Germany off the beaten track

Bjoern Rudek
The Weindorf (Wine Village) : An exceptional address for connoisseurs of good wine and regional specialities. © Bjoern Rudek

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Koblenz - Attractions - Start

Koblenz

Germany´s most beautiful "corner"

Koblenz’s abundance of cultural monuments and historical buildings, the cozy little lanes and river promenades make Koblenz a charming town where its guests feel right at home. Start by exploring the narrow alleys and vibrant plazas of the Altstadt (Old Town), situated in the corner of town bordered by the Mosel to the north and Rhine to the east. Stroll across the Balduinbrücke (Balduin Bridge), first built across the Moselle starting in 1342. The view back to the Old Town offers a unique view with the turrets of the Old Castle and the two pointed steeples of the Florinskirche (St. Florin's Church). 

Two rivers play a major role in the German mythos: the Rhine symbolizes strength and pride, while the Moselle is more nurturing. Just a short stroll upstream along the Rhine promenade, sculpted figures of Vater Rhein und Mutter Mosel (Father Rhine and Mother Moselle) lie caressing and affectionate on a bed of grapes. Behind them in stately counterpoint stands the sprawling neo-classical Kurfürstliches Schloss (Elector's Palace), built in the late 1700s.

Make your way to the Deutsches Eck – or German Corner – with its monument of Emperor William I on horseback, where the rivers Rhine and Moselle meet. Standing at the tip of the Corner, you can watch the sparkling waters of the Moselle swirl into the powerful Rhine. Across the Rhine stands the mighty Festung Ehrenbreitstein (Ehrenbreitstein Fortress), looming 388 feet above the river and reminding visitors of Koblenz’s symbolic strength and historic significance. Take the new cable car across the Rhine and experience the unusual fortification complex.

Built on the occasion of the Deutsche Weinausstellung (German Wine Exhibition) in 1925, the Weindorf (Wine Village) complex includes a genuine vineyard and half-timbered houses from some of the most famous German wine-growing areas. Sit inside for a relaxing view out onto the river, or enjoy the romantic ambiance of sharing a glass of wine on the outdoor trellised courtyard.



Koblenz Attractions - Ehrenbreitstein

Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, Koblenz

Neo-Classical architecture, built by the Prussians between 1817 and 1828.

The present fortifications, much esteemed for their pure neo-Classical architecture, were built by the Prussians between 1817 and 1828. The interior of the "Festung Ehrenbreitstein" (Ehrenbreitstein Fortress) houses a memorial to the German army, a youth hostel and the "Landesmuseum" (Koblenz State Museum). The fortress can be reached by car, on foot or by cable car.

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Koblenz Attractions - Elector´s Palace

Elector´s Palace, Koblenz

This pure neo-classical building (1777-86), the last royal residence erected on the Middle Rhine before the French Revolution, was built by the Elector Clemens Wenzeslaus. From 1849 to 1857 it was the headquarter of the Prussian military governor, Prince Wilhelm, later the German Emperor, and the summer residence of his wife Augusta.

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Koblenz Attractions - German Corner

German Corner

Owes its name to the Teutonic Order of Knights, who founded a settlement here in 1216.

The "Deutsches Eck" (German Corner), at the confluence of Rhine and Moselle, owes its name to the Teutonic Order of Knights, who founded a settlement here in 1216. The equestrian statue of the Emperor Wilhelm I, erected in 1897, was destroyed in 1945. Between 1953 and 1990 it symbolised German Unity, and in September 1993 a replica of the monument was reconstructed and put on the pedestal.

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Koblenz Attractions - Balduinsbrücke

Balduin Bridge

Built from 1337 onwards by Archbishop and Elector Balduin (1285-1354). Once with 14 arches, now with 11, the bridge was built from 1337 onwards by Archbishop and Elector Balduin (1285-1354). A stone statue commemorates him. Parts of the "Balduinbrcke" (Balduin Bridge) are still on wooden piles. In 1864 the remains of a Roman pile bridge were discovered about 150 feet downstream.

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Koblenz Attractions - Deutscher Kaiser

German Emperor

The  early 16th century residential tower "Deutscher Kaiser" (German Emperor) with battlements is the only building in this part of the Old Town to survive the war and has Late Gothic arches with a notable Madonna keystone.

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Koblenz Attractions - Church of our Lady

Church of Our Beloved Lady

The Liebfrauenkirche (Church of Our Beloved Lady) is a romanesque galleried basilica, begun c. 1180, completed in mid-13th century. The Gothic chancel dates from 1404-30, the Baroque domed towers (renewed after the war) from 1693. The church was built on the site of a Roman hall and Frankish/Carolingian churches.

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Koblenz Attractions - Plan

Plan

Once a meat-market, place of execution and tournament arena, now a popular meeting-place on the edge of the Old Town.

The "Plan" (Plan Square), a popular meeting-place on the edge of the Old Town, was once a meat-market, place of execution and tournament arena. The City Hall stood here in the 19th century. The fountain, supplied by the city's oldest conduit, has been working since 1806.

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Koblenz Attractions - Pegelhaus

Gauge House

The "Pegelhaus" (Gauge House), one of the city's many landmarks, was built between 1609 and 1611. It originally housed a crane, later a water-level gauge. It is a popular restaurant and meeting spot as well as start of the Rhine gardens, ferry and local boat jetty. Across the river is the "Festung Ehrenbreitstein" (Ehrenbreitstein Fortress).

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Koblenz Attractions - St. Florin

St. Florin´s Church, Koblenz

Triple-naved Romanesque pillared basilica (12th century) with Gothic chancel (1350) on Roman tower. The original flat timber ceiling of the "Florinskirche" (St. Florin's Church) was renewed in 1708, and the squat towers were replaced in 1900 by pointed ones. Nearby is the city's oldest dwelling house.

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Koblenz Attractions - St. Kastor

St. Kastor Basilica, Koblenz

This Romanesque building of the "Basilika St. Kastor" (St. Kastor Basilica, consecrated in 836) was once the favorite church of the Carolingian emperors. The Verdun compact on the division of the first German Empire was prepared here in 843. The fountain reminds us of Napoleon's rise and fall; its inscription is one of history's curiosities.

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Koblenz Attractions - Stolzenfels

Stolzenfels Castle

A typical 13th century castle built to impose illegal "Rhine tolls" with drawbridge, gate-way, keep and chapel.

"Schloss Stolzenfels" (Stolzenfels Castle) is situated about 3 miles to the south of the city center on the Rhine and overlooks the suburb with the same name, Stolzenfels. The castle was rebuilt by the King of Prussia between 1836 and 1842 from plans drawn up by Schinkel, Stüler and Persius. Of the older exhibits the most interesting is the collection of armor and weapons.

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Koblenz Attractions - Wine Village

The Wine Village

An exceptional address for connoisseurs of good wine and regional specialities. The "Weindorf" (Wine Village) situated on the Rhine banks has for nearly 75 years been an exceptional address for connoisseurs of good wine and regional specialties.

The building complex which consists of a genuine vineyard and half-timbered houses from some of the most famous German wine-growing areas, was built on the occasion of the "Deutsche Weinausstellung" (German Wine Exhibition) in 1925.

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Map of Germany - Koblenz

Historic Cities - Koblenz - Top Tip Seilbahn

TopTip!

Koblenz Cable Car

Take the new aerial car from the German corner up to the Ehrenbreitstein fortress! At almost 850 metres in lenght, the aerial cable car is one of the largest of its kind in Europe outside the Alps. Passengers can enjoy a breathtaking bird´s eye view of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Upper Middle Rhine Vallye and the city of Koblenz.

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