Koblenz – a wine village and a fortress at the confluence of two rivers

Koblenz was founded by the Romans who appreciated the unique location of this place: at the edge of a fertile valley, in the place of confluence of two rivers – Mosel and Rhine. The Roman commanders of the 9th century named their military camp “Castellum apud Confluentes” – “A fortress at the confluence of two rivers”. The entire forthcoming life of Koblenz was in many ways defined by the advantageous geographic location. At the end of the 18th – the beginning of the 19th century the city belonged to France. The French won it over during the First Coalition War, introduced their own administration system and established a French department “Rhine and Mosel”. The town turned German again in 1814. However the World War I made its corrections. At the very end of 1918 American army entered Koblenz. Leaving the town five years later, they handed governance over to… the French again! It was only in the middle of 1930 that the French army finally left the town. Reminding about the times when Koblenz was French are the baroque building of Jesuit complex and the fountain near the town hall.

The most important attraction of Koblenz is the Ehrenbreitstein fortress built in the 12th century on a high hill above Rhine. This is the second largest military facility in Europe that has been preserved till present day. You can reach the fortress by cable car which, by the way, is considered as one of the longest in Germany. You will find a wonderful view on the vicinity, the town and two rivers – Rhine and Mosel. A park was laid out at the fortress in 2001, where you can take a pleasant walk.

But the appeal and probably the main attraction for travelers is the Wine Village, famous in the entire Europe. Here you can sample simple homemade wine from the grapes growing on the neighbour hill slopes, or stay for a delicious dinner or supper, naturally, with sampling of several wines. It is not customary to refuse Moselle wine here. Though wines from the regions of Ahr, Rheingau and Mittelrhein, also served here, are in no way inferior. Beer that goes well with damplings with cow liver (Leberknodel) can also be found here. You should not ignore another popular dish, Sauerbraten. This is beef pickled in sour sauce and roasted on grill. Keep in mind that in Koblenz German culinary traditions co-exist in harmony with the French ones, so here you can order Norman oysters to Moselle, pate Alsace and even foie gras!

The palace of the Prince Elector is another decoration of Koblenz. It was constructed at the end of the 18th century in neoclassic style. Its advantageous location on the bank of Rhine, as well as magnificence and beauty were noted by Kaiser Wilhelm I who stayed in the palace. Another place related to the Kaiser is Deutsches Eck, or the German Corner. The Corner is an artificially created “arrow” at the place of confluence of Mosel with Rhine. The giant statue of Wilhelm I was erected here upon the orders of his grandson, Kaiser Wilhelm II. Thus the grandson decided to immortalize the memory of his grandfather who in 1871 united all German lands. While taking a stroll in Koblenz, you can’t miss the Teutonic Knight House (Deutschordenskommende) built in the beginning of the 13th century. Today it houses a collection of contemporary art from the Ludwig Fund. Another important place in the town is the house of Beethoven’s mother. In this museum there is a collection of letters, musical notations and other documents related to the life and work of the composer. Fans of antique items, paintings and sculptures will find curious displays in the Mittelrhein-Museum, while interactive displays at the Rheinmuseum inform visitors about principles of river navigation and show ship models.

People of Koblenz love to rest and have fun. Throughout the spring historical festivals are conducted in the castle of Ehrenbreitstein. In May guitarists arrive in town for the world famous Koblenz International Guitar Festival. In June the Wine Village hosts guests of the Wine Festival of Empress Augusta. July is the month when a parade of active kinds of sports and electronic music Farbrausch is conducted alongside with Koblenz Horizonte – an event dedicated to world folk music. In August a festival of fireworks “Rhine in Flames” is conducted on a large scale.

Fireworks, the oldest fortress in Europe, chilled Moselle wine in the summer and a majestic choice of 6-9 types of mulled wine in winter, numerous tours on the Rhine that start here, quiet streets and romantic atmosphere – Koblenz does not disappoint its guests. Any traveler will find an activity to their liking and will feel tranquility and cozy hospitality of this town.