Guide to places to see, best attractions and what to do in Koblenz, Germany
Koblenz is deservedly growing in popularity!
Due to its relatively small size, the city on the Rhine and Mosel river is ideal to be explored by foot without any need to rush from one place to another by car.
It’s also the best way to slow down and enjoy the cozy (wine) atmosphere of Koblenz.
Whether you just go for one day or a weekend, you’re probably wondering what to see in Koblenz?
So I want to share with you my favorite things to do in Koblenz, Germany. Get ready for the best Koblenz sightseeing itinerary suggestions!
Koblenz location makes it one of the most popular cities in Western Europe. This is because it is one of the best day trips from Luxembourg, Cologne, Frankfurt, and others.
Did you know that Koblenz’ history dates back to the Roman Ages?
Located at the confluence of the Rhine and Mosel river, Koblenz was one of the first commanderies of the Teutonic Order.
Together with the fairytale castles, the centuries-old vineyards and the impressive history of the Upper Middle Rhine River Valley, Koblenz has been UNESCO listed.
Thus, I highly recommend extending your stay in Koblenz and enjoying the Rhine River.
On your cruise you can visit some of the best castles and cities along the Rhine! If you want to visit both, look out for good Koblenz vacation packages that include river cruises!
I’ll also share a selection of day trips from Koblenz at the end of the article.
The Koblenz attractions mentioned in this post are selected based upon my preference and upon the criteria of being easily connectable for a DIY free walking tour Koblenz guide.
I hope you also enjoy some of my favorite places to visit and things to do in Koblenz, Germany!
The Koblenz tourist map at the end of the article will provide you a better overview of Koblenz’ points of interest to plan your perfect Koblenz vacations!
You, dear reader, support this blog. When you purchase through a link, I may earn a small commission. As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Table of Contents
Useful Travel Information to Visit Koblenz, Germany
✈ Book cheap flights to Koblenz with Skyscanner or Kayak
✔ Book tours in Germany with Viator
➳ Find the best hotel deals in Koblenz with Agoda
❖ Rent a car with the best discounts at DiscoverCars
☘ Get the best discounted outdoor clothes (outlet) at REI.com
✎ Never leave without travel insurance. I got mine at HeyMondo. It is cheap and easy to set up.$ Withdraw money without hidden fees and avoid exchange rates with Transferwise (you’ll get a free card on top!)
How to get to Koblenz
From Mainz
By train from train station Mainz. 2 trains per hour. – Book here your train tickets to Koblenz
By river cruise from Mainz to Koblenz – Book here your boat tickets from Mainz to Koblenz
From Cologne
By train from train station Cologne. 4 trains per hour. – Book here your train tickets to Koblenz
By river cruise from Cologne to Koblenz – Book here your boat tickets from Cologne to Koblenz
From Frankfurt
By train from the train station Frankfurt Main. 3 trains per hour. – Book here your train tickets to Koblenz
From Luxembourg
By train from train station Luxembourg. 1 train per hour. – Book here your train tickets to Koblenz
From Amsterdam
Many people also come from Amsterdam to Koblenz by train.
If coming from further away, you can also book cheap flights to Koblenz with Skyscanner or Kayak!
Where To Stay: Hotels in Koblenz
There is a wide assortment of hotels in Koblenz for any budget! Here are my top recommendations! Be on the lookout for excellent Koblenz vacation packages in off season.
| Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|
| Hotel Brenner *** | Diehls Hotel | Contel Hotel Koblenz |
| Hotel Haus Morjan *** | Mercure Hotel Koblenz **** |
1. Koblenz Cable Car
Without any doubt, taking a ride with the Koblenz cable car is one of the top things to do Koblenz.
The cable car connects both river banks and takes you from the old Koblenz city centre to the Ehrenbreitstein fortress.
Thanks to the panoramic views, you’ll get a great perspective of the size of Koblenz and its unique geographic location on the Rhine and Mosel river.
Simply put: from the cable car Koblenz is stunning! No wonder that this view has been UNESCO-listed!
The cable car of Koblenz was built for the Bundesgartenschau (horticulture trade show) and was supposed to be dismantled after the fair.
However, it became quickly one of the most coveted Koblenz tourist attractions and thus the cable car can stay for a few more years.
Did you know that the cable car of Koblenz has the highest passenger capacity in the world?
It can transport up to 7600 people per hour!
On top, every cabin has been designed in a different style. Cabin 17, for example, has a glass floor!
I highly recommend taking the cable car in the early morning or at sunset, as the light was simply stunning then.
Book here your boat tickets from Mainz to Koblenz
2. Ehrenbreitstein Fortress: the Koblenz Castle
The cable car is the perfect way to reach Koblenz’ impressive castle: the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress.
The first ruins of the fortress go back to the 11th century and had a tumultuous history ever since.
The site has been destroyed several times, besieged and swapped between French settlers, Archbishops, the Prussians and the princes of Saxony.
The fortress, as you can still visit it today, was completed by the Prussians and is the second largest in Europe.
Located at 118m above the Rhine river, the fortress does not only take you back to medieval times but also provides lovely views on the historic city center of Koblenz.
Nowadays, the Koblenz castle hosts a museum with historic artifacts and its high walls and corridors can be visited. It is one of the most popular places to visit in Koblenz!
Book here your Koblenz walking tour
3. Deutsches Eck, the German Corner
After returning from the Ehrenbreitstein castle by cable car, you can go straight to the next attraction of Koblenz: the “Deutsches Eck”, (German corner).
It’s located at only 5 min walk from the cable car lower station, so you have no excuse not to visit one of the top Koblenz attractions!
Located at the confluence of the Mosel and Rhine rivers, the Deutsches Eck had very special importance since the early German history.
Indeed it was the place of one of the first commanderies for the Teutonic Order.
In 1897, the first statue of Kaiser Wilhelm 1st was erected.
After being destroyed during World War II, the massive equestrian statue of Kaiser Wilhelm 1st was reconstructed after long debates in the 1990s.
Nowadays you can even walk up to the statue and enjoy a great view on the confluence of Germany’s most important rivers: the Mosel and Rhine river.
Book here your Koblenz walking tour
4. St. Castor Basilica and Courtyard
The St. Castor Basilica and its quaint courtyard are located at only a stone’s throw from the German Corner, and is one of the top places to visit in Koblenz!
The basilica is considered to be the oldest church in Koblenz and it’s here where the division of the Frankish Empire was decided.
The foundations of the basilica go back to more than 1200 years!
After the basilica had been damaged during the Second World War, it has been repaired with great care.
I particularly liked the courtyard which was full of colorful flowers. It’s the perfect place to relax and enjoy the silence of this oasis of peace.
In case you’re planning to have lunch, I highly recommend to enjoy the refined German cuisine at Gerhard’s Genussgesellschaft, located in the old buildings surrounding the St. Castor courtyard.
On it’s own, the basilica is beautiful, but combined with a delicious meal, it is undeniably one of the best things to do in Koblenz!
5. Jesuitenplatz
The perfect spot for some Koblenz sightseeing!
Next stop of your one-day itinerary in Koblenz is the Jesuitenplatz. Thus we finally will enter the old town (“Altstadt”) of Koblenz.
Koblenz is full of quaint little squares and each one has a different vibe.
One of my favorites was definitely the Jesuitenplatz. The square got its name from the former Jesuit college dating back to the 17th century and which is now the Koblenz’ town hall.
I particularly liked the towers and the passage through the grand gate.
The tower clock is one of the main reasons why many travelers visit the Jesuitenplatz: it plays a lovely melody at the full hour.
At nightfall, the Jesuitenplatz has a truly enchanting atmosphere.
6. Schängelbrunnen
One of Koblenz’ quirkiest points of interest in the old town is the Schängelbrunnen.
The fountain shows a boy spitting water and its background is intrinsically linked to the history and image of Koblenz.
It might seem odd, but this is one of the top places to visit in Koblenz because it’s culturally significant.
After passing the grand portal of the Jesuitenplatz, you’ll access the Willi-Hörter Platz and the fountain is located immediately at your left.
The fountain’s background comes from the “Schängellied” which is considered to be Koblenz’ anthem written in 1914. The song is about the roguish behavior of the town’s boys known as “Schängel”.
The boys born during the French occupation were known as “Jean”, thus “Schang” in Koblenz’ dialect.
Coming from French fathers and German mothers, “Schängel” was considered for a long time as a derogatory name for illegitimate children born in that period.
However nowadays, every local from Koblenz is proud to call himself a “Schängel”.
The fountain is thus one of Koblenz’ most important symbols and popular Koblenz tourist attractions!
Book here your Koblenz walking tour
7. Am Plan Square
Am Plan is probably the liveliest square of Koblenz. It is packed with terraces and a meeting point for every generation.
It’s here where the Rhenish savoir-vivre is the most palpable.
The Am Plan square was formerly used as marketplace and tournament site.
Besides being a hub for bars and restaurant, the square boasts an important architectural heritage.
The north side is characterized by Baroque buildings and the towers of the “Liebfrauenkirche” host the commandant headquarters.
The square’s fountain dates back to 1806.
8. Wine tasting in Winery Göhlen
This is a real hidden gem of Koblenz. According to our guide, the Göhlen Winery is even relatively unknown to most locals.
After crossing the river to Ehrenbreitstein neighborhood, you follow Obertal and Mühlental road. I highly recommend going by car.
Even though it’s located at only 10 minutes from the city center of Koblenz, the Weingut Göhlen is a real oasis of peace where you can enjoy a glass of wine during warm summer nights on their terrace.
The winery is managed by Mr. and Mrs. Göhlen who created a charming microcosm of wine and German coziness.
Upon reservation, they serve a hearty snack and organize guided tours through the vineyard. Mr.Göhlen himself guides you through his wine cellars.
Of course, every tour ends with a mandatory wine tasting.
So if you love wine, this is one of the top things to do in Koblenz! Just be careful you don’t buy too much to take home!
Make sure to taste the Ehrenbreitstein wine, which is cultivated on only 10 hectares in all of Germany.
“Weingut Göhlen” is just the perfect place to enjoy a charming, cozy evening in Koblenz.
9. River Cruise from Koblenz
There are a lot of highlights on a Rhine River Cruise and it is one of the most fun things to do when visiting Koblenz.
Indeed a cruise allows you to easily visit some of the best attractions of the Middle Rhine River Valley.
And that mostly means fairytale castle hopping and quaint wine villages!
You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing a Rhine river cruise departing from Koblenz.
Book here a Rhine River Cruise
Large operators sail up (and down) from Amsterdam to Basel, Strasbourg, Cologne,…
The journey can take anywhere between 1-2 weeks with (luxury) accommodation on the boat.
A great way to live and breathe the magic of the Romantic Rhine!
When it comes to ferries on the Rhine river, the Köln-Düsseldorfer Rheinschiffahrt, better known as KD, runs cruises and scheduled services up and down the river between Cologne and Mainz.
As there are lots of things to do in Cologne, as well as Mainz, this is a great tourist trail.
The “KD” ferry easily brings you from Koblenz to wine villages and Rhine castles.
If you’re visiting in winter, I recommend a Christmas market cruise down the Rhine that includes Koblenz!
Book here your river day cruise including 20 Rhine river castles
10. Night Walking Tour in Koblenz
I am a big fan of night walks! It’s just amazing to see how a town can entirely change when it gets dark.
Koblenz is particularly suited for night walks as it is a) very safe and b) great illumination.
Because it is an easy city to get around, you can easily do a self-guided Koblenz free walking tour.
Or else, book one with a local guide to get all the insider knowledge.
Book here your Koblenz walking tour
I highly recommend to include the Jesuitenplatz and the St. Castor courtyard in your night walk.
It’s also the perfect occasion to enjoy Koblenz’ nightlife which looked very cozy to me. Loads of terraces, international restaurants, and warm-hearted interiors.
If you want to go shopping in Koblenz, this is also a great place to pick up some gifts and souvenirs.
My favorite place to eat in Koblenz was definitely restaurant Gerhards Genussgesellschaft in the St. Castor courtyard.
Located in ancient walls, the restaurant serves seasonal, regional cuisine inside or outside on the magnificent terrace.
The quality and the atmosphere are enhanced by the vaulted ceiling.
The pickled salmon trout with caviar was probably one of the best fish dishes I ever ate in my life!
11. Landesmuseum Koblenz
Located within the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, one of the top things to see in Koblenz, Germany if you love history is the Landesmuseum Koblenz.
Inside this fascinating museum, you can learn everything there is to know about the history and culture of the Rhineland-Palatinate region.
And you’ll be surprised by how much there is to learn!
Learn what is Koblenz famous for, delight in beautiful photographs of the area taken over the years by local photographers, as well as paintings of important people from the region.
And definitely don’t miss the Greif cannon, one of the largest cannons ever built during the 16th century.
It’s definitely one of the must see Koblenz attractions!
In addition to their permanent collections, the Landesmuseum Koblenz also has regular new temporary exhibits, so you can visit again and again and always find something new.
12. Schloss Stolzenfels
Whenever people ask me is Koblenz worth visiting, I think about the stunning Schloss Stolzenfels just outside of the city.
Originally built in 1259, the castle fell into disrepair until 1823 when it was gifted to Frederick William, the Prussian Crown prince.
He had the remains reconstructed in the gorgeous Gothic Revival style we see today.
This is one of the best places to visit near Koblenz, and a must even if you are only visiting the city for a day as it’s just a 10-minute train ride away.
Of course, it is quite big, so don’t leave it until too late as it closes a bit earlier than a lot of sites in the city.
If visiting on the weekend, this is also a great option for things to do in Koblenz on Sunday when many other sites are closed!
13. Electoral Palace
Built in the late 18th century, this Neoclassical palace was home to Clemens Wenceslaus of Saxony, the last Archbishop, and Elector of Trier.
Later, in the 19th century, Emperor Wilhelm I took up residence within.
But today the palace houses several branches of government and is one of the top tourist attractions in Koblenz, Germany.
In addition to learning more about the government, this is an important site for architecture enthusiasts as it is one of the best examples of early French Neoclassical design.
Visitors to the Electoral Palace can also enjoy the view over the Rhine in the manicured gardens with a drink from the on-site cafe.
The garden also has a compelling sculpture of the mythical figures Father Rhine and Mother Mosel made by Johann Hartung in the 1800s.
14. Liebfrauenkirche
The Liebfrauenkirche is an impressive Romanesque church built on the highest point of Koblenz’s Old Town.
Although the current Liebfrauenkirche was built to replace a previous church and has since undergone many renovations, a church has been on this site since at least the 5th century.
If you are a history buff wondering what to do in Koblenz for a day, the Liebfrauenkirche is a must!
This majestic church is even more beautiful on the inside.
Once within, make sure to marvel at the 14th-century wooden crucifix and Renaissance-era tombs of the nobility.
No Koblenz sightseeing tour is complete without a visit to the church and wandering around the surrounding Old Town.
15. Wehrtechnische Studiensammlung
Are you fascinated by military history?
If you answered yes or even maybe, then the Wehrtechnische Studiensammlung is one of the tourist attractions in Koblenz, Germany.
This expansive museum is one of the largest museums dedicated to military history and technology in all of Germany.
In fact, the museum is curated and funded by the German government and used as a training site for the actual military.
So in addition to an impressive historical collection, the museum is also kept incredibly up to date.
Fortunately, it is also open to the public to visit and learn.
Extra Tips: Day Trips and Castles near Koblenz
1. Do a Rhine River cruise
Koblenz is a great base to explore the best castles and towns in the Rhine River Valley. The “KD ferry takes” you quickly to fairytale castles and quaint villages.
You can thus, either go for a day trip or even spend the night in one of the Rhine’s famous wine villages.
Book here your hop-on/hop-off cruise tickets
My favorite Rhine villages were:
- Bacharach
- Boppard
- Oberwesel
- St.Goar
- Bingen
2. Vist the best castles on the Rhine
My favorite castles on the Rhine river were
- Burg Stolzenfels castle
- Marksburg castle
- Burg Maus (Castle Mouse) and its counterpart Burg Katz Castle (Cat Castle),
- Pfalzgrafenstein Castle built on an island
- the imposing Burg Rheinfels castle in St.Goar.
All the villages and castles can be reached with the “KD ferry”.
Purchase here your ticket for a day cruise from Koblenz.
3. Do a day trip to the Mosel Valley
From Koblenz you can easily explore and experience all the magical things to do in the Mosel River Valley. Here you can explore even more castles, visit charming villages, go hiking and go wine tasting in the famous Mosel wine region.
Highlights in Mosel Valley:
- Hike the Moselsteig Trail
- Tour Castle Burg Eltz
- Wine tasting at Weingut Henerichs
- Learn about Roman Heritage in the region
- Visit Cochem
- Take a Mosel River Valley Cruise
Book here the best Moselle, Germany river cruises
4. Do a day trip to Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Amsterdam, the Netherlands is a bit of a long day trip, but it is possible to get the train from Koblenz to Amsterdam. It takes about 4 hours, so prepare to leave early and come back late!
Book here your train tickets to Amsterdam
Best things to do in Amsterdam:
- Anne Frank House
- Van Gogh Museum
- Rijksmuseum
- Canal Tour
- Red Light District
- Food Tour
If you plan to stay in The Netherlands and travel around further, check out my guide on things to do in the Hague!
If traveling from the Netherlands, you can also go from Amsterdam to Koblenz by train.
Book here your train tickets to Amsterdam
I hope some of these, admittedly very personal, highlights of things to do in Koblenz blog post could convince you to book future Koblenz vacations!
Have you been to Koblenz, Germany? What places to see in Koblenz do you recommend? Any essential Koblenz sightseeing spots I missed?
I would love to hear about the things you loved (or loved less) in the comment form.
Koblenz Tourist Map: 1 Day Itinerary
Before You Go: Top Tips for your Trip
- You’ll snap tons of photos and I love to take my GoPro in order to shoot even in extreme situations.
- Make sure to wear comfortable walking shoes and hiking sandals when traveling to warm countries. Consider trying some of these eco-friendly vegan hiking boots.
- Sunscreen is key! I always take with me my eco-friendly sunscreen by Thinksport.
- I always carry a light rain jacket, just in case. Pack smart with these organic cotton clothing companies.
- Be environmentally friendly and get one of these awesome backpacks made from recycled materials.
- Get in the mindset with these amazing wilderness survival books.
- Travel insurance is essential! If you haven’t already obtained travel insurance for your trip, travel is protected against all odds with HeyMondo.
In order to get more information on tourism in Rhine River Valley, Germany, I recommend the site of the Romantic Rhine Tourism.
Short FAQ About Things to do in Koblenz, Germany
What are things to do in Koblenz at night?
One of the best things to do in Koblenz at night is go for a night walk through the city. Jesuitenplatz is also a great place to go at night.
What things to do in Koblenz area?
Koblenz is full of great attractions and sites. But some of the most popular things to do in Koblenz are ride the cable car, visit the Koblenz Castle or go on a river cruise.
What are fun things to do in Koblenz, Germany?
Some of the best Koblenz attractions for a fun time are a river cruise, the cable car and a night walk of the city!
Is Koblenz pretty?
Yes, absolutely! Koblenz is considered one of the prettiest large cities in Germany, and certainly of the Rhineland.
How to get from Frankfurt to Koblenz?
The best ways to get from Frankfurt to Koblenz is either by train or bus. The train is the fastest option, and usually pretty affordable, while the bus is a bit slower but usually the cheapest option. If you have your own vehicle, you can easily drive between the two, and there are several parking garages in Koblenz.
What is Koblenz Germany known for?
Although there are many popular things to do see in Koblenz, the Deutsches Eck or “German Corner” monument is the main thing the city is famous for. The monument was constructed in the 1990s to show a unified Germany.
Disclaimer: I have been a guest of Romantischer Rhein Touristik. All my opinions, as always, are my own.
Hola! I’m Paulina, a seasoned travelette who crossed the Atlantic Ocean by Boat HitchHiking. On my blog, find expert insights for an extraordinary holiday through outdoor and sustainable travel like hiking, cycling, and sailing. Let’s embark on unforgettable journeys together! 🌍🚀
Dieter Lochschmidt
Sunday 3rd of February 2019
Sehr schön gemacht!
Paulina
Sunday 3rd of February 2019
Vielen lieben Dank :) Koblenz ist aber auch sehr schön :)
Cato
Friday 1st of February 2019
Never visited Koblenz but it looks like a really cozy town with quite a few things to do. Would love to go on a cruise on the Rhine!
Paulina
Sunday 3rd of February 2019
Thank you so much for your kind comment. Yes there are so many things to do in Koblenz, you can easily stay a weekend there. And river cruises are the best to enjoy the beauty of its surroundings.
blair villanueva
Friday 1st of February 2019
Why is this place seems like comes out from a fairytale book?! It is amazing and gorgeous that now I can't take my eyes on that beautiful garden and castle. I hope I could explore it as well even for a day.
Paulina
Friday 1st of February 2019
Aww thank you so much for your kind comment. Yes indeed, Koblenz is super quaint... and vibrant as well! It is also a great place to make a Rhine cruise and explore German castles.
Paula
Thursday 31st of January 2019
This was very interesting to read since I had never heard to this town before. What I love in these European cities it the beautiful buildings and the history behind them. I have been in Germany before, but that part of the country looked totally different from this. I would love to explore here someday. And I would definitely put that cable car on test too.
Paulina
Friday 1st of February 2019
Dear Paula, many thanks for your kind comment. Yes indeed Koblenz is not so known and that is what I liked about the town. On top it is super young and you have great nightlife options as well. If you want to enhance the fairytale feeling, I recommend taking a Rhine cruise along the castles nearby :)
Jane Dempster-Smith
Thursday 31st of January 2019
A great article with all the information I need to travel to Koblenz. Only issue is what castle do I visit? There is so much to see and do. Cable car rides, cruises I will certainly be kept busy. Thanks for the information on getting to Koblenz as well. It really helps in planning.
Paulina
Friday 1st of February 2019
Dear Jane, thank you so much for your kind words. Yes indeed there are plenty of things to do in Koblenz. Even if this is a 1 day itinerary, you can easily spend a long weekend in this quaint German town.