Rick Steves Calls This Romantic Village In Germany A Cozy 'Cinderella-Land'

With so much to see and do in Europe, it may be a good idea to take a break and find a location ideal for recharging and just taking in the surroundings. This is what Rick Steves, travel expert and television host, recommends, especially when one's schedule allows for a less-planned day or two. In his blog, Steves said that a few locations come to mind when he needs to convalesce, and Beilstein, he wrote, is a German "Cinderella-land" that's high on his list.

The medieval town along the Moselle River is tucked among impressive hillsides and castle ruins. It's this setting that has given it a reputation as the "Sleeping Beauty of the Moselle." Whatever the fairy tale used to describe the village, Beilstein is small and lacks much modern development. That, combined with the Riesling-producing vineyards parked upon steep inclines, adds to its charm and makes the location a "dream...just right for convalescence," Steves says.

During his trip to the village, the travel expert shared that his hotel room overlooked the river. After watching a large barge pass by through the early morning light, the serene views kicked off his "soothing Beilstein day." He noted that the city is touristy, yet peaceful, and travel bloggers regularly share that the village can be thoroughly explored within a matter of hours. If your trip to Germany lasts long enough to enjoy multiple cities, Beilstein could be a stop to consider along with this list of German destinations locals say you shouldn't miss.

Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty, both fairy tale princesses used to describe the charm and feel of Beilstein, are titular medieval characters. It makes sense that Beilstein dates back to around the year 1300, a medieval time when the village was designed with a town wall and the placement of a castle at its core. Today, the ruins of those walls still mark the boundaries of the village, which rests beneath the shadows of Metternich Castle.

These days, the castle is family owned, yet it remains accessible to interested tourists from April to November. Entry tickets costing just a few euros allow for self-guided tours and include the panoramic views from its terrace. During the season, there are also refreshments available to go along with the views of Beilstein and the Moselle valley. It may not be the castle that inspired Walt Disney, but Metternich Castle is a highlight of this picturesque village.

Dedicated as a monument zone today called "Ortskern Beilstein," the village square below the castle is home to several points of interest. Among them is a historic wine cellar and nearby tasting tavern, both a short walk from the remains of a monastery's steps. Restaurants, wineries, and accommodations encourage longer stays here, perfect for following Rick Steves' lead and taking a breather from fast-paced sightseeing.

Beilstein is nestled in a remote section of western Germany's state of Rhineland-Palatinate. Despite its rural location, the village is accessible by train, car, or ferry, thanks to the impressive public transportation network throughout the country. The nearest train station to Beilstein, for example, sits in Cochem, just 10 minutes away by car and well connected to Germany's larger cities.

Determining the best way to reach Beilstein may rely on the rest of your itinerary. While the country's transportation network makes getting around easy, consider keeping this map for your upcoming trip to Germany handy. One popular way to access Beilstein from Cochem is by ferry, which welcomes both tourists and dogs, as long as the four-legged family members remain on a leash.

Trains are connected to many airports, and one of the closest international airports to Beilstein is Hahn Airport (HHN), about 20 miles away. However, Frankfurt Airport (FRA), which is about 80 miles to the east, may have more flight options for international travelers since Hahn Airport services mostly smaller budget airlines. Another option is Cologne Bonn International Airport (CGN), approximately 75 miles to the north.