Koblenz and Surroundings

Situated in the picturesque landscape of the Rhine and Moselle and surrounded by four low mountain ranges is the 2000-year-old town of Koblenz. Its abundance of cultural monuments and historic buildings, its cosy lanes and narrow alleyways, the relaxed and happy atmosphere of its squares and river promenades make Koblenz a friendly town where its guests feel right at home.
 
The view from Ehrenbreitstein Fortress high above the Rhine (118 metres) across the river down to “Deutsches Eck” with its re-erected equestrian statue of Emperor William I is spectacular. Koblenz is a meeting point for visitors from all over the world and an excellent starting point for trips into the fascinating landscape along the Rhine and the Moselle.

The Upper Middle Rhine Valley is one of the most magnificent and oldest cultural landscapes in Europe and is seen as the epitome of Rhine romance. The great richness and beauty of the central Rhine has been honoured by UNESCO and the 65 km long section between the old Roman town of Koblenz and the towns of Bingen and Rüdesheim were taken into the list of world heritage sites in the year 2002. This section has long been an inspiration for the Rhine’s painters, poets, philosophers and musicians and no wonder: the narrow breakout of the Rhine through the Rhine slate mountains with its constructions, memorials and the string of settlements which line the banks like a row of pearls together with the vine slopes. It is hard to find something similar in Europe. The exceptional thing is the number of castles, mansions and fortresses: around 40 of these constructions between Koblenz and Bingen prove the strategic importance which the Rhine had in the early centuries.

From the ”Ehrenbreitstein” Fortress, which rises 118 meters above the Rhine river, opens a fantastic view over Koblenz and the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle at "Deutsches Eck" (German Corner).

“Ehrenbreitstein” Fortress, Europe’s second largest preserved fortress, was constructed between 1817 and 1828 in its present-day design; however, its origin dates back to the first century AD. The recent archaeological findings prove an ancient settlement in this area from pre-Christian times. (Tip: some of the excavation’s areas are viewable.)

Today, beside the State Museum of Koblenz  - with its impressive collection of antiquities, a worth seeing presentation about the archaeological finds collected from the region, and also special exhibitions – you will find the memorial  honouring the killed soldiers during World War I, II (das Ehrenmal des Deutschen Heeres) and also Youth Hostel Koblenz.

Due to the settlement of Order of Teutonic Knights in 1216 on a split of land - the point where the Rhine and Moselle flow together - got its historical name "Deutsches Eck" (German Corner).

The confluence of the Rhine and Moselle has played a significant role in forming the town’s name; it is derived from Latin phrase “Castellum apud Confluentes”, meaning “the castle next to the confluence”, that over the years has formed into today’s name Koblenz.

In the year 1888, shortly after the death of Emperor Wilhelm I, the idea was developed to build a memorial for the emperor who had led to the reunification of Germany after 3 wars.

The monument, dedicated to the Emperor Wilhelm I, was unveiled in a formal ceremony in the presence of Emperor Wilhelm II on August 31, 1897.

On March 16, 1945, shortly before the end of the Second World War, the memorial was destroyed by an American artillery attack. (Tip: the impressive head of the original statue can still be viewed in the Central Rhine Museum in Koblenz!)

On September 2, 1993, Europe’s biggest floating crane lifted the equestrian statue of Kaiser Wilhelm I onto its restored pedestal. This was made possible by citizens' initiative and private sponsorship by a Koblenz business man.

The monument with a total height of 37 meters, including 14-meter equestrian statue of Emperor Wilhelm I, is a tourist magnet that attracts more that 2 million visitors annually, and since 2002 it became a UNESCO World Culture Heritage Site of the Upper Middle Rhine Valley.

German Corner is fringed by the flags of the German states, as well as the European flag and the flag of the United States of America, which is dedicated to the victims of the September 11, 2001.