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14 Fun & Best Things to Do in Koblenz, Germany

Do you know the most amazing things to do in Koblenz, Germany? If your next trip leads you to this city, here is what to include in your itinerary.

Germany is home to two of the mightiest rivers in Europe, the Rhine and Mosel. At their junction lies a magnificent city known as Koblenz that’s existed for centuries. It started as a military post for the Romans in the 8th century, and the Teutonic Knights settled here during the 13th Century. Today, this charming city is a popular tourist destination.

There are plenty of things to do in Koblenz, which makes this city a worthy detour on your Eurotrip. Get ready to experience excellent sites full of historic buildings, spectacular views, and museums. If you’re looking for things to do in Koblenz at night, note that this is a pretty quiet city. Still, it’s so well illuminated and safe that it does make for a scenic spot for an evening stroll.

Things to Do in Koblenz, Germany

1. The Rheinanlagen (Rhine Gardens)

Rhine Gardens

Touring a new place means experiencing all that it has to offer. In the spring and summer, gardens come alive. The Rhine Gardens are a must-see for anyone who loves strolling through beautiful flora.

It’s situated on the Rhine River’s East bank offering lots of walkways to admire the different flora. Take time to allow all the greenery to inspire you as you move around the 3-kilometer area. The garden starts at the Electoral Palace to Oberweth Island.

You can enjoy fabulous architecture along the way, including the Pfaffendorf Bridge and the Rheine Mosel Halle convention center. Be sure not to miss the real-life model of a Mosel village done back in 1925. It’s locally known as Weindorf. Such sites are a great motivator to explore Koblenz on foot when you visit.

2. The Seilbahn Koblenz (Koblenz Cable Car)

Seilbahn Over the River in Klobenz

Adding to the list of things to do in Koblenz is a ride on the cable cars. Ride over the mighty Rhine River and marvel at all the spectacular views of the Upper Middle Rhine Valley. The Koblenz cable car connects the west bank to the east.

Apart from the river area’s marvelous views, there are spectacular views of Koblenz City you don’t want to miss. Seeing it from above gives you an even better perspective. Not to mention it’s a perfect family experience that everyone will be talking about for a long time.

Building the Koblenz cable car was meant to boost tourist visits to Koblenz, bringing lots of income to the city. The first ride was back in 2011. Today, many visitors include this activity in their list of things to do in Koblenz and surrounding areas.

3. The Alte Burg

Exterior of the Alte Burg in Klobenz

Address: Burgstraße 1, 56068 Koblenz, Germany

Popularly known as the Old Castle, the Alte Burg is another fantastic sight among things to do in Koblenz. Like any other European castle, it has many tales to tell since its construction in the 12th century.

The Alte Burg is at River Mosel banks and was once upon a time home to Trier’s Electors. For many locals back then, it was home to the people trying to force their rule upon them, which led to many battles in the area. However, in the 18th century, the castle became a rental property.

During WW2, it suffered some damage but later underwent renovation in 1962. Today, it’s among the top Koblenz tourist attractions and home to the Koblenz city Library and archives. Inside are lots of documents that tell a story about the area.

4. Ehrenbreitstein Fortress (Ehrenbreitstein Castle)

Ehrenbreitstein Fortress

Address: Felsenweg, 56077 Koblenz, Germany

Ensure your visit to this fantastic city includes a tour of the majestic Ehrenbreitstein Fortress which dates back to the 16th century. Initially, it was a castle dating as far back as 1139. However, in the 16th century, renovations took place, turning it into the current fortress.

The fortress stands tall at the banks of the Rhine River, reaching heights of 118m. Nothing can prepare you for the marvelous sights that lay behind the walls. There are many corridors and high walls that help you understand why it’s a fortress. Additionally, you can glimpse bits and pieces of remnants from the battles here.

5. Landesmuseum Koblenz

Front of Landesmuseum Koblenz in Germany
Wirestock Creators / Shutterstock

Address: Festung Ehrenbreitstein, 56077 Koblenz, Germany

Located inside Ehrenbreitstein Fortress is also the Landesmuseum Koblenz (State Museum of Koblenz), a must-see among things in Koblenz. In this fascinating museum, you will discover all you need about the fascinating Rhineland-Palatinate region, history, and culture. The Landesmuseum Koblenz houses numerous artifacts and other crucial pieces of history from different eras.

Explore the significance of Koblenz and admire beautiful photography from the region taken from local photographers as well as artworks by important individuals from the region. Do not miss the Greif cannon, one of the greatest cannons constructed between 1620 and today. It is surely an excellent tourist attraction in Koblenz.

6. The Mosel Wine Region

Mosel Wine Region in Rhineland

Across the world, Germany is known for its numerous wine regions. The Mosel Valley starts from the Mosel River’s mouth, answering your question about what to do in Koblenz. As a wine lover myself, you are in for a treat, and plenty of tours are around to help you explore the region. We recommend one of the many incredible river cruises to experience both the scenery as well as the wine, which makes for an excellent day trip to see more of this incredible region.

There are also numerous wine taverns and bars in Koblenz where you can taste what the region offers. Around you are plenty of outstanding vineyards you can tour during the day.

Afterward, have a seat when sipping some wine in a relaxing atmosphere alone or with some friends. You won’t have to wonder about things to do at Koblenz at night. There’s also the Mosel Wine Festival which takes place when farmers are harvesting, full of fantastic firework displays.

7. Deutsches Eck (German Corner)

Aerial view of Deutsche Eck in Klobenz

Address: Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer, 56068 Koblenz, Germany

Did you know there’s a headland in Germany in Koblenz? Fondly known as the German Corner or Deutsches Eck in German, it resembles a ship’s bow and is a must-visit among the top things to do in Koblenz. It’s one of the best land formations in the region between the Mosel and Rhine rivers forming a meeting point.

Deutsches Eck symbolizes unity when Germany split into two countries in 1949. Now that East and West Germany were split, the then president, Theodor Heuss of West Germany, chose it for this purpose.

However, after the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1990, it became a tourist hub. The City of Koblenz manages the site’s monument, which erected a sizeable German flag. The historic Deutsches Eck (German Corner) is a reminder of the reunification in 1990.

8. The Church of Our Lady

Address: An d. Liebfrauenkirche 16, 56068 Koblenz, Germany

You’ll come across the old town of Koblenz, a marvelous sight to behold with all the ancient architecture. As you plan more activities in Koblenz, check out the churches in this area. Smack in the middle is the Church of Our Lady, one of the most iconic structures in this city – also referred to as the Notre Dame.

According to history, before building the church, there was a worship site in this location back in the 5th century. However, the current structure came about in the 12 century. Further additions in the 15th century made it the iconic masterpiece today.

You can take in the 4 Baroque towers resembling onion bulbs, each with a bell from a distance. Every evening at 10 pm, the bells toll, ‘Reveler’s Bell,’ much to tourists’ delight visiting Koblenz. It can be a highlight of your visit plus an answer to what to do in Koblenz at night.

9. Tour the Wehrtechnische Studiensammlung

Wehrtechnische Studiensammlung Exhibit
Klaus Nahr from Germany, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Address: Mayener Str. 85, 56070 Koblenz, Germany

Germany is known worldwide for its military prowess and incredible technological advances. In Koblenz, the Langemarck Kaserne barracks opened their doors back in 1910. It’s an active military base but still open to the public.

Prepare to marvel at German military technology as a military buff or a curious tourist. It’s the most significant collection in the whole country and still hosts many training sessions for soldiers to date. The German government holds regular training, and there are tour guides to help you through the exhibition.

Imagine five floors full of different military gear, including remnants of world wars, including planes, bombs, and others. Pack your camera because there is impressive hardware to pose next to during this exhibition.

See related: Things to Do in Stuttgart, Germany

10. The Neoclassical Electoral Palace

Electoral Palace and Gardens in Trier

Address: Neustadt 24, 56068 Koblenz, Germany

Close to the banks of the Rhine River Valley are many grand structures that depict the rich history of Koblenz. Among them is the last residence of the Electro of Trier, known as the Electoral Palace.

Construction of the current building started in 1777 and was finally completed in 1793. That was after the archbishop declared the previous building was too old.

Later, the Prussian rulers occupied the region and made the Electoral Palace an office building hosting various government departments. The duration was from 1823 to 1842, and later it hosted the Rhine province governor’s offices until 1911.

It’s one of the most amazing things to see in Koblenz and hosts amazing horticultural shows. Outside are perfectly manicured gardens that come alive in summer. Not only do you get to view unique flowers bloom, but there are also fountains, seating walls, terraces, and pools. Don’t forget there’s a lighting festival that takes place each summer.

11. Basilica of St. Castor

Basilica of St. Castor

Address: Kastorhof 4, 56068 Koblenz, Germany

As you plan for things to do in Koblenz, be sure to include a visit to the city’s oldest church, the Basilica of St. Castor. Yes, the Basilica of St. Castor is the oldest church in this part of the world, dating as far back as 817. It’s a history-rich structure you can visit during your stay in Koblenz.

The church is protected under the UNESCO World Heritage Site and attracts many visitors who enjoy learning more. Imagine being in a building that has survived centuries and even once had a monastery attached. That’s an experience of a lifetime that the whole family won’t forget.

Parts of the original structure remain, but you can also view upgrades from the 12th century. It suffered some damage during the bombings of the 2nd World War but underwent repair. Still, it saved the glorious star vaults on top of the choir and nave inside the church.

12. Jesuitenplatz Square

Jesuitenplatz of Klobenz

Address: Jesuitenpl. 56068 Koblenz, Germany

A while back, Jesuits lived in the city of Koblenz. These were followers of the Jesuit order, which explains the name of this square. The order was around for some time but was forced to leave in 1773.

Fortunately, they left behind a piece of history, the Jesuitenplatz. It’s a fantastic spot where you can explore the surrounding buildings. Today, the college serves as the town hall for this city but is still a fabulous sight to behold. You’re bound to enjoy the passageway and various domed towers. Additionally, another end of the area is the former Jesuit church. It dates as far back as 1610.

13. DB Museum

Train in DB Museum
image by Paul David Smith – Epping is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

Address: Schönbornsluster Str. 14, 56070 Koblenz, Germany

Wondering what there is to do in Koblenz apart from viewing the architecture? How about a visit to the DB museum for trains? It’s a fun place to bring the children and see their eyes marvel at the old trains. The museum is a good size and hosts lots of activities for the family every day.

Visitors enter some of the old carriages and watch the engines come alive. It’s in the old stock shop that was once where all the repair work took place. Today, there are more than 2,000 models to view and take endless pictures of.

Additionally, kids get to ride the indoor train model with some tracks. Also, there’s another one outside, plus a shop selling souvenirs. Don’t forget each summer, there is the Sommerfest event, where the older trains head to the main rail.

14. Forum Confluentes Art and Cultural Center

Forum Confluentes Art and Cultural Center Building

Address: Forum, Zentralpl. 1, 56068 Koblenz, Germany

As an art and culture lover or a curious visitor, among things to do in Koblenz is visit the Forum Confluentes Art and Cultural Center. This cultural institution is a more modern building amidst many older structures but still as exciting. Inside the art galleries, you can enjoy various art collections from as far back as the 13th century.

Here you can even view the Rhineland sculptures and Roman and Baroque-era paintings. Moreover, romanticism lets you take a virtual tour of the Upper Middle Rhine Valley. The presentation brings you face-to-face with all the regional castles and the people who once lived there.

Additionally, the building is home to the Koblenz Tourist Information Centre, with all the information on tourist attractions, the best hotel deals, and information about the city’s history to assist you in enjoying an excellent visit. Pop in and ask as many questions as possible to ensure you have an exciting trip.

FAQs

Is Koblenz worth visiting?

Koblenz is worth visiting for those interested in history, culture, and stunning natural landscapes. Situated at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers in Germany, Koblenz boasts a rich history dating back over 2,000 years. Its picturesque Old Town, impressive fortresses, and the nearby UNESCO World Heritage Upper Middle Rhine Valley make it a rewarding destination for travelers.

What is Koblenz famous for?

Koblenz is famous for its strategic location at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers, marked by the iconic Deutsches Eck, or “German Corner.” The city is also known for its well-preserved historic architecture, including the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, one of the largest fortresses in Europe, and the beautiful St. Castor’s Basilica. Koblenz and the charming old town also serve as a gateway to the romantic Rhine Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

What are the top Koblenz attractions to visit?

The top attractions in Koblenz include the Deutsches Eck, where the Rhine and Moselle rivers meet, and the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, accessible via the Koblenz cable car ride across the Rhine River Valley. The charming Old Town’s narrow lanes and historic buildings are also a must-visit. A cruise along the Rhine River to explore the Upper Middle Rhine Valley, known for its vineyards and castles, is highly recommended for nature lovers.

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