Introduction
Koblenz, one of Germany's oldest cities, sits majestically at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers in the scenic Upper Middle Rhine Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Founded by the Romans in 9 BCE, this 2,000-year-old city boasts a rich history evident in its well-preserved architecture, from the iconic Deutsches Eck (German Corner) with its imposing statue of Emperor William I to the formidable Ehrenbreitstein Fortress towering 120 metres above the Rhine. The city's charming old town features narrow alleyways and historic buildings, whilst the 18th-century Neustadt offers broader boulevards. Visitors can explore notable landmarks including the Electoral Palace, Stolzenfels Castle, St. Kastor Basilica, and the Liebfrauenkirche with its distinctive onion domes. Today, Koblenz serves as an economic centre and popular tourist destination, offering museums, riverside promenades, wine taverns, and cultural events that reflect its unique blend of French joie de vivre and German tradition.
Interesting Facts about Koblenz
- Koblenz is situated at the dramatic confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers, a spot famously known as the Deutsches Eck (German Corner).
- The city’s origins trace back to 8 BCE when it was established as a Roman military post named Castellum apud Confluentes.
- Koblenz is part of the UNESCO-listed Upper Middle Rhine Valley, celebrated for its stunning landscapes and historic landmarks.
- Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, one of Europe’s largest preserved fortresses, towers 118 metres above the Rhine and offers panoramic views.
- The iconic equestrian statue of Emperor William I at the Deutsches Eck was destroyed in WWII but rebuilt as a symbol of German reunification in 1993.
- Koblenz was ruled by the Archbishopric of Trier for over 700 years, leaving a legacy of ecclesiastical architecture like the Basilika St. Kastor.
- Its historic carnival tradition, dating to the 13th century, features vibrant parades and festivities rooted in medieval customs.
- The city’s name changed from Coblenz to Koblenz in 1926 to distance it from French spelling during post-WWI tensions.
- Stolzenfels Castle, a 19th-century Prussian reconstruction, epitomises Rhine Romanticism with its Gothic Revival architecture and riverside setting.
- Koblenz served as the capital of the Prussian Rhine Province and later as the provisional capital of Rhineland-Palatinate after WWII.
- Koblenz was the birthplace of Austrian statesman Klemens Wenzel von Metternich (1773-1859) and former French president Valéry Giscard d'Estaing (1926-2020).
History
The area was settled at least since the Neolithic period (about 11,000 years ago), and the hill at the confluence of the two rivers first fortified some 3,000 years ago.
The region was conquered by by Julius Caesar in 55 BCE. The first Roman fort was established in 9 BCE by Consul Nero Claudius Drusus (the younger brother of Emperor Tiberius). Castellum apud Confluentes ("fort at the confluence"), as the Romans called the place, was part of the province of Gallia Belgica, then, from 85 CE, to its subdivision of Germania Superior.
The Franks destroyed the Roman fort in 259, but the Romans reconstructed it and remained in Koblenz until the latter days of the Empire in the 5th century. Koblenz subsequently became part of the Frankish kingdom of the Merovingians, of which it was one of the numerous royal residences.
At the split of Charlemagne's Empire between his three grandsons in 843, Koblenz is inherited by the eldest, Lothair I. Upon his death in 855, his son Lothair II keeps hold of the region. But when the latter dies prematurely in 869, his uncle Louis the German, King of Eastern Francia (later the Holy Roman Empire), seizes the eastern part of his Lothair's kingdom. The city is pillaged and destroyed by the Vikings in 882.
In 1018, Koblenz is given by Emperor Henry II to the Archbishopric of Trier, thus attributing secular power to the archbishop. From the 17th century, Koblenz would become the official residence of the Prince-Elector of Trier (i.e. the archbishop), while Trier remained the religious seat of the state.
In 1216, Archbishop Theoderich von Wied invites the Knights of the Teutonic Order (also known as the German Order) in Koblenz and grant them some land of the St. Castor Church. The knights soon established their headquarters in the triangle formed by the Rhine and the Moselle. The spot thus became known as the German Order (Deutscher Ordt), then the "German Corner" (Deutsches Eck), as it is still called.
The citadel of Ehrenbreitstein (on the hill of the same name) is progressively fortified by the rulers to keep the burghers under control. A first municipal council is created in 1276, but abolished by Prince-Elector Diether von Nassau in 1304.
Prince-Elector Baldwin of Luxembourg lays the groundwork for the Baldwin Bridge (Balduinbrücke) over the Moselle, aimed to link the Old Town to Lützel. It would not be completed until 85 years later. It remained the only way to cross the Moselle in the area until the early 20th century. Nowadays, it is the oldest bridge in the city.
New walls are constructed around the city between 1249 and 1254. Around the same time (1248-1259), Archbishop Arnold II of Isenburg builds the Castle of Stolzenfels, next to the Castle of Lahneck belonging to the Archbishop of Mainz. Kudo and Werner von Falkenstein extend the castle between 1388 and 1418.
During the Thirty Years' War (1618-1648), Coblenz would be occupied by the Swedes (In 1632), then by the French (1634 to 1646). In 1688, in the heat of the War of Succession of Palatinate, Coblenz was bombarded and destroyed by the French under Marshal de Boufflers.
Between 1680 and 1819, a floating bridge, masterpiece of engineering of the time, assured the connection between both banks of the Rhine and Ehrenbreitenstein. The bridge was in fact composed of two large boats (up to 100 passengers) on each side of the river, linked by cables, as well as a road supported by 9 smaller boats.
In 1786, the Prince-Elector of Trier, Clement Wenceslaus of Saxony, takes up residence in a new castle on the shores of the Rhine. He would play an important role in the extension and improvement of the city, builing notably the city's first water canalisation, as well as a new theatre.
Coblenz turned into a major meeting point for the noble French émigrés (who had fled the new Republican and ant-aristocratic regime). This led the French Revolutionaries to take control of the city in 1794, but the citadel of Ehrenbreitstein managed to resist until 1799.
Coblenz is incorporated to the French Republic and becomes the capital of the Rhine-and-Moselle department. The citadel of the Prince-Electors is dismantled. In 1806, a law university is established in the neighbourhood where the great Austrian statesman, Prince Klemens Wenzel von Metternich was born. It is also during the French period that the term Schängel started to designate someone born in Coblenz, a word still used nowadays.
In March 1810, the French governor of Coblenz, Jules Doazan, errected a neoclassical well with an inscription in French celebrating the success of Napoleon's campaign of Russia. When the Russians arrived in the city on 31 December 1813, in a fit of ironic humour they added the line "Read and approved by us, the Russian commander of the City of Coblenz".
The city was granted to Prussia by the Congress of Vienna in 1815. King Frederic William III immediately rebuilt the city's fortifications and the citadel of Ehrenbreitstein, making of Coblenz one of the most fortified military stronghold in Europe. In 1822, Coblenz was made the capital of the Prussian Rhine province.
Frederic William IV of Prussia receives in present the ruins of Stolzenfels in 1823. Three years later, he commissions architect Jean-Claude de Lassaulx to rebuild the castle to use as his summer residence. The reconstruction was completed in 1842 in a blend of Neogothic and Romantic styles. An equestrian statue of German Emperor William I was inaugurated in 1897 by his grandson William II.
After World War I, France occupied the area once again, and stayed until 1929. The city name, until then spelt "Coblenz", was changed to "Koblenz" in 1926 to distinguish it from the French spelling (and probably also becomes "K" looked more German than the Latin "C"). As many other cities, it was badly damaged in WWII. Between 1947 and 1950, it served as capital of Rhineland-Palatinate.
Attractions
The historical centre of Koblenz is divided in two parts : the Altstadt (old town), with its small and narrow streets, and the 18th-century Neustadt (new city), organised along broad boulevards. The main shopping street is Löhrstrasse, between the old town and the train station.
The city's military and secular architecture comprises the fortress of Ehrenbreitstein (originally built around 1000, and rebuilt by the Prussians in the 19th century), the 13th-century Alte Burg ("old castle"), and the monumental 18th-century princely palace (Kurfürstliches Schloss). The castle of Stolzenfels is located 5km south of the city.
Koblenz's religious heritage mostly dates from the Romanesque period (11th to 13th century). The most noteworthy examples are the Basilika St. Kastor, the Florinskirche, and the Herz-Jesu-Kirche. The Liebfrauenkirche was originally built as a Romanesque church, but later incorporated various Gothic and Baroque elements.
The famous 14th-century Baldwin Bridge on the Moselle is the oldest bridge in the region. The Moselle meets the Rhine at the so-called German Corner (Deutsches Eck, at the foot of the citadel), where the former headquarters of the Teutonic Knights were located. An enormous statue of Kaiser Wilhelm I has been standing there since 1897. Note also the massive Neo-Romanesque Prussian Government Building (Preußisches Regierungsgebäude) along the Rhine.
The birthplace houses of the Prince of Metternich (Haus Metternich) and of Beethoven's mother (Mutter-Beethoven-Haus) are open to the public.
Top Museums
Mittelrhein Museum
A Treasury of Regional Art
The Mittelrhein Museum stands as one of Germany's oldest civic museums, offering a comprehensive collection of paintings and sculptures from the Middle Rhine region. Its extensive exhibits span from medieval painting to Baroque and 19th-century art, with a particular focus on Rhine Romanticism of the 19th century and 20th-century depictions of the Rhine. The museum's collection thoughtfully reflects the cultural-historical influences of the church, the electoral court, and the bourgeoisie throughout the centuries.
Housed in the Forum Confluentes, a modern cultural building in the heart of Koblenz, the museum provides an elegant setting for its treasures. Visitors can trace the artistic development of the region through carefully curated exhibitions that highlight the unique characteristics of Middle Rhine art. The collection includes works by renowned artists such as Johann Wilhelm Schirmer, August Lasinsky, and Barend Cornelis Koekkoek, whose paintings capture the picturesque landscapes and historical significance of the Rhine Valley.
Ludwig Museum
Contemporary Art in Historical Surroundings
The Ludwig Museum, housed in the historic Deutschherrenhaus (House of the Teutonic Order), creates a fascinating contrast between its contemporary art collection and its 13th-century architectural setting. Dedicated to modern and contemporary art, the museum places special emphasis on contemporary French art, creating a cultural bridge between Germany and France.
The museum's impressive collection primarily features German and French art after 1945, donated or loaned by the renowned collector couple Peter and Irene Ludwig. Visitors can explore works by significant artists such as Pablo Picasso, Jean Dubuffet, and Serge Poliakoff, among others. The adjacent "Blumenhof" (Flower Court) serves as an exhibition space for striking three-dimensional works and sculptures, allowing art to be experienced in an open-air setting. Regular temporary exhibitions complement the permanent collection, ensuring that there is always something new to discover for returning visitors.
Landesmuseum Koblenz
A Fortress of Knowledge
Perched atop the impressive Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, the Landesmuseum Koblenz offers not only spectacular views over the city but also a deep dive into regional history and culture. The museum complex offers exhibitions in four distinct halls, each focusing on different aspects: photography, archaeology, viticulture, and economic and cultural history.
The archaeological section, housed in the "House of Archaeology," presents fascinating traces of human life on the Middle Rhine and Moselle since prehistory. Artifacts dating back thousands of years tell the story of early settlements, Roman occupation, and medieval development in the region. The photography exhibition showcases both historical and contemporary images of the Rhine-Moselle area, documenting the changing landscape and cultural practices. Meanwhile, the viticulture section explores the region's long-standing tradition of winemaking, with exhibits on traditional methods and tools. The economic history section completes the picture by illustrating how trade, crafts, and industry shaped the development of Koblenz and its surroundings over the centuries.
DB Museum Koblenz
A Journey Through Railway History
Situated in a former freight car repair shop in the Lützel district, the DB Museum Koblenz offers a hands-on experience of Germany's fascinating railway history. The industrial atmosphere of the location adds authenticity to the exhibits, allowing visitors to step back in time to the golden age of rail travel.
The museum's impressive collection includes around 40 historic locomotives and 50 passenger and freight cars, ranging from early steam engines to modern electric trains. These meticulously preserved vehicles tell the story of technological advancement and social change through the evolution of rail transport. The experience is complemented by interactive attractions such as a train simulator, where visitors can try their hand at operating a locomotive. Technical enthusiasts will appreciate the detailed explanations of how different types of locomotives work, while history buffs can explore how railways transformed German society and economy since the 19th century.
Rhein-Museum Koblenz
The Living Heritage of the Rhine
This cultural-historical museum provides a comprehensive view of life on and around the Rhine, one of Europe's most significant waterways. Located in a historic building near the German Corner (Deutsches Eck), the museum covers multiple aspects of the river's influence, including shipping, ecology, hydrology, Rhine romanticism, tourism, economy, and history.
The Rhein-Museum's exhibits illustrate how the mighty river has shaped the lives of people along its banks for millennia. Visitors can explore models of traditional Rhine ships, learn about the challenges and techniques of navigation, and discover the rich ecosystem that the river supports. The museum also delves into the cultural significance of the Rhine, examining how it inspired poets, painters, and musicians during the Romantic period. Historical artifacts, interactive displays, and audiovisual presentations combine to offer visitors a unique opportunity to delve into the rich cultural landscape of the Rhine and understand its enduring importance to European identity.
Koblenzer Sektmuseum
Bubbles Through Time
Housed in the atmospheric vaults under the main building of the former Deinhard sparkling wine cellar, the Koblenzer Sektmuseum offers a journey into the past of wine and sparkling wine production. The museum's location in these historic cellars creates an immersive experience, allowing visitors to feel the authentic environment where sparkling wine was produced and stored.
Guided tours explain the individual work steps of viticulture, as well as wine and sparkling wine production, using original equipment from different periods. Visitors can see historic presses, fermentation tanks, riddling racks, and bottling machines that showcase the evolution of sparkling wine production techniques. The museum also tells the story of the Deinhard company, founded in 1794, which played a significant role in establishing Germany's reputation for quality sparkling wines. The cultural and social aspects of sparkling wine consumption are explored through exhibits of historic advertisements, glassware, and documentation of celebrations where "Sekt" played a central role.
Mother of Beethoven House
A Tribute to Musical Heritage
This intimate museum is located in the birthplace of Maria Magdalena Keverich, Ludwig van Beethoven's mother, in the Ehrenbreitstein district. Since 1975, it has offered exhibits that connect Koblenz to one of the world's greatest composers through his maternal lineage.
The museum presents three main themes: Ehrenbreitstein's history as an electoral residential town, the Keverich family history, and Beethoven's life and work. Through personal artifacts, documents, and period furnishings, visitors gain insight into the environment that shaped Beethoven's ancestors. The museum creates a touching portrait of Maria Magdalena, who was born in this house in 1746 and later became the mother of a musical genius. Musical instruments, scores, and audio stations allow visitors to connect with Beethoven's compositions while learning about his family background. The house itself, with its traditional architecture, provides a glimpse into 18th-century domestic life in the region.
Bundeswehr Museum of German Defense Technology
The Evolution of Military Engineering
One of the largest technical exhibitions in Germany, this museum focuses on military technology through the ages. Located at the Fortress Koblenz, the museum benefits from spacious indoor and outdoor exhibition areas that accommodate its extensive collection of military vehicles, aircraft, and equipment.
Visitors can explore the evolution of German military technology from the post-World War II period to the present day, with a particular focus on the equipment used by the Bundeswehr (German Armed Forces) since its foundation in 1955. The impressive collection includes tanks, artillery pieces, military aircraft, helicopters, and naval vessels. Beyond the hardware, the museum also addresses the strategic and political contexts of defense technology development. Interactive displays explain the principles behind various technologies, while historical contexts are provided to understand how military equipment reflected the changing security challenges of different eras.
Rheinisches Fastnachtsmuseum
Celebrating Carnival Culture
Dedicated to the history and traditions of the Rhineland's Carnival (Fastnacht), this vibrant museum offers a testament to the region's lively celebrations. Located in a historic building in the old town, the museum immerses visitors in the colorful world of Rhineland carnival traditions.
The museum's extensive collection includes elaborate costumes, intricate masks, historical documents, and artifacts that narrate the carnival heritage dating back centuries. Visitors can learn about the evolution of carnival celebrations from medieval times to the present, understanding how political, social, and religious factors influenced these festivities. The museum explains the significance of different carnival characters, the meaning behind traditional rituals, and the structure of carnival organizations. Audio stations play traditional carnival music and speeches, bringing the atmosphere of the "fifth season" to life. The museum particularly highlights Koblenz's unique carnival traditions and figures, showcasing how this city developed its distinctive celebration style within the broader Rhineland carnival culture.
Wehrtechnische Studiensammlung
Military Technology Through the Ages
This specialized collection offers an in-depth look at the development of defense technology from the early 19th century to the present day. With over 7,000 exhibits spread across 7,000 square meters, it ranks among the most significant military-technical museums in Europe.
The collection is organized chronologically and thematically, allowing visitors to trace the evolution of various types of military equipment. Exhibits range from historical firearms and artillery to radar systems, communication devices, and modern electronic warfare equipment. The museum places particular emphasis on explaining the scientific and engineering principles behind different technologies, making it educational for those interested in technical developments. While focusing primarily on German military technology, the collection also includes comparative examples from other nations, providing context for technological developments. Detailed models, cutaway displays, and technical diagrams help visitors understand complex systems, while historical information explains how these technologies were deployed in different conflicts.
Romanticum Koblenz
Experiencing Rhine Romanticism
Though not a traditional museum but rather an interactive experience center, the Romanticum deserves mention for its innovative approach to presenting the cultural phenomenon of Rhine Romanticism. Located in the Forum Confluentes alongside the Mittelrhein Museum, this modern attraction uses multimedia and interactive elements to immerse visitors in the world that inspired poets, painters, and musicians in the 19th century.
Visitors embark on a virtual journey aboard a Rhine steamer, exploring the landscapes, castles, myths, and cultural traditions that characterize the Upper Middle Rhine Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Interactive stations allow guests to "meet" historical figures from the Romantic period, learn about famous artworks depicting the Rhine, and discover the legends that surround the river's most famous locations such as the Lorelei rock. The Romanticum successfully combines entertainment with educational content, making the cultural history of the Rhine accessible to visitors of all ages. Through its innovative presentation, it complements the more traditional museums in Koblenz by offering a different perspective on the region's cultural heritage.
Local Cuisine
Koblenz offers a delightful culinary experience that reflects its rich history and strategic location. Visitors can indulge in a creative German-Mediterranean fusion cuisine at local restaurants, where chefs like Frank Seyfried craft seasonal menus using high-quality regional products. Traditional dishes include Saumagen, a well-cleaned pig's stomach stuffed with potatoes, lean pork, and seasonings, typically served with mashed potatoes and sauerkraut. The city's proximity to renowned wine regions means you'll find excellent Rieslings and Spätburgunders to complement your meal. For a hearty lunch, try Bratkartoffeln, delicious roasted potatoes with onion and bacon, or sample Flammkuchen, the region's thin, crispy version of pizza. Seafood enthusiasts shouldn't miss Wisperforelle, locally raised trout often presented with a Riesling sauce. When seeking a sweet treat with your morning coffee, opt for Schwarzwälder Kirsch tart or other German Kuchen varieties that showcase the region's talent for delectable desserts.
Shopping
The historic Altstadt (Old Town) forms the heart of the city's shopping district, featuring romantic alleyways with exclusive boutiques and owner-managed specialist stores with long traditions. The Löhrstraße serves as the main pedestrian zone and shopping artery, connecting to Obere Löhr, known as the "street of specialist stores". Koblenz boasts two major shopping centres: the Löhr Center with approximately 130 shops across three floors, and the Forum Mittelrhein with about 80 speciality shops, restaurants and cafés. Most shops in Koblenz are open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 to 20:00. For 2025, there is a planned shopping Sunday on 15 September, when most shops will open from 13:00 to 18:00. Beyond the main shopping areas, visitors can also explore unique boutiques like Kunstgässchen, speciality stores such as Pfeffersack und Söhne for gourmet spices, and various fashion outlets including international brands and local designers.
Nature in and around Koblenz
Koblenz boasts a stunning natural setting at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers, offering picturesque landscapes and outdoor activities. The city is surrounded by four mountain ranges: the Hunsrück, Eifel, Westerwald, and Taunus, providing ample opportunities for hiking and nature exploration. The Upper Middle Rhine Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site, showcases dramatic scenery with steep vineyard-covered slopes and numerous castles. Visitors can enjoy scenic walks along the Rhine Gardens and Empress Augusta Gardens, which feature tree-lined pathways and colourful flowerbeds. For panoramic views, the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress stands 118 metres above the Rhine, accessible via the Koblenz Cable Car. Nature enthusiasts can explore the Rheinsteig and RheinBurgenWeg hiking trails, which wind through forests, meadows, and vineyards, offering spectacular vistas of the Rhine Valley.
Getting There & Around
Koblenz, situated in the heart of Europe, is easily accessible from all directions by various modes of transport. The city serves as the gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage Upper Middle Rhine Valley and boasts excellent rail connections from Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland and Austria, with many routes requiring no train changes. For budget-conscious travellers, FlixBus offers affordable coach services to Koblenz from numerous European cities including Cologne, Bremen, Hanover, and even Warsaw and Kyiv. Once in Koblenz, you'll find it's a city of short distances where most attractions in the old town are within walking distance. Public transport is comprehensive, with most bus lines converging at the central Zentralplatz/Forum junction. Consider purchasing the Koblenz Card for 9.80 euros, which provides 24 hours of free public transport throughout the city area, plus discounts on attractions including 20% off cable car rides and 50% off museum admissions. The card also covers the wheelchair-accessible cable car, fortress lift and Schängel ferry, making it excellent value for exploring this historic city. If arriving by car, several parking garages are available near the city centre, though you likely won't need your vehicle during your stay as Koblenz is ideally suited for pedestrians.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Koblenz is during the summer months of June through August when the Rhine Valley is at its most picturesque. During this period, temperatures are pleasantly warm, ranging from 20°C to 24°C, creating ideal conditions for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The city comes alive with tourists, and the riverside promenades are particularly inviting. However, if you prefer fewer crowds and milder weather, consider visiting in late spring (May) or early autumn (September). These shoulder seasons offer comfortable temperatures between 14°C and 20°C, along with the added bonus of beautiful spring blossoms or autumn foliage. Winter visits, while less popular, can be charming for those who enjoy cooler weather and festive Christmas markets, with temperatures hovering around 4°C to 5°C from December to February.
