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Monument to Kaiser Wilhelm I (Emperor William) on Deutsches Ecke in Koblenz, Germany.

Things to do in  Koblenz

A tale of two rivers

Known as the gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rhine Gorge, Koblenz marks the meeting point of the Rhine River with the more tranquil Moselle. While both rivers and the romantic landscapes that flank them are launchpads for many things to do in Koblenz—think river cruises, castle sightseeing, and wine tasting—the city is a big destination for history lovers, too, with a past that dates back to days when it served as a Roman fort settlement.

Top 5 attractions in Koblenz

All about Koblenz

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When to visit

Time your Koblenz visit to catch the Rhine in Flames firework festival. Normally held on the second Saturday of August, the Koblenz display features a flotilla of illuminated boats to complement the fireworks. The 3-day Koblenz Summer Festival often coincides with this, offering live music around the Deutsches Eck. Christmas Markets are the highlight of the winter calendar, with seven markets held in different city squares between mid-November and early January.

Getting around

You won’t need a car in Koblenz as most visitor attractions are accessible on foot from the center. Those that aren’t (for example, the castles Marksburg, Stolzenfels, and Eltz) are easy to reach by bus, train, or boat. If you plan to sightsee a lot, consider getting a Koblenz Card for transport: Holders get 24 hours of unlimited travel on city buses and trains plus a discount on the Koblenz Cable Car.

Traveler tips

If you’re a hiker, lace up your boots for the Moselsteig Trail, which follows the Moselle River between Deutsches Eck in Koblenz and Perl, located on the southeastern border of Luxembourg. While the full route covers a whopping 227 miles (365 kilometers), the trail is split into manageable stages of varying lengths that each showcase sights such as the Moselle wine terraces, Eltz Castle, and the Roman city of Trier.

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People Also Ask
Q:What are the must-see attractions in Koblenz for first-time visitors?
A:

History is steeped in Koblenz and the hills around it. If you’re a first-time visitor, check off the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, Eltz Castle, and Cochem Castle; all offer sweeping views over the Moselle and Rhine Rivers. Other Koblenz attractions include the UNESCO–listed Deutsches Eck (the German Corner) and the Koblenz Cable Car.

Q:How can I experience the best views of Koblenz?
A:

The Koblenz Cable Car soars over the Rhine River on its journey from the Rhine River banks, near the Deutsches Eck, up to the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress and the Koblenz Old Town. Views span both Koblenz and the UNESCO–listed Upper Middle Rhine Valley from the cable car’s panoramic windows.

Q:What are the best river cruises from Koblenz?
A:

It depends on what you want to see. Cruises along the Rhine River Gorge—the 40-mile (65-kilometer) stretch between Koblenz and Rüdesheim or Bingen—take in more castles and, arguably, more dramatic scenery. Moselle River cruises from nearby Cochem offer fewer castle views, but you’ll enjoy landscapes of steeply terraced vineyards and riverfront towns.

Q:Is Koblenz a good place for history lovers?
A:

History buffs are well placed in Koblenz, a city touched by many important eras in German history. Discover its Roman roots at the German Limes Road with its Roman watchtower and fort reconstructions, trace medieval times at Stolzenfels Castle, and see World War II tanks in the Scientific Collection of Defense Engineering Specimens.

Q:What are the top things to do in Koblenz for food and drink lovers?
A:

The Moselle Valley is the place for wine tasting, and it’s right on Koblenz’s doorstep. Wineries such as Shwaab Winery and Knebel offer tastings focused on pinot noir, riesling, and dornfelder varietals. Food lovers can indulge in the Rhineland-Palatinate’s hearty dishes, which are often based around potatoes, dumplings, chestnuts, and pork.

Q:What are the best day trips from Koblenz?
A:

Marksburg and Eltz Castles are popular excursions from Koblenz, while the Moselle Valley offers day trip opportunities by train or boat, with options to taste wine and visit historical sites such as Cochem Castle. If you want a relaxing trip instead, visit the spa town of Bad Ems, where thermal pools beckon.