Moselschiefer Street
The Moselschieferstraße is a hidden gem for those driving a convertible along the German Half-Timbered House Route or nearby roads. This picturesque round trip through the Eastern Eifel and the Moselle Valley connects charming villages, old castles, slate quarries, and vineyards for an unforgettable convertible journey. Especially in an open vehicle, nature, culture, and winding driving pleasure unfold in perfect harmony.
Whether as a short weekend trip or as part of a longer convertible tour – this route offers ideal conditions for a varied and leisurely discovery journey. Half-timbered towns, panoramic roads, and historically significant places make the Moselschieferstraße an impressive convertible route for connoisseurs.
The Stages of the Moselschieferstraße
Stage 1: Mayen – Monreal – Laubach – Kaisersesch
The convertible route starts in Mayen, the gateway to the Eifel. The town is known for its castle ruin Genovevaburg, which towers high above the place, as well as for its German slate mine within the castle hill. After a brief visit, the route takes a winding country road to Monreal, one of the most beautiful half-timbered villages in the region. The romantic backdrop of two castle ruins and the small Elz is perfect for a pause with a camera or picnic blanket.
From there, it continues to Laubach, a small, quiet place in the midst of the volcanic landscape of the Eastern Eifel. The route winds its way through forests and ridges until reaching Kaisersesch – a small town with rural charm and a historical old town.
Stage 2: Kaisersesch – Cochem – Treis-Karden – Burg Eltz
This stage brings fresh driving wind and views of the Moselle. After starting in Kaisersesch, the convertible route leads down to Cochem along a scenic route. The Moselle town is a true highlight of any convertible tour with its old town, half-timbered houses, and Reichsburg. A stroll along the promenade or a short boat trip on the Moselle is highly recommended here.
Continuing upstream on the Moselle, the journey goes to Treis-Karden, where the collegiate church of St. Castor impressively presents its Romanesque towers.
From here, a detour to Burg Eltz is worthwhile. Traveling through the narrow, winding Elztal by convertible or roadster, you track deep into the Eifel forest. Burg Eltz suddenly appears as if from nowhere – perched on a rock, surrounded by wooded hills. The ascent to the castle is on foot or by a shuttle that regularly runs during the season. The medieval fortress is completely preserved and offers fascinating insights into life in past centuries – a true highlight of this convertible journey.
Stage 3: Hatzenport – Münstermaifeld – Polch
After descending from Burg Eltz, the convertible road trip continues along the Moselle. In Hatzenport, a short stop for a walk through the vineyards or a glass of Riesling in one of the winemaker's courtyards is worth it. Then, the route goes inland towards Münstermaifeld – one of the oldest towns in the region with an imposing collegiate church that can already be seen from afar.
Münstermaifeld combines historical depth with rural charm. The route then continues through the rolling Eifel landscape to Polch. Here, the Heimatmuseum Polch invites for a short stop before heading back to the last stage point.
Stage 4: Polch – Mayen
The final stage brings the round trip on the Moselschieferstraße back to Mayen. The route leads along gently winding roads, past fields, small clusters of hamlets, and typical Eifel landscape. Back in Mayen, a stroll through the city center is recommended – or a farewell dinner with a view of Genovevaburg.
Highlights Along the Moselschieferstraße
The Moselschieferstraße is rich in special places. Particularly impressive are the old towns of Monreal and Cochem, the silent splendor of Burg Eltz, the collegiate church of Münstermaifeld, and the spectacular views along the Moselle. The road itself alternates between narrow, winding sections and open country roads – a perfect combination for any convertible tour.
Tips for the Tour
Those traveling in a convertible should particularly take advantage of weekdays for the tour – then there is less traffic on the small country roads. For Burg Eltz, it is advisable to arrive in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid larger groups of visitors. In Cochem, an overnight stay with a view of the Moselle is recommended, and a wine tasting in one of the small wine villages can be a delightful stop. The entire convertible route can be well explored in two to three days – with many opportunities for spontaneous stops and culinary discoveries.
Whether driving a convertible along the German Half-Timbered House Route or subsequently along the Moselle – this round trip can be ideally combined with other convertible routes.
Conclusion – Driving a Convertible on the Moselschieferstraße
The Moselschieferstraße is a true insider tip for fans of historical backdrops, narrow serpentines, and small discoveries off the major travel routes. The combination of medieval flair, enchanted castles, traditional slate mining, and Moselle wine culture offers exactly what makes a good convertible tour. Whether as part of a convertible road trip through Rhineland-Palatinate or as a relaxed weekend round trip – this route is ideal for a varied, enjoyable, and scenic convertible journey.
