The German Corner (Deutsche Eck) in Koblenz is an absolute must-see when visiting Koblenz. Here you can ask your companions: ‘German Corner, which rivers meet here?’ They are the two great German rivers, the “father” Rhine and the ‘mother’ Moselle. The imposing Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial towers majestically over the water. The emperor is depicted on horseback as an equestrian monument. The monumental presence of the 37-metre-high Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial is impressive even at first glance. Of this, 14 metres are accounted for by the equestrian statue, with the rest being the pedestal. The German Corner is one of the top sights in Koblenz and in the whole of Germany. More than 2 million people visit the German Corner in Koblenz every year. Since 2002, it has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site ‘Upper Middle Rhine Valley’. You can also climb the steps to the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial. From there, you have an impressive view of the Rhine and Moselle rivers.
History: Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial at the German Corner
As early as 1216, the Teutonic Order settled at the confluence of the Moselle and Rhine rivers. This is where the name German Corner comes from. Koblenz also got its name from the two rivers. The settlement was called ‘Castellum apud Confluentes’, Latin for ‘the castle at the confluence’. It is easy to see the origins of Koblenz.
Emperor Wilhelm I fought three wars and achieved the unification of Germany. More than 1,000 monuments were erected in his honour. In 1891, Emperor Wilhelm II had the emergency harbour at the mouth of the Moselle filled in and created the German Corner in Koblenz as it is today. He chose the site for the new, monumental Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial. Over 2,000 tonnes of granite and bronze were used in its construction. It was inaugurated in 1897.
The Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial was severely damaged during World War II and was rebuilt and restored in the 1990s. Standing in front of it today, you can experience striking evidence of German history. The square and the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial are rightly among Germany’s top sights.
Special tips: Start a boat tour and experience the Rhine in Flames
The Deutsches Eck and Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial are visited by many people. If you can arrange it, a visit early in the morning or in the evening is recommended. This way, you can avoid the crowds. The Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial is particularly impressive at sunset. When you stand at the corner, the colours are reflected in the water. A magical moment!
Not far from the Deutsches Eck, boats depart for trips on the Rhine. From the water, you have a special view of the monument. You can also see numerous castles along the Rhine.
The spacious square in front of the German Corner is also the venue for numerous festivals and events. Find out more when you are there. The ‘Rhine in Flames’ is particularly impressive. On five dates between May and September, magnificent fireworks displays take place along the Rhine. The fireworks in Koblenz are launched from the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress. From here, you have a fantastic view.
Surroundings: Take a walk along the Rhine or see the Deutsches Eck from above
The area around the Deutsches Eck has a lot to offer and is just waiting to be explored. You can stroll along the Rhine or Moselle rivers and find loads of cafés, stalls, and restaurants. If you walk along the Rhine promenade, you’ll pass the boat landing stages. There’s a lot to see there. On the right-hand side, you’ll see the impressive St. Kastor Basilica.
This is also where you will find the Koblenz cable car (Seilbahn), which you can take to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress. We definitely recommend this. Even on the way up, you will have an impressive view of the German Corner. Ehrenbreitstein Fortress itself is worth a visit. From the viewing platform, you will have a perfect bird’s eye view of the German Corner in Koblenz with the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial.
If you decide to continue your walk along the Rhine, you will pass the imposing Prussian government building. A little further on, you will reach the Electoral Palace of Koblenz. The walk is well worth it. In front of the palace, you can admire beautiful, colourful flower beds. There are plenty of places to stop for refreshments.
