Culture

Places of interest

Market square - Bernkastel-Kues is very famous for its wines and the mediaeval market square. The square is surrounded by many well preserved half-timbered houses as well as the Renaissance city hall built in 1608. Especially well-known is the very small and narrow so-called "Spitzhäuschen" (the "Pointed House") which dates back to 1416. At the centre of the market square lies the fountain of Michael (archangel)|St. Michael (St. Michaelsbrunnen).
Bear fountain - In the vicinity of the market square the "Bärenbrunnen" (bear fountain) can be found. It was build on the site of the former "bear well".
The Doctor Fountain (Doctorbrunnen) depicts scenes of the ancient saga about a local wine, the famous "Bernkasteler Doctor".
The church of St. Michael was first mentioned in 1177, however the current building dates back to the end of the 14th century. Its tower is especially impressive and was once incorporated in the city defences. It thus looks more like an old keep than like a church spire.
The Graacher Gate (Graacher Tor) is the only remaining medieval town gate
Ruin of the Castle of Landshut - Towering above the city of Bernkastel on a hill is the "Burgruine Landshut" (ruin of the Castle of Landshut), built in 1277. Due to an accidental fire the building burnt down on January 8, 1692. It is a popular viewpoint and gives a beautiful view over the city and the vineyards of the Mosel valley.
The birthplace of Nicholas of Cusa is well preserved and lies in the town district of Kues.
Cusanusstift|St. Nikolaus Hospital houses a library with a famous collection of ancient books. It is also well-known for its chapel, where the heart of the great philosopher, cardinal and polymath Nicholas of Cusa is buried.

Events

Domicile of the "Moselfestwochen" (classic music festival)
Street fair (Straßenfest) in the town district of Kues
Wine festival of the middle Moselle river valley (Weinfest der Mittelmosel), an annual wine festival for the whole middle Mosel region on the first weekend of September, well-known for its display of fireworks and its festive procession
Medieval Christmas market (Weihnachtsmarkt) in December (annual) on the historic marketplace. Many local vendors sell everything from hot wine, called Glühwein, to handmade trinkets.
"Open wine cellar days" (Tage der offenen Weinkeller) in the town district of Kues where vintagers of Kues present and sell their wine in their own wine cellars.
"Open wine cellar days" in the town district of Kues where vintagers of Wehlen present their wine in their own wine cellar
International rowing regatta on the Moselle river (in September)
annual horse show on the Easter weekend

Famous people born in Bernkastel-Kues

St. Nicholas, which was founded by Nicholas of Cusa and granted a generous endowment by him. The buildings of the hospital were erected between 1451 and 1458. It is famous for its library, which holds more than 300 precious scripts dating from the 9th to 15th century.
Hermann Schroeder, composer (March 26, 1904 - October 7 1984)
Hans Jochen Boecker, theologian (b. March 28 1928)

Twin towns