Cochem Chairlift

     This chairlift was the original reason for me wanting to go and explore this area.  It was a 2 for one special,in my opinion, to ride the chairlift with my kiddos to the top of a mountain AND eat lunch.  During lunch we were able to look out and see Cochem castle across the way.  After lunch we then went to the castle.  It was a great day trip and we stuffed so much sight seeing into it!

 Across the river and opposite of Cochem castle you can get a fantastic view of Cochem via a chairlift.  
We went on the chairlift before visiting the castle.  
The lift was super easy to access.  We typed in the address: Enderstrasse 44, Cochem into our GPS and went straight to the lift parking lot.  You must pay for parking, but it was 2 euro for us and we used the lift for about 2 hours. 

To enter the parking lot you push a button for a parking ticket and a bar gate lifts and allows you into the lot.  When you exit the lot, you insert your ticket, pay the amount displayed on the screen, and then the bar gate lifts and you can exit-ALL of this is super simple.

The lift is exactly like a ski lift.   We went in the summer time and it was super-hot, and the shade at the top of the mountain was a blessing!  The lift process is extremely easy.  You go up to the lift window and request your tickets (we had 2 adults and 2 children).  Tickets for the chairlift are 4 euro one way or 5,50 euro round trip and operates between the first weekend of April and mid-November from 9:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. 

Once you purchase your tickets, you go to the front of the lift at the bottom of the mountain and give your tickets to an attendant.  He takes the tickets and punches a hole in them and then hands them back to you so that you have them for the return trip down the mountain.  Then he steadies one of the chairs for you and you just hop right on.

Cochem castle is in the distance.

BE CAREFUL, because the lap bar that comes down does NOT lock!  It has a little foot hook on it to hold the lap bar down with your feet.  However, if you just let your feet dangle and do not continue to hold the lap bar down with your hands, that puppy will come flying up and then you have nothing to guard you or your kiddo from falling out the front.  But, if you air on the side of caution and know this prior to getting on the chair lift you will be fine.   
 
You will also be in for a view like no other!  It’s gorgeous!  At the top of the chairlift you hop right out at the top of the mountain.  

   







 There is a restaurant up a path at the mountain peak (you’ll see signs and arrows to the restaurant).

We didn’t even know there was a restaurant at the top, but it was getting close to lunch and we followed the signs to the restaurant and thought “why not?”

View from the restaurant.

It had a great view of Cochem castle and had indoor and outside seating.  The food was fine, nothing spectacular and a little pricy, but we were getting hungry and didn’t know of any other quick alternative for lunch. 

After lunch we went down the path back to the chairlift to hop on and get a ride back down to the bottom of the mountain.  This was a great way to see Cochem and get an idea of the route to the castle itself.  We just handed our round trip chairlift ticket to the attendant, jumped into a seat, held on for dear life, and enjoyed the ride.  It takes about 10 minute each way to get to the top and bottom of the mountain via the chairlift.  It really is a good experience and the kids had a great time!