Sights of Koblenz

Basic information about Koblenz

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Koblenz is situated in the state Rhineland-Palatinate in the west of Germany. In Koblenz there live about 105,000 people.

The city is framed by the two rivers Rhine and Moselle which meet near the German Corner. The national garden show 2011 was held in Koblenz.

Electoral Palace

The Electoral Palace was finished in 1786. It has the style of the French Neoclassicism. It was built for the Elector Clemens Wenzeslaus who left Koblenz during the French revolution in 1792.

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From 1850 to 1857 the Palace was used by the Prussian military governor Prince Wilhelm, also known as Emperor Wilhelm I. His memorial is situated at the German Corner.

In 1944 the Electoral Palace was completely destroyed. It was rebuilt in 1951 in its original design.

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Stolzenfels castle

The Stolzenfels castle is enthroned high above the Rhine in southern Koblenz. It was built by the Archbishop of Trier, Arnold von Isenburg, and used for taxation. In 1689 the French destroyed the castle. After the defeat of Napoleon, the castle was owned by Prince Wilhelm. The Stolzenfels castle was rebuilt between 1836 and 1842.

Nowadays the beautifully enchanting castle buildings, in which you can experience the impressive residential culture of the 19th century, can be reached on foot by a serpentine path from the district of Stolzenfels.

State museum Koblenz

The state museum Koblenz is situated at the Ehrenbreitstein fortress. It has been opened over 50 years ago.

Since 2009 there is the permanent exhibition “Hidden treasures – archaeology on the central Rhine and Moselle”. You can make guides through the museum.

Deutsches Eck (German Corner)

The point where the Rhine and Moselle flow together is called “Deutsches Eck” (German Corner).

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The confluence of the Rhine and Moselle has played a significant role in forming the town’s name. It is derived from the Latin phrase “Castellum apud Confluentes” which means “the castle next to the confluence”. Over the years that phrase has formed to today’s name Koblenz.

At the German Corner there is a huge equestrian monument of Kaiser Wilhelm I on a pedestal.

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The monument with a total height of 37 meters, including 14-meter equestrian statue of Emperor Wilhelm I, is a tourist magnet and draws more than 2 million visitors annually.

In 2002 it became a UNESCO World Culture Heritage Site of the Upper Middle Rhine Valley.

German Corner is flanked by the flags of the German states, as well as the European flag and the flag of the United States of America, which is devoted to the victims of the 11th September 2001.

Festung Ehrenbreitstein

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From the ”Ehrenbreitstein” Fortress, which rises 118 meters above the Rhine river you have fantastic view over Koblenz and the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle at "Deutsches Eck" (German Corner).

“Ehrenbreitstein” Fortress is Europe’s second largest preserved fortress and it was built between 1817 and 1828 in its actual shape. However its origins are dated back to the first century AD.

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In 2011 the area of Ehrenbreitstein Fortress was part of a horticultural show. In this combination a viewing platform was built offering a spetacular view over Koblenz and the Neuwied hollow.

Cable car ride to the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress

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From the German Corner you can reach the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress by a cable car. With a length of almost 800 meters and a capacity up to 7,000 passengers per hour it is the largest of its kind in Europe outside the Alps. You can enjoy a spectacular view on the German Corner with the equestrian monument of Kaiser Wilhelm I and the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle.

The breathtaking cable car ride over the Rhine up to the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress is an absolute must for everyone visiting Koblenz.

Schängelbrunnen

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The Schängel fountain is located in the courtyard of the town hall and is surrounded by some lovely baroque buildings of the Jesuit monasteries.

The phrase Schängel due to the town’s 20 year affiliation to France (1794-1813). It describes German-French children who were born at this time and were often named with names like Jean (German: Johann). As time passed by the name turned to a colloquialism. Today the fountain is called Schängel fountain.
The bronze figure spits water several meters beyond the edge of the fountain out at irregular intervals – so you should take care walking too close to the fountain!

We hope you've enjoyed our brief overview about the considerable sights of Koblenz.

If you are interested in further Information about the wonderful UNESCO world heritage site - Upper Middle Rhine Valley - you might take a look on the following Video.