13 Best Things to Do in Koblenz, Germany

Do you know what the most amazing things to do in Koblenz are? 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. Today, it’s a popular tourist destination, but it started as a military post for the Romans in the 8^th century.

There are plenty of things to do in Koblenz, so don’t limit your summer plans. Get ready to experience excellent sites full of historic buildings, spectacular views, and museums. Also, there are plenty of things to do in Koblenz at night, that will undoubtedly catch your interest.

Here is a list of the fun sights and experiences that await you in Koblenz.

Best Things to Do in Koblenz

1. The Rheinanlagen (Rhine Gardens)

Touring a new place means experiencing all that it has to offer. During summer, gardens come alive, which is why you must pass by the magnificent Rhine Gardens in Koblenz. Add it to your list of Koblenz attractions.

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

Along the way, you can enjoy some fabulous architecture, including the Pfaffendorf Bridge plus 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

Adding to the list of things to do in Koblenz is a ride on the Koblenz cable cars. Take a ride over the mighty Rhine River and marvel at all the spectacular views around. The 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 cable car was an idea 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

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 12^th century.

The Alte Burg is at River Mosel banks and was once upon a time home to Trier’s Electors. For many of the 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 18^th 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

Ensure your visit to this fantastic city includes a tour of the majestic Ehrenbreitstein Fortress which dates back to the 16^th century. Initially, it was a castle dating as far back as 1139. However, in the 16^th 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 catch a glimpse of bits and pieces of remnants from the battles that took place here. Inside is also the State museum of Koblenz, which is a must-see among things to see in Koblenz. It houses numerous artifacts and other crucial pieces of history from different eras.

5. The Mosel Wine Region

Across the world, Germany is known for its numerous wine regions. The Mosel region starts from the Mosel River’s mouth, answering your question about what to do in Koblenz. As a wine lover, you are in for a treat, and there are plenty of tours around to help you explore the region.

Adding to that are numerous wine taverns and bars in Koblenz where you can have a taste of what the region offers. Around you are plenty of outstanding vineyards that 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.

6. Deutsches Eck

Did you know there’s a headland in Germany in Koblenz? Fondly known as the German corner, 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.

Part of its history is a symbol of unity when Germany split into two countries back 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 hub for tourists. Tights to the site are under the City of Koblenz, which erected a sizeable German flag. It’s a reminder of the reunification that took place in 1990.

7. The Church of Our Lady

In Koblenz, you’ll come across the old town, which is a marvelous sight to behold with all the ancient architecture. As you plan more on stuff to do in Koblenz, make sure you 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 5^th century. However, the current structure came about in the 12 century. Further additions in the 15^th century made it the iconic masterpiece it is today.

You can take in the 4 Baroque towers that resemble onion bulbs, and each has 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.

8. Tour the Wehrtechnische Studiensammlung

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

As a military buff or a curious tourist, get ready to marvel at German military technology. 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 the world wars that include planes, bombs, and others. Make sure to pack your camera because there is much great hardware to pose next to during this exhibition.

See related: Things to Do in Stuttgart, Germany

9. The Neoclassical Electoral Palace

Close to the Rhine River banks 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 back in 1777 and was finally completed in 1793. That was after the archbishop declared the previous building was too old.

Later on, 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.

Now, 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.

10. Basilica of St. Castor

As you plan for things to do in Koblenz, be sure to include a visit to the city’s oldest church. 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 structure rich in history that you can take in by visiting 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 to it. 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 12^th century. It suffered some damage during the bombings of the 2^nd World War but underwent repair. Still, it managed to save the glorious star vaults that you can see on top of the choir and nave inside the church.

11. Jesuitenplatz Square

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 in the form of the Jesuitenplatz. It’s a fantastic spot from where you can start your exploration of the surrounding buildings. For instance, how about adding the Jesuits college building to your list of things to do in Koblenz?

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.

12. DB Museum

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 get to 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 that has 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.

13. Forum Confluentes Art and Cultural Center

As an art and culture lover or a curious visitor, among things to do in Koblenz is visit this fantastic center. It’s a more modern building amidst a lot of older structures but still as exciting. Inside, you can enjoy various art collections from as far back as the 13^th century.

Here you can even view the Rhineland sculptures and roman and Baroque-era paintings. Moreover, you get a chance to go on a virtual tour of the Middle Rhine Valley thanks to the Romanticum. 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 you need for a great visit. Pop in and ask as many questions as you may, to ensure you have an exciting trip.

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