Last updated on at 07:48 am
Here’s a look at Koblenz, a city in the western Rhineland-Palatinate state in Germany.
Location
Koblenz is located right at the junction of the Rhine and Mosel rivers. That is why it’s called Koblenz or Coblenz, a name that originates from the Latin word Confluentes, which means “at the confluence” or at the meeting or gathering (of these rivers). Its location then makes it a perfect base when exploring the towns in either the Rhine area or the Mosel area.
There are three airports nearest to Koblenz:
- Frankfurt Airport, the major international airport located in the city of Frankfurt;
- Frankfurt-Hahn, the international airport that caters to budget airlines like Ryanair; and
- Cologne Bonn Airport serves both major airlines and budget ones like easyJet.
About Koblenz
Koblenz is larger than the other towns in the Rhine. It is the third-largest in the Rhineland-Palatinate state in terms of population. It makes up the northern end of the Rhine Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage site that stretches across the Rhine area between Koblenz and the town of Bingen.
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Why is Koblenz famous?
Koblenz is famous for its strategic location at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers, its well-preserved historic architecture, including the iconic Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, and hosting events like the biennial Rhine in Flames fireworks display.
Is Koblenz worth a visit?
Yes, Koblenz is worth a visit for its picturesque riverside setting, rich history, charming old town, and numerous cultural attractions. Visitors can explore historic landmarks, enjoy scenic river cruises, and experience the vibrant atmosphere of this beautiful German city.
How do you get around in Koblenz?
In Koblenz, you can explore on foot to navigate the compact city center easily. Public transportation options like buses and trains also provide convenient access to surrounding areas and attractions. Biking is also popular, with designated paths along the riverside offering a scenic way to get around.
Does Koblenz have a cable car?
Yes, Koblenz has a cable car called the “Koblenz Cable Car” or “Seilbahn Koblenz.” It offers panoramic views of the Rhine River, Koblenz, and the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress. The ride takes approximately 15 minutes one way and costs around €15.00, with discounts available for children and groups. It’s advisable to check the latest pricing and schedules before planning your visit.
Sights to See
Though we didn’t get to see any of these during our short visit to Koblenz, I’ll still briefly touch on them, so you’ll know your sightseeing options.
So here are the more famous sights to see when in Koblenz.
- Deutsches Eck, which means “German Corner”. It is the area where the Rhine River meets the Mosel River. It’s like a park where an elevated statue of William I, the first German Emperor, on horseback can be found. You can climb it and get a view of both sides of the rivers. Nearby you’ll find the sightseeing train that can take you sightseeing across town.
- Festung Ehrenbreitstein is a fortress where you can get some great views of Koblenz and the rivers.
- Herz Jesu Kirche, or the Sacred Heart Church, is a UNESCO World Heritage Neo-Romanesque structure considered one of Germany’s most important churches.
- Militär Museum. This Army Museum is excellent for those interested in military history, weapons, and equipment.
Visiting Koblenz
We visited Koblenz as a day trip excursion during our weeklong exploration of the Rhine Gorge some springs ago. We were staying at Rüdesheim am Rhein at that time, which town we chose as our base.
We took the hour-long train ride from Rüdesheim am Rhein and found ourselves deposited near the city center. We wanted to see the old town and since that wasn’t far from the train station, we opted to walk there instead. These are the sights that greeted us along the way.
It was a beautiful spring day, the kind that was perfect for walking and sightseeing. Not many were out and about, probably because it was a weekday.
Koblenz’s city center looked like any other city, though. There was a mall (that we went into later to buy some things), many restaurants, and stores and shops all around.
There were more people when we reached the old town. Many were in restaurants (inside and outside) and some were doing sightseeing as we did.
The streets get narrower when you’re nearing the old town.
And they start being cobbled.
The buildings start to exhibit some character, too, like this building on the left with a boutique on the ground floor.
Old Town
And then we made it to the old town.
There’s a square with restaurants and shops lining it.
And churches, too. Some with fancy facades like this.
It’s a typical German old town: with character and lovely.
We binged on some German cuisines in one of the restaurants in a smaller backstreet while there and we enjoyed it a lot.
Before heading back to Rüdesheim, we stopped by a mall to shop for stuff we couldn’t find in the small town of Rüdesheim. Bigger cities are quite handy when it comes to this, heh.
So that was our time in Koblenz. It was short, but it was nice to see this city we’ve heard much about.
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Activities in Koblenz
For the best Koblenz experience, you may book these guided tours well ahead of your trip.
Hotels in Koblenz
For a place to stay in Koblenz, look through this site to snag the best deals.
Booking.comWrap Up
We hope you have a lovely time in Koblenz. Happy travels!
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Looks like the kind of town I love to explore. Your pictures are fantastic.
Yes, it was nice. Thank you! 🙂
I was shopping in Koblenz once when the river was too high for our cruise boat to pass under bridges. So for several days, we docked either on Rhine or Mosel, I went waking with a friend and we came upon a small but terrific shoe store. She bought boots and I bought a comfortable black low heeled dress shoe for dinners on our river cruise. I still wear those lovely shoes.
I remember the street next to it was narrow and had lovely little shops, going up hill.
That afternoon was so much fun for us. It must have been Old Town. I would love to go there again.
What a lovely experience! And you got yourself a pair of nice shoes to remember the trip by! 🙂
Yes, it must have been the Old Town since it did have these nice little shops and restaurants.
I have fond memories of Koblenz too and wish to go back as well.
Thank you for sharing your story; it made me reminisce about our time in Koblenz which is always a happy thought.