Bernkastel-Kues (Germany Rhineland-Palatinate)

Bernkastel-Kues is a Moselle River cruise port and town in Germany's Rhineland-Palatinate state (Bernkastel-Wittlich district) with population around 7,000. This is also a famous winegrowing center on Middle Moselle, as well as a state-recognized health resort, seat of Verbandsgemeinde, the birthplace of one of the most renowned German mediaeval philosophers Nikolaus von Kues (Nicolaus Cusanus/1401-1464).

Bernkastel-Kues is divided into the 4 Stadtteile of Bernkastel, Andel, Wehlen and Kues. All together, around 7,800 people live in the four centres, of whom 3.5% are foreigners. The total area of Bernkastel-Kues is 23.66 km2 (9.14 ml2).

Worth seeing in Bernkastel-Kues is the medieval marketplace featuring gabled timber-framed houses that date back from the 17th century, the foremost among which is the narrow “Pointed House” (Spitzhäuschen) from 1416. Around Saint Michael’s Fountain (Saint Michaelsbrunnen) from 1606 lies a row of well-preserved buildings and the 1608 Renaissance Town Hall. The Graach Gate is another attraction often visited by tourists. Also worth seeing is the sole still standing town gate, “Graach Gate” (Graacher Tor).

The town has several squares: beyond the medieval marketplace are “Square at the Bear’s Fountain” (Platz am Bärenbrunnen) and “Karlovy Vary Square” (Karlsbader Platz, opened in July 2005 and named after the partner town, called Karlsbad in German). The “Doctor Fountain” (Doctorbrunnen) depicts scenes of the legend about local wine, the renowned "Bernkasteler Doctor". Another famous point of interest is the Cusanusstift (Late Gothic St. Nikolaus-Hospital), Electoral complex of Nikolaus von Kues. Near the centre of Wehlen lies former Machern Monastery. In its rooms are found a winery, house brewery and restaurant.