By Ron Stern, Travel Photojournalist
It would be hard to find a lovelier off the beaten track city to visit in Germany than Koblenz. Ideally situated where the Mosel River flows into the Rhine, this city has a history dating back 2000 years starting from when it was a Roman settlement. Today, it is a top tourist destination of stunning beauty with a rich history and culture and a thriving culinary scene.
A strip of land marks the confluence of both rivers at the popular Deutsches Eck or German Corner. Visitors can gaze upon the colossal bronze statue of Kaiser Wilhelm I on horseback, triumphantly towering 120 feet above the city and affording grand views of the area from its pedestal.
The area all along this part of the Middle Rhine is buzzing with activity. Pedestrians or cyclists (You can ride all the way to Basel, Switzerland.) can explore miles of scenic beauty along the river’s banks, but one of the best ways to see this area is to take a riverboat cruise. For as little as €9, you can cruise for around 90 minutes with grand views of the river, which has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Not to be missed would be the cable car ride to the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress that overlooks the town (€11.80 for the cable car ride and castle visit).
Located in the Forum Confluentes building in the city center is the Romanticum. More than a typical museum, this is an interactive, highly imaginative educational center for the entire Middle Rhine region.
Gastronomically speaking, Koblenz is a culinary gold mine.Here, you can find pubs, ice cream, and konditorei or pastry shops. In one area, you almost have a side by side selection of Indian, Mexican, Italian, and Chinese restaurants.
Resources: Historic Highlights of Germany. This was a sponsored visit, however, all opinions herein are the authors.