Koblenz Cable Car: Floating over the Rhine
The most beautiful route to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress
The Koblenz cable car was built in 2011 for the Federal Horticultural Show (BUGA). Since then, it has become an integral part of the cityscape. Every hour, this remarkable means of transport carries up to 7,600 people across the Rhine to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress. Spectacular views of Koblenz and the Upper Middle Rhine Valley are included.
The starting point is the valley station on Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer near the Deutsches Eck (German Corner). The Koblenz gondola ride takes you up to 112 metres at a speed of around 16 km/h. A ride on gondola 17 is particularly impressive, as it has a glass floor and offers an unobstructed view downwards. An evening ride is also great, for example during the popular summer event ‘Rhine in Flames’. Every year on the second weekend in August, hundreds of thousands of visitors marvel at the large fireworks display at the Deutsches Eck. Many also experience the spectacle from one of the numerous ships.
Extra tip: The cable car does not run in winter. The season usually starts on 1 March.
High up to the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress in Koblenz
UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site in Kellerwald-Edersee National Park
As the second largest fortress in Europe, Ehrenbreitstein Fortress is certainly the most famous of Koblenz’s sights. Built at the beginning of the 19th century, it was intended to protect the entire Middle Rhine Valley. After decades of neglect, the extensive complex was given a new lease of life for the BUGA 2011. Large parts of Koblenz Castle were renovated and numerous highlights were created.
In addition to the diverse exhibitions in the four buildings and in the national museum (Landesmuseum) Koblenz, four historic prison cells can also be visited. The fortress park has also been redesigned. From sports equipment to benches and a reading lounge, there is something for every visitor here. The viewing platform above the Rhine in the fortress park offers a unique view. When the viewing terrace is full, you can enjoy the view from here over Koblenz to the Eifel and Hunsrück. As there is no catering here, the platform usually remains one of the quieter viewing points in Koblenz. This is precisely why you can marvel at the sunset here in a special atmosphere.
Numerous events attract visitors to the fortress throughout the year. In addition to the popular historical plays in spring and a jugglers’ festival in summer, there are regular theatre performances and classical, rock and pop concerts. If you are visiting Koblenz with children, you should also plan to visit the fortress: the historic building with its mysterious tunnels and moats can be wonderfully explored with the popular crime mystery tour.
Experience Koblenz: German Corner
Tourist attraction & event location with history
If you’re looking for insider tips in Koblenz, the German Corner (Deutsches Eck) isn’t quite the right place. Since its redesign for the BUGA, the Deutsches Eck has become one of the city’s most popular and well-known sights. But the question arises: Deutsches Eck – which rivers converge here again? The clear answer: the Rhine and Moselle. The best place to observe the confluence of the two rivers is from the Kaiser Wilhelm Monument. The 37-metre-high equestrian statue is located at the tip of the headland. It can be climbed via the entrance at the base at the rear.
In the green spaces around the Deutsches Eck in Koblenz, you can relax and go for a walk, cycle or have a picnic. You can also take a trip on one of the many excursion boats that depart from here. There is a great water playground for families with children. The absolute highlight of the year is the ‘Rhine in Flames’ event with the Koblenz Summer Festival. After several fireworks have been set off on Europe’s largest ship parade, the grand finale fireworks display follows in Koblenz. There is also live music on several stages at the summer festival at the German Corner.
Fun fact: Originally, the Deutsches Eck was located behind the Kaiser monument at the Deutschherrenhaus and Blumenhof. The city expanded the harbour with a spit of land specifically for the construction of the monument. Today, it forms the famous Deutsches Eck.
The historic Basilica of Saint Castor
Experience Romanesque architecture on the Middle Rhine
Not far from the Deutsches Eck is the Basilica of St. Castor, one of Koblenz’s most famous sights. You can discover it on a walking tour. As the oldest church in the city, this Romanesque sacred building impresses visitors not only with its location but also with its impressive architecture. No wonder: from the early to the high Middle Ages, St. Castor’s was considered the religious and cultural centre of the city.
In front of the basilica is the Kastorbrunnen fountain, which is also worth seeing. On this classicist structure, you will find two remarkable historical messages. Even before the end of Napoleon’s Russian campaign, a French prefect carved an optimistic message into the stone. It was addressed to the French ruler.
However, following France’s defeat, the French were forced to leave Koblenz. The new Russian commander commented on this with a mocking message: ‘Seen and approved by us, the Russian commander of the city of Koblenz’ – also in French. A genuine piece of Koblenz history!
Koblenz Electoral Palace with its magnificent palace gardens
Former Prussian residence on the BUGA grounds
When asked, ‘What is there to do in Koblenz?’, a visit to Koblenz Castle is certainly one of the most common answers. The Electoral Palace (Kurfürstliche Schloss) is considered one of the most impressive early classical French castles in south-western Germany. In the 19th century, it served as the official residence of Wilhelm I in his role as Prussian military governor. After being completely destroyed towards the end of the Second World War, the building was rebuilt in the following years. Just in time for the BUGA, the palace was extensively renovated and the Koblenz Palace Park was redesigned to shine in new splendour.
Today, the castle is only used as an event venue and cannot be visited inside. Nevertheless, the majestic building and the Koblenz Castle Gardens regularly attract numerous visitors.
Sunset on the Balduin Bridge
Historic Roman bridge with Baldwin monument
Since its construction in the 14th century, the Balduin Bridge has seen a lot. The Roman bridge in Koblenz connects the old town with the district of Lützel. It is also considered one of the oldest medieval stone arch bridges in Northern Europe. There is no older bridge in Koblenz itself.
Over the centuries, the Moselle Bridge in Koblenz underwent several renovations. After being blown up by the Wehrmacht shortly before the end of the war, the Balduin Bridge was rebuilt. In the 1960s, six arches were demolished and the bridge was significantly widened as part of the Moselle Canal renovation.
The Balduin statue, erected in 1975, is well worth seeing and popular with tourists. A great photo opportunity!
Koblenz Old Town Tour: Old Castle
Historic moated castle on the Moselle
Hardly any other building shapes the cityscape of Koblenz on the banks of the Moselle as much as Koblenz Castle. The former electoral moated castle was built in the 13th century, at that time still surrounded by a ring wall and a wide moat. For a long time, the building was considered a symbol of the independence aspirations of the citizens of Koblenz. At that time, the castle was used as a stronghold against the city.
Today, only the old castle house remains. As it currently houses the Koblenz city archives, the castle can unfortunately only be viewed from the outside. Its picturesque location in the old town, directly on the banks of the Moselle and close to the Balduin Bridge, makes it a popular photo motif. Visitors in particular like to capture it with their cameras.
In the heart of the old town: Jesuitenplatz square and Schängelbrunnen fountain
Walk from Willi-Hörter-Platz to Jesuitenplatz
In front of the Old Town Hall stands a landmark of which the people of Koblenz are particularly proud: the Schängelbrunnen fountain on Willi-Hörter-Platz in Koblenz. Completed in 1941, the fountain with its striking bronze figure was spared destruction during the Second World War. The figure of the Schängel depicts a small, lively-looking boy. Caution: anyone who ventures too close to the fountain in the town hall courtyard will quickly be ‘spat on’ by the Schängel. The mischievous boy is a popular target for both locals and visitors alike.
Not far away is another of Koblenz’s attractions in the immediate vicinity. On Koblenz’s Jesuit square (Jesuitenplatz) , you can discover the famous glockenspiel alongside several Baroque buildings and inviting restaurants.
To the left of Koblenz City Church, there are six bells on the façade of the Johannishaus. These were given to the city as a gift for its 2,000th anniversary and ring twice a day with different songs depending on the season. A wonderful experience!
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More InformationKoblenz Old department store on Florinsmarkt
Formerly a shopping and dance hall, now a city brewery
If you are looking for sights in Koblenz’s old town, the Old Trading and Dance House (Alte Kauf- und Danzhaus) from 1419 is a good place to visit. With its magnificent façade, this impressive building is a real eye-catcher on the centrally located Florinsmarkt. The Old Department Store was conveniently located near the Moselle River. For this reason, it was mainly used by merchants who brought their goods to Koblenz by ship. In addition, lavish parties were regularly held on the first floor. In the 17th and 18th centuries, the building was finally used as a town hall. Since 2002, the Old Department Store has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Upper Middle Rhine Valley.
Today, after a tour of the city, you can relax at the Maximilians Altes Kaufhaus city brewery. There you can also marvel at the curious ‘eye roller’ of Koblenz. Under the tower clock of the building is a face whose eyes move in time with the pendulum.
Josef Görres Square with historical column
A lively place steeped in the city's history
Görres square (Görresplatz) in Koblenz has seen a lot since Roman times. After the Kastorstift and the Jesuit Order, it was mainly used for historical purposes for several centuries. During the Second World War, the buildings on the square were almost completely destroyed. So it’s no surprise that today you’ll find mostly newer buildings here. There’s always something going on around the square in the heart of the city. Numerous shops invite you to browse, while cafés and restaurants invite you to linger.
You will find something very special at the fountain in the middle of the square: the Koblenz History Column. This extraordinary work of art is well worth a closer look. The column depicts ten scenes from the city’s 2,000-year history – from Roman times to the Second World War and beyond into the future.
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