Cities & Culture
Koblenz: the German Corner and the nation's best heirloom
At the famous Deutsches Eck, or German Corner, where the Rhine and Moselle converge, lies one of Germany's oldest and most beautiful cities: Koblenz. Vineyards, forests and four mountain ranges form the unique backdrop to this 2,000-year-old city.
French joie de vivre and German tradition have produced a truly unique cultural fusion in Koblenz, characterised by cosy wine taverns, narrow alleyways, romantic spots and a genuinely welcoming atmosphere. The Four Towers, as the oriels of four Baroque houses on each corner of the main street crossing are known, are the perfect place to begin a stroll through the Old Town. Other top attractions include the Guard House, which dates back to 1689, and the Schängel fountain, which stands in the courtyard of the Town Hall and is one of the city's main landmarks. A ferry that passes the Electoral Palace will take you to Stolzenfels Castle, one of the most impressive examples of early Prussian art and cultural history.
The people of Koblenz also have a clear appreciation of contemporary art, as evidenced by the Ludwig Museum near the Deutsches Eck, the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle and a historical spot where a striking statue of Emperor William I was placed in 1891. Towering on the opposite side of the Rhine is Ehrenbreitstein, Europe's second-largest preserved fortress. At nearly 120 metres above the river, this is the perhaps the best place to enjoy views of the city and the Upper Middle Rhine Valley. UNESCO has also recognised the area's outstanding beauty, awarding it World Heritage Site status without hesitation. Come and see it with your own eyes.