The Best Day Trips From Trier Germany

You could spend days just exploring Trier and its fascinating sights. If you find yourself with extra time to spare, or simply want to mix it up, you’ll be delighted to hear that the region boasts all kinds of thing to do. Vineyards, scenic towns and natural wonders, all are within reach, and we’ve rounded up the best day trips to take from Trier.

Eltz Castle

All your knight and damsel dreams come to life when you first catch a glimpse of Eltz Castle through the tree canopy of the surrounding forest. This magical 11th-century castle is perched on a rock near the Moselle River, 105 kilometres (65 miles) northeast of Trier. The iconic medieval façade of the beige bricks, the red-and-white timber structures and the grey-shingled turrets are a popular photo motif – and in their own right – but the thick castle walls also hold a fascinating exhibition, which is best explored as part of a guided tour.

Eltz Castle, Wierschem, Germany

Since the border to Luxembourg is only a stone’s throw from Trier’s city boundaries, it’s worth looking at what this neighbour has to offer. Echternach is Luxembourg’s oldest town and also ranks among its prettiest. The historic town centre feature a Gothic market square and the remains of the medieval city walls are still visible. Add a visit to the Abbey of Echternach, the Roman Villa and the Basilica of Saint Willibrord to your list, and your trip back in time is complete. From Trier, it’s only a 40-minute drive.

Echternach, Luxembourg

Bernkastel-Kues

The Moselle region lures with rolling, vine-clad hills that produce some of Germany’s best wines, scenic views and dreamy villages. Bernkastel-Kues is one of them and can be reached via a 40-minute drive from Trier. The cobbled alleys and roads of the picturesque town centre are lined with half-timbered houses, quaint wine taverns and wineries, and make it the perfect wine-tasting destination.

Bernkasterl-Kues, Germany

Bitburger Brewery experience

Bitburger is one of Germany’s premium pilsner beers and has called the Eifel town of the same name home since 1817. Beer fans shouldn’t miss out on a trip to Bitburg, which is only 30 kilometres (18.6 miles) north of Trier, to learn about the brewing process. Rather than a traditional brewery tour, Bitburger has opened a multimedia experience that explores the company’s history and the brewing process through info panels, video material and interactive stops, including taps where you can taste the brewing water. The entrance fee covers a guided tour, which runs every hour, and beer samples at the end.

Bitburger Brewery, Römermauer 3, Bitburg, Germany

Saar loop and Montclair Castle

A 45-minute drive south takes you the Saarland State of Germany and one of its major attractions. A couple of years ago, a tree-top walk opened up to give a better view of a dramatic loop of the Saar River, which cuts its way through the forested area here. Once you’ve got your fill of the spectacular views from up top, you can combine the trip with a visit to Montclair Castle, the ruins of a medieval fort.

Château de Montclair, Mettlach, Germany

Clervaux

Clervaux in northern Luxembourg is a mere 80 kilometres (50 miles) from Trier and has a whole bunch of activities and sights in store for a day trip from Trier. Make sure to visit the two abbeys of Saint Maurice and Saint Maurus and don’t miss out on Clervaux Castle, which is perched on a hill just outside the town centre. The fort houses a couple of fantastic exhibitions: The Museum of the Battle of the Bulge is dedicated to a devastating World War II battle, and The Family of Man showcases the works of Luxembourgian photographer and museum curator Edward J. Steichen.

Clervaux, Luxembourg

Cochem

Cochem is another one of those gorgeous Moselle towns that offers a concentrated version of the best things the wine country has to offer – vineyards, a picturesque town centre, stunning river views and a castle. These features make Cochem the perfect day-trip destination coming from Trier, which a good hour’s drive from here.

Cochem, Germany

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

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