Things to Do in Koblenz
With a prime location at the meeting point of the Rhine and Moselle rivers, a history dating back to Roman times, and a backdrop of rolling vineyards and fairytale castles, Koblenz is the quintessential Rhine Valley town.
The Basics
Koblenz is a popular stop on Rhine River cruises and, as such, most visitors arrive by boat. A KD Rhine Pass is the best-value option, offering hop-on hop-off ferries between Mainz and Koblenz. In Koblenz, city tours typically focus on the medieval Old Town, while other highlights include the hilltop Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, reached by the Koblenz Cable Car; the nearby Stolzenfels Castle (Schloss Stolzenfels); and German Corner (Deutsches Eck), the meeting point of the two rivers.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Koblenz is small enough to get around on foot, and most of the central attractions are within walking distance of the train station and port.
- History buffs, architecture lovers, and fairytale believers will all appreciate Koblenz.
- Bring your camera to capture magical moments during your trip.
How to Get to There
Koblenz is located in the middle Rhine Valley between Mainz and Bonn, and the most scenic way to arrive is by boat. The closest international airport is in Frankfurt, from where regular trains take around an hour. Trains also run to Cologne, Trier, and Mainz.
When to Get There
Summer is peak season in Koblenz, and the small city can be overwhelmed by day-trippers. Opting for a spring or autumn visit means you’ll avoid the crowds, while in the winter months the most atmospheric time to visit is over Christmas, when Koblenz hosts a lively Christmas market.
The UNESCO World Heritage Site, Rhine Valley
The section of the Rhine River between Bingen, Rüdesheim, and Koblenz—the Upper Middle Rhine Valley—is a UNESCO-listed, and the views are magnificent. Stop to enjoy wine tasting in Rüdesheim, visit the Abbey of St. Hildegard of Bingen, and see Loreley Rock (Lorelei), or just admire the views as you cruise past the vine-covered mountains, hilltop castles, and medieval towns.
The Koblenz Cable Car (Seilbahn Koblenz) is the largest aerial tramway in Germany, gliding over the Rhine River between Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer and Greiffenklaustr on either side. From one of the 18 cabins, visitors can see incredible views of Koblenz, look out to the spot where the Moselle and Rhine rivers meet, and hop off for a visit to the excellently preserved Ehrenbreitstein Fortress.