Day Trips from Trier. Excursions, Nearby Cities, Tours

Nearby Destinations

Luxembourg City, Luxembourg: Located about 50 km (30 miles) west, this UNESCO World Heritage Old Town with its dramatic fortifications and Casemates Bock is easily reached by direct train (50 min) or bus. A full day covers the main sights.

Saarburg: About 25 km (15 miles) south. This picturesque medieval town features a waterfall in its center, Saarburg Castle ruins, and the Mühlenmuseum. A half to full day is plenty for Saarburg.

Popular Day Trips

Bernkastel-Kues: 50 km (30 miles) northeast along the Moselle. Known for its market square, half-timbered houses, Landshut Castle ruins, and wine tastings.
Cochem: 80 km (50 miles) northeast along the Moselle. Home to the iconic Reichsburg Cochem (Imperial Castle).
Burg Eltz (Eltz Castle): 60 km (37 miles) northeast. A stunning, privately-owned medieval castle in a secluded valley.
Remich, Luxembourg: 20 km (12 miles) west. A border town on the Moselle, known for wine caves and a river promenade.

Natural & Cultural Experiences

The region around Trier has beautiful natural landscapes for outdoor lovers and opportunities to explore local culture.

Natural Escapes

Explore iconic natural landmarks like the Saar Loop, Palatinate Forest, and Eifel National Park, each offering unique outdoor adventures.

Outdoor Activities

Saar Loop: Iconic horseshoe bend of the Saar River, with stunning panoramic views from Cloef viewpoint.
Palatinate Forest: UNESCO Biosphere Reserve with extensive hiking trails and unique sandstone formations.
Eifel National Park: Ancient volcanic landscape with forests and crater lakes, ideal for hiking.

Cultural Excursions

Beyond Trier's city limits, regional sites deepen your appreciation for history and local traditions.

Regional Culture

Roman Villas: Well-preserved sites offering insights into ancient Roman life, like the Villa Urbana in Mehring.
Wine Villages: Cycle or drive through picturesque villages like Neumagen-Dhron or Piesport for wine tastings.
Pilgrimage Sites: Discover smaller pilgrimage sites scattered throughout the region.

Multi-Day Extensions

Regional Tours

Moselle Wine Region Tour (2-3 days): Continue along the Moselle, staying overnight in towns like Bernkastel-Kues or Cochem, exploring vineyards and castles.
Transportation: Car for flexibility, trains connect major towns. Cycling or river cruises are also popular.
Cologne & Rhine Valley (2-3 days): Travel north to Cologne; explore the romantic Middle Rhine Valley, an UNESCO World Heritage site.
Transportation: Direct trains connect Trier to Koblenz and then to Cologne.

Cross-Border Trips

Alsace, France (2-3 days): Explore Strasbourg (cathedral, canals) and Colmar (half-timbered houses, "Little Venice").
Transportation: Best by car (2-3 hours). Train from Trier to Saarbrücken, then direct to Strasbourg.
Aachen & Belgium (2-3 days): Visit Aachen for its Cathedral (Charlemagne's ties), then venture into Belgium (Liège or Brussels).
Transportation: Train from Trier to Aachen (2.5 hours), then readily available train connections to Belgium.

Travel Statistics

Trier to Luxembourg City:50 km / 30 miles
Trier to Saarburg:25 km / 15 miles
Trier to Bernkastel-Kues:50 km / 30 miles
Trier to Cochem:80 km / 50 miles

Trier to Burg Eltz:60 km / 37 miles
Trier to Remich:20 km / 12 miles
Trier to Saar Loop:40 km / 25 miles
Trier to Aachen:~2.5h by train

Travel Note

For scenic routes and maximum flexibility, consider traveling by car for day trips within the Moselle region.

Extended Explorations

Consider longer stays to thoroughly explore the diverse landscapes and cultural riches surrounding Trier.

Moselle Wine Tours

Spend 2-3 days exploring vineyards and castles along the picturesque Moselle River.

Rhine Valley & Cologne

A 2-3 day journey to the romantic Middle Rhine Valley and the historic city of Cologne.

Alsace & Belgium

Cross into France for Alsace's charming towns or head to Belgium via Aachen for a diverse cultural trip.

Moselle Valley Details

Tour the Moselle wine region over several days, savoring local wines and historic towns.

Options for Exploration

Stay overnight in Bernkastel-Kues, Cochem, or Zell for immersive experiences.
Cycle the Moselle Cycle Path, stopping in villages.
River cruises connect many towns, for hop-on, hop-off visits.

Rhine & Beyond

Extend your travels to the romantic Middle Rhine Valley and major European cities.

Destinations & Access

Explore Koblenz at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers.
Visit the Cologne Cathedral and other historical sites in Cologne.
Experience the unique blend of German and French culture in Strasbourg or Colmar.

Travel Time & Practicalities

Moselle Tour Duration:2-3 days

Cologne Trip Duration:2-3 days

Alsace Trip Duration:2-3 hours drive

Aachen Train Time:~2.5 hours

Alsace Train Route:Trier to Saarbrücken to Strasbourg

Belgium Access:Easy train connections from Aachen

Planning Tip

Consider a car rental for multi-day trips to Moselle or Alsace.
Trains offer efficient travel to major cities like Cologne and Aachen.
River cruises along the Moselle offer an unique perspective.
Check specific opening hours for attractions, especially during off-peak seasons.
Look for local tour operators that specialize in regional excursions.

Further Afield

Trier's strategic position makes it an excellent gateway to wider European exploration.

Explore Beyond Borders

From Trier, international destinations are within easy reach.

Nearby Countries

Luxembourg is a short train ride away, perfect for a day trip.
France, especially the Alsace region, offers charming towns and culture.
Belgium, with cities like Brussels, can be accessed via Aachen.

European Connections

Trier connects you to European cities.

Main Hubs

Cologne, a major German city, is accessible by direct train.
Strasbourg, an European capital, has a blend of cultures.
Seamless train connections link Trier to various European destinations.

Transportation Access

Getting to and from these extended destinations is straightforward.

Rail & Road Networks

Direct train lines connect Trier to major German cities.
Well-maintained road networks allow for easy self-drive options.
Bus services offer an alternative for cross-border short trips.

Scenic Journeys

Travel through picturesque landscapes to reach your next stop.

Beautiful Routes

The Moselle Valley itself is a scenic route worth exploring at length.
Journeys to the Eifel or Hunsrück regions present diverse natural beauty.
River cruises on the Moselle and Rhine rivers offer unique perspectives.

Planning Your Multi-Day Trip

Careful planning will maximize your extended exploration.

Accommodation

Book stays in advance, especially during peak seasons in popular towns.

Local Guides

Consider local guides for insights into specific regions or attractions.

Flexibility

Allow for flexibility in your schedule to discover unexpected gems.

Recommendation

To make the most of your extended trips, research specific attractions and transport options for each destination.

Day Trips from Trier