directly at the Moselle banks in Bernkastel, usually at the central berths at the Gestade. Thanks to this first-class location, the winding alleys of the old town and the cozy wine taverns are in the immediate vicinity and can be easily reached in just a few minutes on foot.
Bernkastel-Kues is a picturesque arrival point for river cruises on the Moselle and impresses with its central location amidst the famous vineyards. The berths at the Moselgestade are located directly in the heart of the city, allowing for quick access to the ships as well as the historic old town.
Car
Via the A1 and A48 motorways as well as the well-developed B50 and B53 federal roads, you can easily reach the Moselle Valley from all directions. In Bernkastel-Kues, public parking is available on the banks of the Moselle; additionally, local service providers offer secure Park-and-Cruise options including a comfortable shuttle service directly to the pier.
Train
The most important hub for those arriving by train is the Wittlich (Wengerohr) station, which is regularly served by IC trains and regional expresses. From there, the way to the terminal leads via Regio bus line 300 or in about 20 minutes by taxi directly to the berths at the Gestade, ensuring a relaxed journey without your own vehicle.
Airplane
Frankfurt-Hahn Airport (HHN) is located only 25 kilometers away and offers a particularly fast connection to the Moselle Valley. Alternatively, Luxembourg Airport (LUX) can be reached in about 50 minutes by car; given the city's idyllic location, arriving a day early and staying overnight in one of the charming wine hotels is highly recommended.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port accordingly and keep in mind that the latest embarkation time—depending on the cruise line and destination—is generally scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the journey: for shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the latest announcements and the notices on board, as docking and departure times can change at short notice.
