What makes Koblenz a strategic gem in the Historic Highlights of Germany heritage city collection of 17 university towns? Keith Jenkins of Velvetescape.com attributes this to its location, where the Rhine meets the Moselle.
His exploration of this western German heritage city revealed Roman military origins, dramatic Rhine Gorge landscapes, and surprising wine experiences, despite the significant damage from World War II. Fun fact: The quirky Schängelbrunnen fountain features a boy spitting at the town hall, possibly symbolizing the townsfolk’s cheeky disdain for authority!
His Koblenz Highlights:
- Cable car ride to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress
- Deutsches Eck monument at the rivers’ confluence
- Medieval Kunstgässchen alley and Four Towers
- Rhine Gorge cruise through the UNESCO World Heritage landscape
- Weingut Göhlen family winery tasting
- Basilica of St. Kastor from the 9th century
- History Column depicting Koblenz through the ages
- Stolzenfels Castle’s Rhine Romanticism
- Rhine promenade with parks and monuments
- Local Weinstube and craft shops
The travel writer visited Koblenz as part of his Rhine and Moselle rail tour through four Historic Highlights cities, appreciating its compact, walkable old town and excellent public transport connections. Despite the extensive destruction of World War II, the restored city center showcases impressive historical monuments and architectural variety.
Keith’s old town wanderings revealed the Church of Our Lady blending Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque styles across centuries. The Four Towers intersection featured 17th-century buildings with ornate bay windows, while the medieval Kunstgässchen alley was charming with boutiques and cozy cafés. At Josef-Görres-Platz, the History Column illustrated Koblenz’s evolution through the ages, from Roman foundations to modern times.
The famous Schängelbrunnen fountain in the Rathaus courtyard particularly intrigued him. This bronze boy spitting water represents the Schängelchen – children of 19th-century French occupiers and local Germans – with Keith amusing himself, wondering if the spitting toward the town hall suggested a rebellious spirit, though officially it symbolizes the Koblenzers’ fun-loving nature.
The Rhine promenade stroll connected major landmarks. At Deutsches Eck, where rivers converge, the massive Kaiser Wilhelm I monument commanded attention. The early-20th-century Prussian government building showcased neo-Romanesque grandeur, while the Electoral Palace (under renovation) offered accessible ornamental gardens featuring Father Rhine and Mother Moselle statues.
The cable car journey to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress offered spectacular panoramic views as it crossed the Rhine. This 19th-century Prussian stronghold, one of Europe’s largest fortresses, guards the Middle Rhine region. Keith explored the impressive walls, visited the Archaeological Museum, and took in the views of both river valleys.
Wine experiences proved memorable at Weingut Göhlen, a family-owned winery behind Ehrenbreitstein. Keith savored their Riesling, Bacchus, and special Ehrenbreitsteiner Spätlese dedicated to the nearby fortress, appreciating the gorgeous gardens and welcoming owners. The tourist office’s interactive TV screen and local products shop at Zentralplatz provided historical context and regional specialties.
A Rhine Gorge cruise showcased the UNESCO World Heritage landscape just south of Koblenz – steep slopes crowned with castles, terraced vineyards, and picturesque villages. The two-hour journey revealed why this dramatic scenery attracts visitors from around the world.
Culinary discoveries included the cozy Wirtshaus Alt Koblenz on Brunnen Am Plan square and atmospheric wine bars like Weinhaus Hubertus — as well as local craft shops, such as Secret Chocolate Lab and Frl. Diehl’s caramel shop added sweet discoveries to his explorations.
Schloss Stolzenfels, 7 kilometers from Koblenz, exemplified Rhine Romanticism. This 19th-century Prussian castle served as King Friedrich Wilhelm IV’s summer residence, accessible via a scenic bus ride and an uphill walk through Peter Joseph Lenné’s beautiful gardens.
Keith’s two-day itinerary maximized Koblenz’s offerings, featuring a stay at the Four Points by Sheraton, located near the central station. He noted the excellent rail connections from major German cities and Koblenz’s popularity as a stop on the Rhine cruise.
For Keith Jenkins’ complete Koblenz guide, including detailed transportation tips, wine-tasting bookings, and his recommended two-day itinerary, read his full article at velvetscape.com/things-to-do-in-koblenz
Keith also created a Google map with all the places he visited and recommends exploring in the Historic Highlights of Germany, Koblenz.