The Mosel - Germany

During November the Mosel was in flood, however this did not stop the the movement of freight. The picture shows a large coal carrying barge passing through Punderich and in the background the Marienburg.

The vines on the hillside are showing their Autumn colours and Walnut trees that line the road on the Waterfront are dropping their fruit and golden leaves.

The flooded banks of the mosel draw the wild fowl (Swans, Egyptian Geese, and Mallards) who graze safely on the flooded areas.

The flooding and fast flowing Mosel halts the local ferry and the farmers who are harvesting their grapes at this time of the year have to cross the river by the nearest bridge which is at Reil the next village up the river. This year because of the heavy rain it has delayed and complicated the harvest. But I am sure the wine will still taste great.

Punderich on the Mosel

Pünderich is where, having lead a somewhat nomadic life, we have now settled and call home. It's a beautiful village, with glorious walks along the Mosel and breath taking views from the Vineyards on the surrounding hills. After years of living in the Equatorial regions, we are enjoying rediscovering the seasons once more and cannot believe just how, as the seasons change, we discover a whole new Mosel.

Pünderich and the surrounding region is steeped in history and as you wander through the narrow cobbled streets amongst the half timbered houses you can sense the history around you. By the way, the name Pünderich is of Celtic origin. The oldest known name for the place is Pontaricum, meaning “Place with Ferry” or “Ferryman’s Place”. The town to this day still has a ferry. So, Pünderich has been around since the Roman times and has been occupied by marauding Germanic Tribes, Normans, the French and many others adding to history and culture of the locality.

Having walked through Pünderich, or along the waterfront cycle trail watching the swans swimming lazily on the river it’s time to stop and relax. Our favourite relaxation is to meander down to water front and stop at one of café bars and enjoy a cold glass of local wine watching the boats idly plying the river. We are lucky to be living in the Mosel and want to share our discovery.