As Koblenz lies on the Rhein and Moselle, it has long been a desirable place to live and a place that others have attacked and/or invaded – the Romans, the Viking, the Prussians, the French.
It has four fortresses, high on the hillside at four points surrounding the town.
The biggest is on the other side of the Rhein from the Aldstadt and and accessible by cable car.
Only one of the cable cars has s glass bottom. Of course, my cousin knew which one.
Over the river, there is a new wooden viewing platform which gives a great view up and down the Rhein.
The actual fortress is amazing. So big! Like the Tardis – bigger inside than it appears outside. You keep walking through walls and walls. It is hard to get the majesty in photos.
Layers have been built upon previous buildings, not destroying but covering and incorporating earlier construction. Some have remain hidden until archeologists dig and present a cross section of the layers.
The light and sound show projected on the walls of cellar gives a great overview of the history of Koblenz and the fortress, compressing hundreds of years into a 15 minute display. The explanations are in German, English, French and Dutch.
The Roman museum is a hands on look at Roman technology. Adults have just as much fun playing as kids. Here’s Mr S testing the Roman bridge he built.
Hint: if you want to buy food or a drink, walk pass the touristy cafe to the youth hostel beyond. Much cheaper: same view. Into the German corner – where the Rhein and Moselle meet. See the Roman bridge over the Moselle?
We caught the cable car back across the Rhein and walked to the German corner, the Deutsches Eck. Kaiser Wilhelm I sits astride his horse, whose arse is pointing towards the French, possibly an intended insult – there’s been plenty of Franco-Prussian wars.
My cousin’s sons are 8 and 5 and so cute. And I think much better behaved than Australian kids. There was no whinging about all the walking we did, no demands for things, no fighting. The little one shared his lollies without being prompted. He held my hand as we strolled back along the Rhein to our accommodation, Mr S and I were exhausted. (And I was the one whinging.)
Remains of the Maltese Cross near German Corner
Another piece of street art near the German Corner
At different parts of the town you catch glimpses of different fortresses. Here’s one, viewed from the train station.
And here’s the biggest lit up at night, viewed as we walked home along the Rhein Promenade on our last night in Koblenz.
lucinda sans 