Located along the breathtaking Moselle Valley, Bernkastle-Kues derives its name from the 1905 merger of Bernkastle with the village of Kues, located across the river. The history of Bernkastle itself dates back to the 11th century, though evidence of human settlement in the region has been traced by archaeologists to at least 3000BC.

Today, Bernkastle-Kues is a picturesque town of roughly 6,000 inhabitants, and one of Germany’s most well-known wine-growing centers.

Your River Cruise Ship Docks …

River cruise ships calling on Bernkastle-Kues dock conveniently near the town center.

When in Bernkastle-Kues …

Bernkastle-Kues is remarkable for its quiet, unassuming lanes filled with picturesque timber-frame structures, some dating back as far as 1405. A few ways to enjoy your time here :

• Walkabout – As with many European towns, simply losing yourself in the streets and alleyways can be an enjoyable way to spend your time here, and almost always offers up unexpected discoveries.
• Medieval Marketplace – A once-prominent military installation turned city park, the Belgrade Fortress boasts some stunning views, as well as several cafes and even an observatory. The sprawling complex is located close to the convergence of the Danube and Sava rivers.
• Graacher Tor – The only medieval gate still in existence in Bernkastle-Kues, Graacher Tor (or Graach Gate) remains a popular tourist attraction.
• Wineries – There are numerous wineries in the Bernkastle-Kues region, many of which offer tours and/or tasting opportunities. The most common type of wine produced here is Reisling, though small quantities of Burgunder, Rivaner, Kerner and Dornfelder can also be found.

River Cruisers Should Know!

• The currency in Germany is the Euro (€).
• Crime of any sort is generally not an issue in Bernkastle-Kues; still, it pays to exercise the same degree of caution you would in any city or town.
• Knowledge of basic German can go a long way. While most people should speak at least some English, this may not always be the case in smaller towns like Bernkastle-Kues.

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