"Castellum apud confluentes" Top 5 Page for this destination Koblenz by Elena77

Koblenz Travel Guide: 469 reviews and 933 photos

Emperor Wilhelm I statue and the fortress

2000 years of city history

Koblenz is one of the oldest cities of Germany, founded by the Romans, like so many others along the rivers Rhein and Mosel. The area though has been continuously populated ever since the early Stone Age. When the Romans came they annexed the Celtic Treveri tribe and established a camp called "Castellum apud confluentes" (which means "Castle at the confluence"). This was between 10 and 8 B.C., under the reign of Caesar Tiberius. In the course of time the name was abbreviated to Confluentia, and finally to Koblenz. Some of the most important Roman city foundations in this area are, for example: Augusta Treverorum (Trier), Colonia Claudia Ara Agrippinensium (Köln/ Cologne) and Mogontiacum (Mainz). For almost 500 years Koblenz belonged to the Roman province of "Germania Superior". After the collapse of the Western Roman Empire in the 5th century a royal Frankish court was established in Koblenz. The history of the city has been extremely unsettled within the centuries that followed. Here's a brief summary: Koblenz first became the property of the archbishop of Trier, Poppo von Babenberg. In 13th century the Knights of the Teutonic Order became established in Koblenz. Many of the city's important buildings like churches, town halls and castle Stolzenfels were built in this period. Later, during the Thirty Years War (1618-1648) Koblenz was taken by the French and then by the Swedes. Finally, the city was reconquered by the Emperor's army, but suffered severe devastation. Already during the process of reconstruction Koblenz was once again partially destroyed, this time by troups of Louis XIV. In late 18th century Koblenz was taken by Napoleon's troups and becam the prefecture of the "Rhine et Moselle" departement. Already 17 years later, following Napoleon's defeat and the redivision of Europe at the Congress of Vienna, the city became Prussian. In 1944, at the climax of World War II, great parts of Koblenz were destroyed. And finally: at the 8th of July 1948 the foundation of the Federal Republic of Germany has been resolved on Rittersturz hill in Koblenz.

My very own Koblenz

January sunrise seen from my living room

I've not been born in Koblenz, I come from a city called Mönchengladbach, some 150 km North of Koblenz, very close to the Dutch border. I moved down here 6 years ago due to my job. I really enjoy living here; my hometown is more of a business and industry place and Koblenz is a real tourist attraction. All these years of haunting history, the beautiful little alleys, the fortress, the ancient churches and lots and lots of castles in the vicinity. Seems like a perfect place for me to live! :) I also enjoy living close to the rivers (I live right at the banks of the Mosel, only 5 minutes walk from the confluence of Rhein and Mosel), even though it can be annoying when there is a flood and many roads are closed. I also enjoy living at a place where there always are heaps of tourists around. It's fun meeting people from all around the world at my place of residence. Only at the 2nd weekend in August I prefer being far away from Koblenz. Then it's traditionally Rhein in Flammen (Rhine in Flames) weekend, a huge festival with some extraordinary fireworks as a highlight. At Rhein in Flammen the city faces an unbelievable number of around 500.000 visitors and everything is just packed! So the 2nd weekend in August I usually am far away from home, most likely you will find me at PartySan Open Air festival then! ;)

High Water

Flooded staircase towards the river Moselle

Usually once or twice a year the rivers Rhine and Moselle burst their banks and parts of the town are then submerged in water. But it's a rather common event to the people of Koblenz and the whole area. Generally it does not seriously affect the town bustle much.

Intro Updated Feb 13, 2009
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Reviews (23)

High Water Warnings Or Dangers (1)

Every couple of years the rivers Rhine and/ or Moselle burst their banks and towns and villages of this area are... more travel advice

Dikasterial Building Things to Do (13)

When visiting fortress Ehrenbreitstein you will most likely come across the so called “Dikasterialgebäude”. It’s a... more travel advice

Alte Burg Things to Do (13)

At the Mosel promenade, close to Balduin bridge, you will find this beautiful little castle. Alte Burg (Old Castle) was... more travel advice

Argentinian Steakhouse Restaurants (4)

Los Gauchos is located at the old town of Koblenz. I’ve recently been there with a couple of friends to celebrate an... more travel advice

Nightlife (2)
See All Cocktails Galore
Off The Beaten Path (1)
Stolpersteine

Comments (13)

koblenz Sep 30, 2009 at 10:51 AM Report Abuse

Thank you for your interesting tips and restaurant views which were spot on and could I add to them a couple of lunchtime venues, Mutti's for their soups and Palais for their baked potatoes, both of which are in Firmungstrasse in the old town.
Pablos_new May 27, 2009 at 12:15 AM Report Abuse

Very interesting page! Good job! P.S. Oh! Happy Birthday! :))
Nemorino Feb 17, 2009 at 1:42 AM Report Abuse

Interesting historical tips about your adopted home city! Personally I thought the Deutsches Eck looked better without that ugly equestrian statue of Wilhelm I, but that seems to be a minority opinion. Thanks for including a tip on the Stumbling Blocks.
Chuckaziz Jan 27, 2009 at 9:02 AM Report Abuse

Hi Elena, You were born in Mönchengladbach? Well I've heard of the place probably because of the football team. Nice page you have here.
besal Jan 17, 2009 at 12:49 PM Report Abuse

Great info on the historical perspective of your hometown. Amir
TheView Jan 15, 2009 at 3:42 PM Report Abuse

Hi Elena You made a very fine and interesting Koblenz page. It was a joy to get to know some of the towns history ;-) Allan
SapineKuu Jan 15, 2009 at 1:52 PM Report Abuse

No, unfortunately not. I just read about it somewhere and your page reminded me:) Could be on my 2009 itinerary at some point though:)
RhineRoll Jan 2, 2009 at 7:45 AM Report Abuse

pretty good tips :)
Gili_S Jan 2, 2009 at 4:49 AM Report Abuse

Very nice & informative tips about a place I only saw briefly while passing through, maybe one day I will stop over here, especially as I love Thai food ;-)
Kuznetsov_Sergey Dec 31, 2008 at 1:49 AM Report Abuse

What a wonderful city! Dream to visit it one day (as soon as Shaeferhund Verein BSZS is somewhere around, haha!). Excellent page with great info and fabulous photos! Thanks Elena for sharing!