geocalia
Cochem chairlift chairs rising over the valleySten van Houwelingen · CC BY-SA 4.0

What to do · Moselle Valley

Cochem chairlift to the Pinner Kreuz viewpoint

Chairlift from the centre of Cochem to the Pinner Kreuz, a viewpoint with the castle and the meander in front of you. Return, €7.90; children, €3.90.

InformationFrom €7 per person
From
€7 per person
Duration
1 h
Season
Spring to mid-November; 2027 timetable not yet published
Who it's for
All ages; small dogs, ask beforehand

What it is

The Cochem chairlift leaves from the town itself, on Endertstraße, and climbs the slope opposite the castle to the Pinner Kreuz, a cross with a viewpoint over the valley. From the top you see the Reichsburg on its hill, the old town, the bridges and the Moselle meander with its vines. It is the easiest way to understand the place without walking uphill.

There are open double chairs and chairs with a hood, which give some protection if it rains or is cold. You can go up and down by chairlift, or go up by chairlift and walk down the paths among the vines.

How much it costs

The rates the company publishes are, for over-14s, €5.90 one way and €7.90 return; for children aged 4 to 14, €2.90 and €3.90. The family return ticket, for parents with two to four children, costs €20. It is sold only as a return.

When it runs

In 2026 it was open from spring to mid-November, with hours by period: from 10:00 to 18:00 until 10 July; from 9:30 to 18:30 from 11 July to 30 August; from 10:00 to 18:00 until 4 October; and then closing earlier each time, until 16:00 at the end of October. From 2 to 15 November 2026 it runs from 11:00 to 16:00. In rain the hours may be shortened. The 2027 timetable is not yet published; check its website before you go.

With children and with a dog

For children it is an attraction in itself: the chairs pass over gardens and vines. Under-4s do not appear in the price table. As for dogs, the company does not take those that stand 30 cm or more at the withers; for small ones, ask beforehand, because it does not say.

At the top

At the upper station there is room to stay a while looking out. From there paths lead along the slope; if you walk down, wear comfortable footwear, because the paths are steep among the vines.

Tips

  • Go after the castle With the Reichsburg already seen inside, from the Pinner Kreuz you understand it whole.
  • Go up in good light In the afternoon the sun falls on the castle and the old town from this side of the valley.
  • Bring a coat outside summer On the open chair you feel the wind of the valley.

Frequently asked questions

How much does the Cochem chairlift cost?

Return, €7.90 for over-14s and €3.90 for children aged 4 to 14. There is a €20 family ticket.

Can you go up with a dog?

Dogs of 30 cm or more at the withers are not taken up. For small dogs, ask beforehand.

Does it run in winter?

In 2026 it ran until 15 November. Out of season, no.

With young childrenAs a familyWith teenagers

Opening hours and prices can change: check them before you go.

Round off the plan

Where to eat, where to stay and what else to do

To eat nearby

The Rathaus Café Rünz on Cochem's market square© Hotel Karl NossCoffee and cake on the market square

Rathaus Café Rünz

Café · Cochem · €€€€

What to order: a slice of cake from the display with coffee, or an ice cream if it is hot; to eat, one of the small dishes.

Every day from 10:00 to 18:00 · Table booking on its website
The half-timbered façade of the Lipmann house on Beilstein's market square, with geraniums at the windows© Hotel Haus LipmannTerrace over the Moselle in Beilstein

Hotel Haus Lipmann

Restaurant · Beilstein · €€€€

What to order: something from the kitchen's daily dishes with a Moselle wine on the terrace; in the afternoon, coffee and cake.

Open to everyone from 11:00 · Kitchen until 20:00 · Closes at 22:00
The dining room of the Ringelsteiner Mühle restaurant© Landhotel Ringelsteiner MühleHome cooking at the foot of the Eltz path

Landhotel Ringelsteiner Mühle

Restaurant · Moselkern · €€€€

What to order: a regional dish after the castle, or cake from its bakery buffet between 14:00 and 17:00.

Wednesday to Sunday · Kitchen from 13:00 to 20:00 · Closed Monday and Tuesday

To stay nearby

The Hotel Lohspeicher in Cochem's old town© Hotel LohspeicherSmall hotel

Hotel Lohspeicher

10 rooms · Half-timbered house of 1839 · On the market square · Room with a castle view

Why we like it: Family-run 10-room boutique hotel in a half-timbered house of 1839, on Cochem's market square, with breakfast in the garden in good weather.

Cochem youth hostel above the Moselle© Jugendherbergen Rheinland-Pfalz/SaarlandHostel

Cochem Youth Hostel (Moseltal-Jugendherberge)

156 beds · All rooms with bathroom · Breakfast included · 500 m from the station

Why we like it: DJH hostel above the Moselle, opposite the Reichsburg, with 156 beds in rooms with bathroom and prices from €33.30 per person with breakfast.

From €33 / bed View details
Panoramic view of the campsite on the Moselle bank, with Cochem and the vineyard hills behind© Mosel Camping CochemCampsite

Mosel Camping Cochem

Pitches on the Moselle bank · Dogs accepted · Electricity and washing machine · Next to the Freizeitzentrum

Dogs welcome

Why we like it: Municipal campsite beside the Moselle in Cochem, next to the sports centre, with riverside pitches from €11.50 a night plus €8.50 per adult in 2026.

From €7 / pitch View details

Itineraries

Features in these plans