Koblenz & Surroundings – Castles, Cable Cars

Sometimes Beauty Is Closer Than You Think

In these days and times, we all tend to dream of faraway destinations, forgetting about the treasures right on our doorstep. I was no exception – until 2020 came along and changed the way we travel. One of the few silver linings of that unusual COVID summer was realising that beauty doesn’t always require a long flight or an exotic location. Sometimes, it’s just a train ride away.

That’s how I ended up spending an extended weekend in Germany’s famous Rhine region, using Koblenz as my base to explore charming towns, dramatic castles, and – of course – indulge in a fair amount of wine-tasting.

Koblenz – Where the Rhine Meets the Moselle

Koblenz is a city shaped by water – it’s where the mighty Rhine meets the romantic Moselle in a wide, graceful embrace. At the very tip of this meeting point sits the Deutsches Eck (“German Corner”), proudly guarded by the towering statue of Emperor Wilhelm I. Standing here, with both rivers flowing past on either side, you can’t help but feel a mix of calm and awe – it’s the kind of place that makes you pause, breathe, and just take it all in.

For the best views in town, hop on the cable car to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress. Floating high above the Rhine, you’ll watch the city shrink below you while the vineyards and church spires come into view. The fortress itself is huge – part history museum, part event space, part lookout point – and it’s easy to lose track of time wandering through its courtyards and soaking up the panoramas.

Back down in the old town, Koblenz is all charm: narrow lanes, lively squares, and plenty of cafés that practically beg you to stop for “just one more” coffee. In the evening, the riverside promenade comes alive – locals and visitors alike sipping wine, chatting, and enjoying the glow of the setting sun over the water.

Rüdesheim – Wine, Music & the Famous Drosselgasse

About an hour and a half from Koblenz, Rüdesheim is the kind of town that might be a little touristy – but it’s impossible not to fall for its charm. Its star attraction is the Drosselgasse, a narrow cobblestone lane lined with half-timbered houses, buzzing wine taverns, and the sound of live music drifting through the air.

This is not a place for rushing. You wander from one wine bar to the next, chat with strangers who quickly feel like friends, and before you know it, you’re clapping along to a folk band you didn’t even know existed half an hour ago.

If you want to try something truly local, order a Rüdesheimer Kaffee – a decadent mix of coffee, Asbach Uralt brandy, sugar, whipped cream, and chocolate flakes. It’s half drink, half dessert, and entirely delicious.

Rüdesheim is also the perfect jumping-off point for a Rhine river cruise. From the deck, you’ll drift past rolling vineyards and castle silhouettes, waving to hikers on the riverbanks as you go.

Castles Along the Rhine

The stretch between Koblenz and Rüdesheim is often called the Romantic Rhine – and once you see it, you’ll understand why. It’s like a real-life storybook: steep vineyard slopes, sleepy villages, and – every so often – a castle perched high above the river, keeping watch as it has for centuries.

Some stand proud and perfectly preserved, like Marksburg, the only hilltop castle in the region that’s never been destroyed. Others, like Burg Katz and Burg Maus, face each other across the river in a kind of medieval standoff – their playful names (“Cat” and “Mouse”) hiding centuries of strategic history. And then there’s Pfalzgrafenstein Castle, sitting on its own tiny island in the middle of the Rhine, looking for all the world like it floated straight out of a fairy tale.

You don’t need to visit them all – half the fun is spotting them as you cruise along the river or catch glimpses from a train window, each one framed by vineyards and forested hills.

Wine-Tasting & Evenings by the River

If there’s one thing the Rhine region knows how to do well, it’s wine. Everywhere you look, the hills are striped with vineyards, and every town seems to have its own favourite wine tavern. Riesling is the undisputed star here – crisp, aromatic, and perfect on a warm evening – but don’t overlook a smooth Spätburgunder if you prefer red.

If your timing is right, you might stumble upon a wine festival. Imagine long communal tables, live bands, locals dancing, and glasses that are never empty for long. Even if you miss the festival season, evenings here are special: sitting at a riverside terrace in Koblenz, in a garden in Rüdesheim, or simply on a bench with a bottle and good company, watching the last light fade over the water.

My Takeaway

The Rhine region is proof that you don’t have to travel far to find beauty, history, and a touch of romance. It’s castles silhouetted against the sky, the clink of wine glasses, and sunsets that linger over the water. It’s the feeling of being away without being far from home – and a reminder that sometimes, the best adventures start right on your doorstep.

Photo Impressions from Koblenz & the Rhine Region

Before you go, here’s a little visual taste of the trip – from the sweeping river views to cobblestone lanes, historic castles, and evenings filled with wine and music.