Alken (Germany Rhineland-Palatinate)

Cruise Port schedule, live map, terminals, news

Region
Europe Rivers

Local Time
2026-09-14 18:35

67°F
19.2°C

Very Light
1.6 m/s

73 °F / 23 °C
58 °F / 15 °C

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Port Alken cruise ship schedule shows timetable calendars of all arrival and departure dates by month. The port's schedule lists all ships (in links) with cruises going to or leaving from Alken, Germany Rhineland-Palatinate. To see the full itineraries (ports of call dates and arrival / departure times) and their lowest rates – just follow the corresponding ship-link.

Day	Ship	Arrival	Departure
18 September, 2026 Friday	ms Mona Lisa	14:00	18:00

Alken is a Moselle River cruise port, town and municipality in Germany's Rhineland-Palatinate state (Mayen-Koblenz district) with population of around 1000. Alken features a number of old houses and remains of medieval walls.

Major sights of interest in the village include Laacher Yard, which is one of the oldest buildings (it dates back from 1093), the Fallertor (City Gate) from 1256, the military tower (also from 1256) and Malteserhaus, one of the village's oldest houses. From here travelers can also explore Ahr Valley, one of the most picturesque of Rhine's tributary valleys.

On a hill spur above the village stand Thurant Castle's ruins. The castle is situated within Mayen-Koblenz county in Rhineland-Palatinate state and belongs to spur castle type. Next to Thurant Castle which stands on the valley's steep shoulder, on the sunny side are spread vast vine gardens.

From the mid-13th-century, the archbishops of Trier and Cologne were joint owners of the castle's site and had their property managed by burgraves. Each half of the castle, as a result, had its own bergfried, domestic and living buildings, as well as a separate entrance.

From the beginning of the 16th century, this unique double castle slowly fell into disrepair and was turned into a complete ruin during destruction wrought by War of the Palatine Succession.

In 1911, Robert Allmers (1872–1951) from Varel, co-founder of Hansa Automobil company and Director of Bremen's Hansa Lloyd factories from 1914, purchased the site and had part of it rebuilt.

Today the castle is still in private hands but maybe visited from March until mid-November for a fee. It is a protected monument incorporated into the state monument list according to the Heritage Monument Conservation Act of Rhineland-Palatinate. The entire site was declared a protected zone. Thurant Castle is also a protected cultural object under the Hague Convention and displays blue and white protection signs.

At a Glance

Independent sightseeing: Easy for the riverside village; independent with planning and good mobility for Thurant Castle.

Alken is a compact Moselle wine village beneath Thurant Castle. River ships normally stop close to the village, so no transfer is usually needed. A short call is enough for the historic lanes and waterfront, while the castle requires a steep uphill walk.

Getting from the River Ship

Passenger vessels use a landing stage on Alken’s Moselle waterfront. The promenade, restaurants and historic center are within a few minutes’ walk. Exact docking positions can change, but the village is small and practical to explore on foot.

There is little reason to use public transport for Alken itself. A taxi may be useful for passengers who want to visit Thurant Castle without making the steep climb, although availability should be arranged in advance or through the ship.

Best Ways to Spend Your Time

Explore Historic Alken

Allow 45–90 minutes for the Moselle promenade and the village’s old lanes. Look for half-timbered wine houses, remnants of the medieval fortifications, the Fallertor gate, the former defensive tower beside the river and the parish church. This is the easiest independent option and is mostly level near the waterfront.

Climb to Thurant Castle

Allow approximately 2–3 hours for the uphill walk, castle visit and return. The route rises through the village and vineyards, with steep sections and limited shade. Sturdy footwear is advisable.

The privately owned double castle contains courtyards, towers, gardens and viewpoints over the Moselle. It is generally open seasonally rather than throughout the year, so confirm current access before starting. Passengers with limited mobility should consider a prearranged taxi and note that parts of the castle still involve uneven surfaces and steps.

Walk to Old St. Michael’s Church

The old church stands above the village and is reached by a picturesque but steep staircase marked by Stations of the Cross. Allow about 45–75 minutes from the waterfront for the climb, exterior views and return. Interior opening is limited and should not be assumed, but the elevated setting and views make the walk worthwhile.

Sample Moselle Wine

Alken has local wine estates and seasonal places serving regional Riesling. This works well as a relaxed addition to a village walk, but tasting availability varies. Use a venue close to the waterfront when the ship’s call is short.

Self-Guided Walking Tours

Easy Village and Waterfront Walk

Distance: Approximately 2 km (1.2 mi)
Pure walking time: 30–40 minutes
Recommended time: 1–1.5 hours
Difficulty: Easy, with mostly level streets and a few cobbled or uneven sections.

Start at the river landing stage and follow the Moselle promenade.
See the old riverside defensive tower.
Turn into the village lanes near Moselstraße.
Pass the parish church and traditional wine houses.
Continue to the medieval Fallertor gate and surviving wall sections.
Return through Oberstraße and the historic center to the waterfront.

The route remains close to the ship and can easily be shortened.

Moderate Castle and Old Church Walk

Distance: Approximately 4 km (2.5 mi) round trip
Pure walking time: 75–100 minutes
Recommended time: 2.5–3 hours with visits
Difficulty: Moderate to demanding because of sustained climbs, stairs and uneven vineyard paths.

Start at the landing stage and walk through Alken’s historic center.
Pass the Fallertor and follow signs toward Burg Thurant.
Climb through the vineyard landscape to Thurant Castle.
Visit the castle if it is open and enjoy the Moselle viewpoints.
Descend toward Old St. Michael’s Church, using only clearly marked paths.
Continue down the Stations of the Cross staircase into Alken.
Return to the landing stage along the waterfront.

Allow additional time after rain, when steep paths and stone steps may be slippery. If the ship’s stay is under three hours, choose either the castle or the old church rather than attempting the complete route.

Longer Excursions

Marked hiking trails continue into the hills around Alken, including the demanding Bleidenberger Ausblicke route. The full circuit is nearly 13 km (8.1 mi) and is unsuitable for most short port calls.

Seasonal sightseeing boats may operate from Alken to nearby Moselle villages or farther destinations. Their schedules rarely align reliably with a visiting ship, so use one only when the complete round trip has been confirmed and leaves a generous return margin.

Practical Tips

Wear shoes with good grip for the castle, vineyard paths and old church steps.
Carry water in warm weather; the exposed climb can be hot.
Check seasonal opening and last-entry times before walking to the castle.
Do not plan a distant independent excursion during a short Alken call.
Return to the waterfront at least 30 minutes before the ship’s stated all-aboard time, allowing more margin after a longer hike.