Zell (Moselle) combines Moselsteig stages with winegrowing and a local circular route of around three kilometres. Stage 14 reaches Zell from Reil via Marienburg; Stage 15 starts here and leads towards Neef via the Collis via ferrata. Wine tastings with producers and historic traces complement the trails. When choosing where to stay, you can focus on stage hiking, wine or a closer look at the town.
Hiking between stages and the local circular route
A town walk of around 3 km starts at the Tourist Information Office in the town hall. It links the wine landmark, historic houses, the former fortification towers, the Moselle promenade, Collis Tower and the Electoral Residence Palace. The circular route offers a way to connect several of these stops along one trail.
The 1.2 km Collis Steilpfad (steep trail) has a different character: it features 160 metres of elevation gain, via ferrata sections and an alpine feel. An alternative route runs along old vineyard walls. Check safety conditions and route status before setting out. The Collisturm viewing platform looks out over the entire Zeller Hamm bend in the Moselle.
Winegrowing and places to eat
Around 400 hectares of vineyards and approximately four million grapevines shape Zell; Riesling is the predominant grape variety. The area and number of vines are approximate figures and may gradually change. The steep vineyards are worked mainly by hand, as machinery can hardly be used there. The location of the vineyards and the work carried out in them go hand in hand.
You can taste and buy Moselle wines directly from Zell winemakers. Many producers offer wine tastings; there are also seasonal wine taverns and wine shops in town. Participation by individual providers and their opening hours may vary: check with the relevant business directly before visiting.
Museum and local history
The Wine and Local History Museum displays a hypocaust heating system from a Roman bath discovered in Zell in 1987. Other exhibits relate to different local trades: cigar-making, with original equipment, and Kaspar Schleyer’s rope-making workshop, some of whose equipment has been preserved. Iron vine knives are associated with Roman viticulture on the Moselle.
In the Kaimt district, narrow, winding lanes and winemakers’ houses shape the town centre. The Boos von Waldeckhof is one of the district’s listed half-timbered houses. It was built around 1600 as the summer residence of the Boos von Waldeck noble family. Check current access conditions before visiting.
The Round Tower and the Square Tower survive as parts of the former town fortifications. Zell Castle features Rococo stone figures and a wrought-iron window grille. The former synagogue stands right beside Zell Castle; 32 Stolpersteine (stumbling stones) in Zell commemorate victims of Nazi persecution.
Discover more destinations: Bullay, Neef, Sankt Aldegund, Blankenrath, Altlay, Alf, Pünderich, Briedel, Liesenich, Haserich, Panzweiler, Tellig, Peterswald-Löffelscheid, Reidenhausen, Merl, Sosberg.
For the main travel overview: Cochem-Zell.
