Beautiful Bernkastel-Kues

This morning we took an early morning hike towards the vineyards that overlook the tiny town of Bernkastel. I’ve mentioned the steep terrace farming the local farmers use to grow grapes for riesling wine, but wanted to see just how steep. Whew 😅

It was Sunday morning and it seemed as though the idyllic town was just waking up. Bernkastel-Kues comprises two villages that merged in 1905: Bernkastel on the right bank and Kues on the left. Linked by a bridge, they straddle the Moselle River and enjoy a great reputation for health spas and fine wines. We explored cobblestone streets lined with half-timbered houses.

Although everything was closed, we made our way to the medieval marketplace and Rathaus (Town Hall.)

Crossing the river into Kues, we learned something about the city’s most well-known residents, medieval cardinal and philosopher Nicolaus Cusanus. We visited St. Nicolaus Hospital, named after him, and were surprised to learn that this “charitable home” has been operating since 1458. Its chapel is beautiful!

As we continued our walk toward the vineyards, we passed several wine caves along the way. Up and up we went, and our reward was an incredible view of the quaint town and sweeping views of the steep vineyards surrounding us.

It was much easier going down!