Koblenz

Koblenz, a city in western Germany with a 2,000-year history, sits at the meeting point of the Rhine and Moselle rivers. You can climb the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress for panoramic views, walk along the riverside promenades, or explore the narrow lanes of the Old Town. Koblenz serves as a gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage Upper Middle Rhine Valley, known for its medieval castles and hillside vineyards.

Exploring the Rivers and Deutsches Eck

The Deutsches Eck (German Corner) marks where the Rhine and Moselle rivers meet. Here, you'll see a large equestrian statue of Kaiser Wilhelm I, commemorating German unification in 1871. Walk along the riverside promenades to watch boats pass by and admire the surrounding hills. From Koblenz, you can take river cruises through the Rhine Gorge, where castles perch on steep cliffs above terraced vineyards.

Riding the Cable Car to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress

For sweeping views over Koblenz and the rivers, take the cable car across the Rhine to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress. This hilltop fortification, built between 1817 and 1828, stands 118 meters above the river. Inside, you'll find museums covering regional history and archaeology. The 890-meter cable car journey itself gives you a unique perspective as you glide over the Rhine.

Discovering Koblenz's Historic Churches

Koblenz has several churches from different architectural periods. The Romanesque Basilica of St. Castor, partly dating to 836 AD, is the oldest church in the city. Its four towers make it easy to spot from afar. In the Gothic Church of Our Lady, built in the 12th century, you can see colorful stained glass windows. The Jesuit Church exemplifies Baroque architecture with its elaborate stucco decorations and frescoes.

Wandering the Old Town

In Koblenz's Altstadt (Old Town), you'll walk through narrow lanes lined with buildings from various historical periods. Rest at squares like the Münzplatz and Jesuitenplatz, where you can sit at outdoor cafes. On Willi-Hörter-Platz, look for the Schängelbrunnen fountain, depicting a boy who occasionally spits water at passersby. Visit the 17th-century Old Merchant's Hall on Florinsmarkt square, now a wine tavern where you can taste local wines.

Experiencing Wine Culture

The Koblenz region produces wines, particularly Riesling. You can sample these at restaurants and wine bars throughout the city. Along the Rhine promenade, visit the Weindorf (Wine Village), a collection of half-timbered buildings housing wine taverns. Here, you'll taste wines from different local vineyards and learn about the region's winemaking traditions.

Getting Around Koblenz

You can explore most of Koblenz's Old Town on foot. For longer distances, use the city's bus network with routes covering major sites. Renting a bicycle allows you to ride along riverside paths and reach nearby villages. Koblenz Hauptbahnhof, the main train station, has regular connections to Frankfurt and Cologne, as well as smaller towns in the Rhine Valley.

Day Trips from Koblenz

From Koblenz, you can easily visit nearby sites. Burg Eltz, a medieval castle preserved in its original state, sits in a forested valley about 40 kilometers from the city. Closer to Koblenz, you'll find Schloss Stolzenfels, a 19th-century castle where you can tour furnished interiors. Travel 50 kilometers to reach Cochem, a town on the Moselle River with half-timbered houses and a hilltop imperial castle offering guided tours.