We checked into our new (apartment) room right on the banks of the Mosel River – see the first photo of the view from our room. We will enjoy staying here for the next three nights. A little overcast today and pleasantly cool (~20°C).

We then treated ourselves to a ride on a small train that took us through some of the city’s history and architecture highlights – see the photo of the long-distant shot of the castle (Reichsburg). The tour was interesting because as English speaking tourists we could use a head set. The only problem was the driver was talking through loud speakers to the rest of the tour at the top of his voice and we could hardly hear our commentary.

We then went on a tour of the Reichsburg – the castle that is synonymous with Cochem. As English speaking tourists we were given a pied of paper that summarised the presentation of the tour guide. Here we could take as many photos as we liked (unlike other places where this is forbidden). I may have overcompensated and taken too many!

This castle was originally built in 1000AD and added to and owned by a variety of people until 1869 when King Louis XIV had it destroyed by his soldiers. It remained as a ruin for around 200 years until a very rich man from Berlin came along and had it rebuilt / reconstructed according to old plans. It was explained to us that this therefore was not a castle but a 19th Century chateau. The family was forced to sell the chateau to the Third Reich in 1942, and since 1972 the castle has belonged to the city of Cochem.

Some of the photos included here include:
* some outside shots
* the dining hall with rich oak carvings
* a wardrobe considered the most valuable piece of furniture dating from the 16th Century
* a knight’s armor from the middle ages – he stood 7′.
* windows that are thought to be examples of the first technique of glazing in central Europe (bulls-eye glass panes).

There are also some of our favorite “together” shots showing off the fantastic views from the castle.