Port Review: Koblenz, Germany

Koblenz sits on the junction of two of Central Europe’s greatest and most important rivers, a famous riving cruising region for a variety of reasons.

The Facts

Location: On the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers, Germany.

Language: German, but many people speak English. 

Currency: Euro.

Docking/Anchoring: River boats dock in the heart of the city.

Transport: Most of the main sights of Koblenz are easily available on foot from the ship, or you can pick up a taxi nearby if you wish to travel further afield. 

Overview

Located at one end of the UNESCO World Heritage Upper Middle Rhine Valley, and one of Germany’s oldest and most beautiful cities, Koblenz was founded more than two thousand years ago. It’s regarded by many today as the business and cultural centre of the Middle Rhine region, and besides glorious neoclassical architecture, history and the rivers, what awaits cruise guests is a destination of charm which is easy to explore on foot. Koblenz has it all, from narrow, cobblestone streets, and an ancient market square, to a quaint cable car ride across the river and towering medieval churches. 

Don’t Miss 

The Monument of Emperor Wilhelm stands at the point where the rivers merge, called Deutsches Eck, which means German Corner. The so-called Honsschwanz, or “dog’s tail”, is a triangular shaped former sandbank stretching out from the monument into the confluence; both offer lovely photo ops. 

The Ehrenbreistein Fortress rises 118 metres above the Rhine, offering lovely views across Koblenz including the rivers. It is Europe’s second largest preserved fortress, constructed between 1817 and 1828, although its origins date back to the first century AD, and it’s also home to the State Museum of Koblenz. 

Of the many places of worship in Koblenz, its Romanesque Three Churches defines the view of the city. They include the twelfth-century Florinskirche (St. Florins), the Liebrauenkirche (Church of Our Beloved Lady), and St. Kastor near the German Corner. 

Kurfürstliches Schloss is a French neoclassical electoral palace and one to put on the must-see list if you have a full day in port, along with the Deutschherrenhaus, the first settlement of the Teutonic Order Knights in the Rhineland.

Best Photo Op

Photo enthusiasts will love exploring Koblenz, but if your time is limited, a must-have Kodak moment is from the top of the Ehrenbreistein Fortress across the city, the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle, and the countryside beyond.

Shopping 

If you’re on the hunt for souvenirs, head to the old town which is a pedestrian area near the banks of the Moselle, with some exclusive stores hidden down narrow streets, and little boutiques dotted around romantic squares. Also worth a look is the pedestrian-only shopping mile in the Löhrstrasse, which is attached to the old town, and in inclement weather, the covered Löhur-Center has 140 shops on three levels. If you’re cruising here in winter save time to explore the Christmas markets if open.

Food and Drink

If you fancy tasting some local drops, head to the Wine Village in the centre of town; its timber framed houses are gathered around a bustling square, making it a social hub as well. Koblenz also has charming street-side cafés and German-style taverns, particularly in and around the old town, with plenty international cuisine if you fancy a change.

Pick of the Excursions

A local boat tour taking in both the Rhine and Moselle, and where they join, is worth considering, as some will make stops along the way at castles and wineries which your river cruise ship may not.