A short climb, or chairlift ride, above Cochem to the Pinnerkreuz viewpoint on the Pinnerberg, overlooking the Reichsburg Cochem castle, the winding Moselle river, and the terraced vineyards that rise steeply from the town.
The walk to the Pinnerkreuz viewpoint begins at the lower station of the Cochem Sesselbahn (chairlift) on Endertstrasse, a short walk from Cochem's train station on the Koblenz-Trier line; no permit is required, and as with Boppard's chairlift walk, hikers can walk up, ride up, or mix the two directions. The round trip on foot covers only about 4 kilometres with a climb to the 255-metre viewpoint on the Pinnerberg, making it one of the shortest outings in this guide, achievable in under two hours; the path climbs through vineyard terraces and light forest on a clear, well-graded track with no technical sections, offering intermittent shade that gives way to open views near the top. The Pinnerkreuz viewpoint itself, marked by its summit cross, overlooks the Reichsburg Cochem castle rising above the town, the winding Moselle river, and the vineyard terraces that climb steeply from Cochem's rooftops; this is both the destination and the natural turn-around point, with no reason to continue further for most visitors. There are no huts on the walking path, though the upper chairlift station has refreshments, and Cochem itself, directly at the start, has a full range of cafes, restaurants, and guesthouses; water should be carried for the short climb since nothing is available between town and the summit.
| Distance | About 4km round trip on foot; a chairlift also reaches the summit |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1.5-2 hours on foot; a few minutes by chairlift |
| Trailhead | Train to Cochem on the Koblenz-Trier line; chairlift from the town to Pinnerkreuz |
| Best season | April to June and September to October |
| Address | Sesselbahn Cochem lower station, Endertstrasse, 56812 Cochem, Germany |
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Cochem, Middle Moselle Valley, Cochem-Zell district
What to bring
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Water
- Sun protection
- Camera
Weather through the year in Rhineland-Palatinate
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Rhineland-Palatinate.
Location
Sesselbahn Cochem lower station, Endertstrasse, 56812 Cochem, Germany
50.1489, 7.1667 View on map
Highlights
- Pinnerkreuz viewpoint over the Reichsburg Cochem castle
- Views of the Moselle's winding course and terraced vineyards
- Short, accessible climb suitable for a half-day outing
- Option to ride the historic Sesselbahn chairlift
- Direct access from Cochem's town centre and train station
Tips for visiting
- Combine the walk with a tour of the Reichsburg Cochem castle for a fuller day.
- Ride the chairlift down if time is short, since the walk up gives the better views.
- Visit early to beat the day-tripper crowds arriving by river cruise.
- Carry water for the climb, as nothing is available until the summit kiosk.
- Photograph the castle from the viewpoint in morning light for the best angle.
When to visit
April to June and September to October give clear views over the castle and river with comfortable walking temperatures; early mornings avoid the busiest river-cruise crowds.
Accessibility
The chairlift is accessible to many visitors with limited mobility, but the walking path itself is unpaved vineyard and forest track not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does the round trip take?
About 1.5-2 hours on foot, or a few minutes each way by chairlift.
What is the main attraction at Pinnerkreuz?
The viewpoint over the Reichsburg Cochem castle and the Moselle river below.
Is the walk suitable for families?
Yes, the short distance and graded path make it manageable for most family groups.
Can hikers ride the chairlift only one way?
Yes, many visitors walk up and ride down, or the reverse.
Where does the walk start?
At the lower Sesselbahn station on Endertstrasse in Cochem, near the train station.