Trier

Roman ruins and wine, 2000 years in the making.

Ancient Roman ruins dot this German city, including the Porta Nigra gate. Surrounded by vineyards, it's a prime spot for wine tasting and exploring 2,000-year-old history.

4.2
out of 5

Trier, Germany's oldest city, sits along the Moselle River near the Luxembourg border. Founded by the Romans in 16 BC, Trier has ancient structures like the Porta Nigra gate and Constantine's throne room. You can explore a 13th-century Gothic church, shop in an active market square, and taste wines from the surrounding Moselle region.

Ancient Roman Structures

Trier has several well-maintained Roman ruins north of the Alps. The Porta Nigra, a massive 2nd-century city gate made of dark sandstone, marks the entrance to the old town. You can climb to the top for views of the city. The Aula Palatina, or Basilica of Constantine, is an enormous brick hall that once served as the emperor's throne room. The single-room structure is large enough to fit a 10-story building inside. At the Imperial Baths complex, you can explore extensive underground passages.

Medieval Trier

The High Cathedral of Saint Peter is Germany's oldest church, with parts dating to the 4th century. Next door, the Church of Our Lady (Liebfrauenkirche) is an early example of High Gothic architecture in Germany. Both are part of Trier's UNESCO World Heritage designation. As you walk the narrow streets of the old town, you'll see timber-framed houses and Renaissance-era buildings around the Main Market square.

Museums

At the Rheinisches Landesmuseum, you can view an extensive collection of Roman artifacts found in the region. The museum displays intricate mosaics, sculptures, and the largest hoard of Roman gold coins ever discovered. For a different perspective on history, visit the Karl Marx House museum. The political philosopher was born in Trier in 1818, and his birthplace now contains exhibits on his life and ideas.

Wine and Food

Trier is located in the heart of the Moselle wine region, known for its crisp white wines. Many local restaurants offer wine tastings paired with regional specialties. You can try Riesling with traditional dishes like Saumagen (stuffed pig stomach) or Döppekooche (a potato casserole). The Hauptmarkt (main market square) hosts a weekly farmers market where you can sample local produce and specialties.

Getting There and Around

You can reach Trier by train, with direct connections to major cities like Frankfurt and Cologne. While the old town is walkable, there's also a bus network for longer distances. Renting a bike allows you to explore the riverside paths and nearby vineyards. If you're driving, note that much of the old town is pedestrianized.

Day Trips

The Moselle Valley has many wine towns and hilltop castles. In Cochem, about an hour north, you can visit a medieval castle overlooking the river. Bernkastel-Kues, known for its medieval market square and Riesling wines, is just 45 minutes away. Luxembourg City, with its gorge setting and mix of ancient and modern architecture, is less than an hour by train or car.

Average temperatures during the day in Trier.
November
7°
Dec
4°
Jan
3°
Feb
5°
Mar
9°
Apr
13°
May
18°
Jun
21°
Jul
23°
Aug
23°
Sep
19°
Oct
14°

What people say about Trier

4.2
People
4
Food
4
Spaces
4
Value
3
Safety
4

Places nearby Trier

Best places to visit in🇩🇪Germany

Articles about Germany

Image of Plan your trip to Germany - 11 places you must visit
Image of Plan your trip to Germany - 11 places you must visit

Plan your trip to Germany - 11 places you must visit

August 2023,
Germany has a tough, mysterious and magical atmosphere. In this article you find spots from the northern Lübeck to the fairy tale-castle Neuschwanstein in the south. From energetic city life to walks
Image of The 20 most bike-friendly cities in the world
Image of The 20 most bike-friendly cities in the world

The 20 most bike-friendly cities in the world

January 2023,
To find the best cities for cycling, we looked at the Copenhagenize Index, a comprehensive ranking of the world’s most bicycle-friendly cities based on ambition, culture, and city design. Below you wi
Image of Killing Eve filming locations
Image of Killing Eve filming locations

Killing Eve filming locations

May 2024,
The BBC thriller series Killing Eve has taken viewers to many places across Europe as it follows MI5 agent Eve Polastri and assassin Villanelle. The cat-and-mouse story unfolds in cities like London,
Image of The best lesser-known places to visit in Europe
Image of The best lesser-known places to visit in Europe

The best lesser-known places to visit in Europe

December 2023,
In the midst of European explorations, some cities remain less frequented by the throng of tourists yet hold an abundance of cultural wealth, natural beauty, and a compelling history. This guide aims
Image of All World Expo locations since 1851
Image of All World Expo locations since 1851

All World Expo locations since 1851

November 2024,
For more than a century and a half, global citizens have congregated at World Expos to celebrate human achievement, explore pressing issues of the day, and experience the cultural expressions of peopl
Popular on Humbo right now
Humbo™AboutVisitedBucket listSustainable travelPrivacyTerms