BERNKASTEL

• DEBEK
• Latitude: 49.9162
• Longitude: 7.06644
• Inland, Europe
• Port in Germany

Location: Bernkastel-Kues Rhineland-Palatinate 54470 Germany

Web-site: https://www.bernkastel.de/en

Bernkastel, officially known as Bernkastel-Kues, is a picturesque town located on the Moselle River in the Rhineland-Palatinate region of Germany. Its port, while not one of Germany's largest or most industrially significant, plays a notable role in the local economy, particularly related to tourism and river transport.

Port Description:

The Bernkastel port primarily serves as a docking point for river cruise ships and smaller cargo vessels navigating the Moselle River. The port area is characterized by its scenic beauty, nestled among vineyards and historical architecture, making it a popular spot for tourists.

Specifications and Facilities:

1. Location:

   • Coordinates: Approximately 49.9167° N latitude and 7.0833° E longitude
   • Situated on the Moselle River, which is a tributary of the Rhine River.

2. Port Type:

   • River port

3. Primary Uses:

   • Tourism (River cruises, recreational boating)
   • Small-scale cargo handling (wine production, local goods)

4. Infrastructure:

   • Quay Length: Limited; designed to accommodate several medium-sized river cruise vessels simultaneously.
   • Draft: Suitable for river vessels; typical maximum draft is around 2.5 to 3 meters.
   • Facilities: Limited cargo handling facilities, predominantly used for wine shipping. Passenger services include docking points for cruise ships, tourist information centers, and local transport connections.
   • Navigation Aids: Equipped with standard river navigation aids, including buoys and signals for safe passage along the Moselle River.

5. Access:

   • Road: Well-connected via regional highways, with access to major cities such as Trier and Koblenz.
   • Rail: Limited direct rail access, but nearby stations offer connections to broader rail networks.
   • Airports: Closest major airports are Frankfurt-Hahn Airport (approximately 30 minutes by road) and Luxembourg Airport (about 1.5 hours by road).

6. Services:

   • Passenger Services: Tourist information, guided tours, and local transportation.
   • Logistics: Basic facilities for loading and unloading goods primarily related to the local wine industry.
   • Repairs/Maintenance: Basic services for river vessels, with more comprehensive facilities available in larger nearby ports.

7. Economic Role:

   • The port supports the local economy by facilitating the wine industry, which is a significant part of the region’s economy. Bernkastel-Kues is globally renowned for its Riesling wines.
   • The tourism sector is heavily supported by the port, with many visitors arriving by river cruises.

Surrounding Area:

• Scenic Attractions: The port is surrounded by picturesque landscapes, including terraced vineyards, medieval architecture, and the historically significant Bernkastel Castle ruins.
• Cultural Events: The town hosts several wine festivals and markets, which attract visitors and bolster the local economy.

While Bernkastel's port may not compare to the industrial might of ports such as Hamburg or Rotterdam, it plays a vital niche role that capitalizes on the region's natural beauty and cultural heritage. It provides essential connectivity and supports the unique local economy based on wine production and tourism.