Koblenz is an interesting place where the Rhine and the Moselle meet. You can spend part of the day walking along the river, and make a visit to the fortress a separate highlight. After your journey, start by getting your bearings in the lower town.
Where to start your walk
The German Corner offers the chance to see both rivers in one spot. Don’t rush off straight away: walk along part of the embankment and turn towards St Castor’s Basilica. This way, the route will combine the open riverbank with historic architecture.
How to continue the route
Ehrenbreitstein Fortress towers on the other side of the Rhine. Before adding it to your itinerary, check the route up to the fortress and the return journey. The cable car, the walking tour and the tour of the fortress itself should not automatically be treated as a single short trip.
A local detail worth bearing in mind
In bad weather, stick to the lower town as your main plan. The panoramic view shouldn’t be the sole reason your whole day hinges on.
Plan after the coach journey
This itinerary is designed for exploring the city at your own pace, rather than a guided tour with a fixed timetable. First, check the arrival address against your ticket and find somewhere to leave your luggage. Mark your accommodation, the first sightseeing spot and the return pick-up point on an offline map. Count the time for your city walk from the moment you’ve left your luggage and are ready to set off.
On the day of arrival, plan just one main sightseeing trip. If your flight is delayed, shorten the rest of your itinerary, whilst still allowing time for a meal and the journey back. Before paying for entry, check the official opening hours, access conditions and any ongoing works. A view of the building from the outside does not mean that its interiors are accessible without restrictions.
What to keep before leaving
- the drop-off address and the transport provider’s contact details;
- an offline map showing the return route;
- confirmation of your chosen museum or guided tour session;
- contact details for your accommodation and the arrangements for collecting any luggage you’ve left behind.
You may find the following useful: How to plan your first day after a long coach journey, How to find a hotel from the coach station, Offline maps for travelling in Europe: how to set up your phone. Check available bus journey options on RedRay; this guide does not confirm the availability of a direct service to every city.
Resources for preparation
General information about the city and attractions: Koblenz, Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, Deutsches Eck, Basilica of Saint Castor. The suggested walking route is the editorial team’s recommendation; please check with the relevant venues for current opening times.
Image credits
- Koblenz im Buga-Jahr 2011 - Deutsches Eck 01.jpg — Holger Weinandt; CC BY-SA 3.0 de. The image has been resized and converted to WebP. Licence terms are available on the original page.
- Festung Ehrenbreitstein Luftbild 080.jpg — Fritz Geller-Grimm; CC BY-SA 3.0. The image has been resized and converted to WebP. The licence terms are available on the original page.
- Koblenz im Buga-Jahr 2011 - Historiensäule.jpg — Holger Weinandt; CC BY-SA 3.0 de. The image has been resized and converted to WebP. The licence terms are available on the original page.
Questions and answers
Can this route be used on the day of arrival?
Yes, by selecting the central section and one main sightseeing spot. After travelling overnight, it is better to leave the strenuous climbs and longer journeys until the following day.
What is the most important consideration for the walk?
In case of bad weather, make the lower town your main plan. The panorama shouldn’t be the only thing your whole day depends on.
What should I do with my suitcase?
Before you set off, confirm that your luggage can be stored at your accommodation or in a reliable left-luggage facility, including the collection time. Keep your documents, ticket and a fully charged mobile phone with you.
Do you need to buy all your admission tickets in advance?
First, choose your main attraction and check its rules. Don’t book several time slots close together until you’ve confirmed the route between them. Keep your city walk flexible.