Alsace and the Rhine

Cochem

High water levels on the Moselle prevented our trip by boat to Cochem from Koblenz. So, a large group of us decided to take the train there instead.

Cochem is a small town about 5000 people. It is in the heart of the Moselle wine country. In addition to the large number of historical buildings, its main tourist attraction is the Reichsburg Castle that overlooks the town. The castle was built originally around 1100 AD, and underwent expansions and fortifications and came under the control of the Imperial family. That lasted until 1689 when the French invaded and destroyed the castle and town of Cochem. Almost 200 years later, the castle ruins were purchased by Louis Ravene from Berlin. He rebuilt the castle in its present neo-Gothic style as a family summer residence.

There was a Bosch factory near Cochem supplying the Wehrmacht with automotive components using prison labor from one of the Natzweiler-Struthof sub-camps. Perhaps as a result, the town of Cochem suffered much damage in World War II.

History and Facts about Cochem and Reichsburg