A day trip to Koblenz from Darmstadt

Statue of Kaiser Wilhem I at the Deutsches Eck in Koblenz

A day trip to Koblenz from Darmstadt

Koblenz is one of the oldest cities in Germany and gets its name from the Latin word Confluentes which means Confluence in English. The location of this city is at the confluence of rivers Mosel and the Rhine hence justifying its name. Located 132 kilometers northwest of Darmstadt in the state of Rheinland Palatinate, Koblenz makes for an excellent day trip from Darmstadt. Of course, if one decides to see more, one or two more days can be added, but since I am writing about 'Things to do in and around Darmstadt' in 1/2 day or one full day, I will take my readers through what all can be seen and experienced in Koblenz in a day.

How to reach Koblenz?

Koblenz is a 1.5-hour car drive away from Darmstadt. Using the train, one can reach Koblenz in about 2 hours. Hence, typically on a summer day, if you plan to arrive in the city by 10 am, you can see places, have a relaxed lunch and start your return journey around 6 pm to reach Darmstadt back around 8:00 pm comfortably.

What are the places to visit and things to do in Koblenz in a day?

1. Start with exploring the market area and the old city. The market area is huge, with plenty of eateries and shopping opportunities. There are many beautiful old structures to admire as you cross the market area and reach the riverside. 

Koblenz Marketplace near Hauptbahnhof

2. Take a walk along the river till you reach the Deutsches Eck, an artificial headland at the confluence of Mosel and Rhine. Here, you can also see the monumental equestrian statue of the first German Emperor, Wilhelm I. The place is surrounded by greenery, making it ideal for a picnic.

Deutsches Eck

You can spend time walking around the area, admiring the coming together of the two mighty rivers ( You can distinguish them by their color) and watch cargo ships, as well as those with tourists, ferry on these rivers. 

Statue of Kaiser Wilhelm I

3. After spending a relaxed time at the Deutsches Eck, you can head to the cable car station, located just a few meters away. The cable car is a must-do experience in Koblenz. 

Inside the Cable Car

It takes you to the fortress 'Ehrenbreitstein' (Festung Ehrenbreitstein in German), located 118 meters above Koblenz on the east bank of the Rhine. 

Festung Ehrenbreitstein, as seen from across the river

This fortress was built on the ruins of an older fort destroyed by the French. Today it houses multiple museums. 

Festung Ehrenbreitstein

Beautiful gardens and lush greenery surround the fort. It also has a cafe with a view. 

A view of the Deutsches Eck and the cable cars from Festung Ehrenbreitstein

The fortress offers fantastic views of the city and the Deutsches Eck. After spending time at the fort, which would require a minimum of about 3 hours, you can come down using the cable car. 

Another view with a huge cargo ship on the Rhine

Beautiful view of the city and the Rhine river from the fortress

The day can be concluded by a walk on the banks of the river, probably picking up something to eat at the marketplace and heading home. 

A view of the fortress from the road across the Rhine

A view of the old city

Click here to read a more precise article on the Top 5 things to do and experience in Koblenz.

Koblenz is one of Germany's most beautiful cities, and its proximity to Darmstadt makes it an ideal destination for a day trip. To read about other places in and around Darmstadt, click here.

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