Recently, I hiked the Moselsteig with my sweet doodle Ruby, and we passed under the family-friendly Cochemer Sesselbahn (Cochem chairlift in English).
Tl:DR: The Cochem Chairlift, also known as Sesselbahn Cochem, operates during the warmer months from 10 am daily. It is open from April to October, depending on the weather.
Cochem Chairlift Travel Tips
- Location: Cochem, Germany
- When to Ride: April – October
- Budget Accommodations: Hotel Villa Vinum Cochem
- Midrange Accommodations: Hotel Karl Müller
- Luxury Hotels: MoselRomantik Kessler Meyer
- Family-Friendly Accommodation: Hotel am Hafen
- Closest Airports: Frankfurt International & Hahn, Cologne-Bonn, Luxemburg
- Only in Cochem for a day? This Cochem tour will show you the very best.
It was a slow and gentle ride up to the Pinnerkreuz overlook, perfect for anyone wanting a relaxing easy ride with stunning views of the picturesque Cochem.
Located in Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany, the summer chairlift takes you on a scenic journey over the stunning landscape of the Moselle River Valley, making it one of my favorite spots to immerse in Wonder (and get away from crowds).
Video of the Things to do in Cochem
What You Will Learn
What is the Sesselbahn Cochem?
If you’re looking for a unique and unforgettable experience and one of the best things to do in Cochem, I highly recommend taking a ride on the Cochem chairlift.
🚠 Don’t miss out on this opportunity to see the beauty of Mosel River from a whole new perspective!
Who is it good for?
- Families with small kids
- Romantic Date at the Pinnerkreuz Terrace Cafe
- People whose knees can’t tolerate the steep hike up (or down)
- Day trips from Trier or Frankfurt
Who is it not for?
- Anyone wanting an “exciting ride”
- People with severe fear of heights
Continue reading, because below I tell you everything you need to know about this family attraction as well as our experiences on the Cochem Chairlift in Germany.
🚠 SUMMER CHAIRLIFTS in Germany
An easy & relaxing Way to experience the German OUTDOORS 🚠
It doesn’t have to be HARD to explore Germany’s mountains and vineyards.
1️⃣ On the Upper Middle Romantic Rhine UNESCO site:
the Rudesheim cable car and Assmannshausen chairlift help you create a gentle loop called the Rudesheim Ring Tour. The Boppard chairlift gets you to the Vierseenblick. And the Ko
2️⃣ Flying over the Moselle River:
the Scenic Cochem chairlift takes you over vineyards and slate blue craggy mini-mountains.
3️⃣ On the German Weinstrasse:
the gentle Rietburg Chairlift helps you skip the uphill and have unbelieveable views over the Rhine plain and skip the hard part of the Edenkoben Tal hike.
4️⃣ In Bavaria:
the Kranzberg Sessellift gets you high above Mittenwald and allows you to hike the stunning Hoher Kranzberg hike good for family.
Just like an e-bike, a bit of technology can make exploring nature more accessible to everyone.
Spoiler alert: It’s a gentle ride!
EXPLORE MORE MOSELLE RIVER HIDDEN GEMS
Get more CULTURE + NATURE GERMAN travel tips here 👎🏻
📍 My post on wine tasting and hiking in Urzig
🍷 Quick guide to the best things to do in Beilstein
Have a mini-adventure on the Geierlay Suspension Bridge Walk.
Ticketing and Schedule Cochem Chairlift
Opening Hours and Seasons
Opening Hours 2023
| Month | Opening Hours |
|---|---|
| Late March | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| April – June | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| July | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| From 1st weekend in July | 9:30 AM – 6:30 PM |
| August | 9:30 AM – 6:30 PM |
| September | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| October | 01. – 08. 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| 09. – 15. 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM | |
| 16. – 29. 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM | |
| 30. – 31. 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM | |
| November, 12th | 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
You can bring your dog or your bike on the chairlift also, but note they cannot be more than 30 cm high.
You’ll ride up to the “Pinnerkreuz,” one of the most panoramic viewpoints over Cochem. The chair lift offers both open double chairs and cabins that can be closed based on weather conditions.
After a comfortable 360-meter ride at 0.8 meters per second, they will reach the top station 255 meters above sea level. The lift covers a total of 155 meters, with the greatest range between the posts being 90 meters.
It is important to note that the chairlift operates seasonally, and is closed during the winter months. It is advisable to check the official website or call the chairlift office to confirm the opening hours and seasons before planning your trip.
🏰 Are you also discovering the Moselle’s cousin the Romantic Rhine River? My favorite homebases to stay are Oberwesel, Boppard and Rüdesheim. It’s truly hard to go wrong. Here’s a guide to the castles of the Rhine to get some context on the over 40 castles!
Pricing and Discounts Chairlift Cochem
It is important to note that the prices may change without notice, so it is advisable to check the official website or call the chairlift office to confirm the lift ticket prices.
| Category | Single Price | Return Price |
|---|---|---|
| Children (4-14 years) | 2.90 € | 3.90 € |
| Adults (15 and over) | 5.90 € | 7.90 € |
| Family-Card | —- | 20.00 € |
| School classes (min. 20 persons) | 2.30 € | 3.50 € |
| Groups (min. 15 persons) | 4.90 € | 6.90 € |
- No smoking allowed
- No swinging
- No throwing anything down
- In case of a sudden stop, remain calm and wait for instructions
- Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult
- Watch over your belongings (clothes, walking sticks, etc.)
- No dogs over 30 cm shoulder height allowed
- No one under the influence of alcohol allowed
- Follow instructions of chairlift staff without discussion
How to Get There
The chairlift is located on Endertstrasse near the Mustard Museum.
By Train: Cochem is served by the DB Bahn and the main (only) station is right in the center of town. Trains are connected to Frankfurt, Mannheim, Trier, Koblenz and Luxembourg.
🚇 When you book your transport online, I personally recommend and always use OMIO. They search for trains, buses, flights and ferries, so you get the easiest way to your destination!
By Car: There are stunning back roads in the Mosel Valley that are worth a drive in all seasons. What I really want to do is rent a convertible Porsche and zoom through this lowland mountain range and fairytale castle land.
🚗 Car Rental: I always use Discover cars because they search for local and international options so you get the best deal.
By Flight: Frankfurt Hahn is the closest airport, only 35 minutes away. There are also 3 easy airports close to Cochem that take about 1.5 hours to drive to get there. The first is Frankfurt International Airport.
The second is Luxemburg International Airport. And finally, Cologne-Bonn International Airport is also an easy drive.
Map of Cochem
How to Use This Map:
Click on the icon on the top left-hand corner. You will now see an interactive list.
For more info on each, click on the map icons.
To see the map in more detail, click on the [ ] in the top right-hand corner. This will open a larger map where the details of each point can be found by clicking on the location point name in the list on the left.
You can also save the map for your own use by clicking the next to the map name. This will save the map to your Google Maps, where you can make a copy and use it for your own trip planning.
To view the saved map on your phone, open Google Maps, click “saved” on the bottom, and then “maps” on the lower right.
Chairlift Ride Experience
Duration and Distance
The Cochem chairlift, or Sesselbahn, takes about 20 minutes to complete a one-way journey. The chairlift runs from the outskirts of Cochem over vineyards and slate blue steep mountains to one of the best lookout points in the Moselle Valley, the Pinnerkreuz.
Scenery and Views
The scenery during the ride is breathtaking. As you ascend, you will see the picturesque town of Cochem below you. The vineyards and forests that surround the town make for a stunning view. Once you reach the top, you will be rewarded with a panoramic view of the largest river bend on the entire Mosel River.
Comfort and Safety Features
The chairs on the Cochem chairlift are comfortable and provide a smooth ride. The chairs are equipped with safety bars that you can lower during the ride. The safety bars provide an added sense of security, especially if you are afraid of heights. The chairlift is well-maintained and adheres to strict safety standards. The operators of the chairlift are friendly and helpful, and they will ensure that you have a pleasant and safe ride.
Cochem Chairlift Location
If you’re planning to visit Cochem, you should definitely take a ride on the Cochem Chairlift, also known as the Sesselbahn. It’s a great way to see the beautiful scenery of the Mosel Valley from above. Here are some details on the location of the chairlift:
Top Station
The Cochem Chairlift starts at the valley station on Endertstrasse, which is located near the mustard museum. There is limited parking available at the station. From there, the chairlift takes you up to the top station just 100 meters from Restaurant Terrace Cafe.
Nearby Attractions & Points of Interest in Cochem
1. Wander the Cochem Old Town
If you’re looking for a charming, historic town to explore, Cochem Old Town is a must-visit. With its narrow streets, half-timbered houses, and quaint shops and cafes, it’s the perfect place to wander and soak up the local atmosphere.
2. Touch Nature at the Wildlife Park – 20 min walk from Chairlift
The Wild- und Freizeitpark Klotten is a wildlife park that is home to over 60 species of animals, including bears, wolves, and lynx.
The park also has several rides and attractions, making it a great place for families looking for things to do in Cochem Germany.
👑 Another fun kids’ activity is the Fairytale Self-Guided Tour Game.
3. Go Canoeing
The Moselle River is a great place for canoeing. There are several rental companies in the area, and many offer guided tours. Canoeing is a great way to see the area from a different perspective and get some exercise.
🛶 This is my favorite guided canoe trip on the Moselle River. 🛶
4. Moselsteig Long Distance Hiking Trail
The Moselsteig is a 365-kilometer trail that follows the Moselle River from Perl to Koblenz. The trail is divided into 24 stages, and hikers can choose to complete the entire trail or just a section. The trail offers stunning views of the river and surrounding vineyards.
My favorite here is to walk on the Moselsteig from Cochem to Beilstein due to the dramatic cliffs. Other sections of the Moselsteig include Moselsteig Route in Schweich and the Mosel River Valley walk in Mehring.
5. Cycling and Bike Tours
Cochem and the surrounding area are perfect for cycling. There are several bike rental shops in town, and many hotels offer bike rentals as well.
There are several routes to choose from, including the Moselle River Cycle Path. Sometimes in high water the bike path will be flooded. In these spots you’ll have to use the road.
🚴♀️ You’ll love this bike, wine and picnic boat tour.
6. Go Cruising on the Moselle River
A Moselle River Cruise is a great way to see the area from a different perspective. There are several companies that offer river cruises, ranging from short tours to full-day trips.
🛳️ This is my favorite Moselle Cruise.
7. Get Your Thrills on the Calmont Klettersteig
This is perfect For People Who ❤️ Off-the-Beaten Path. As someone who loves a good adrenaline rush, I highly recommend checking out the Calmont Klettersteig.
This via ferrata, or iron path, is located on the steep slopes of the Calmont mountain and offers stunning views of the Moselle River. The Calmont Klettersteig is not for the faint of heart – it’s a challenging climb that requires strength, endurance, and a head for heights.
But the views from the top are absolutely worth it. You’ll feel like you’re on top of the world as you look out over the steepest vineyards in the world.
FAQ Cochem Chairlift
How long does the Cochem Chairlift take?
The 20-minute chairlift gives riders a breathtaking view of the surrounding vineyards and forests.
The highlight of the ride is the Reichsburg Castle View, which is considered one of the best lookout points in the Moselle Valley.
The chairlift is safe and slow-moving, making it suitable for people of all ages and abilities.
Is the Cochem Chairlift worth it?
Overall, I highly recommend taking the Cochem Chairlift/Sesselbahn if you’re visiting the Moselle Valley. It’s a unique and memorable experience that you won’t want to miss.
Author profile: Morgan Fielder is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and passionate hiker who believes in exploring the world on foot with good food. Follow her journey as she shares science-based hiking tips and advocates for sustainable tourism.
I highly recommend taking the Cochem Chairlift Sesselbahn if you’re visiting the Moselle Valley.