Koblenz - another stop on the cruise

Koblenz: Germany's most beautiful corner!
Where the Rhine and Mosel Rivers meet to create a fascinating landscape. The Romans named this city, Castellum aped Confluentes (Castle at the Confluence of Rivers).

Population: 106,000
Koblenz is 57 miles southeast of Cologne by train

Koblenz has a truly European history. The Franks captured the city; German princes chose the town as their residence; the French conquered it and the Prussians fortified it. 

Koblenz served as a World War II command post for the German Army. To view the destruction of the city, access this link to 1945 You Tube video of USA 87th Armoured Division in Koblenz:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KWyy58dHQ0E

The city, bombed heavily, has been restored.

THINGS TO DO AND SEE IN KOBLENZ TODAY:

In 2002,  the Rhine Gorge was named a World Heritage Site and Koblenz marks the northern end of this site. The World Heritage Site covers 67 kilometers (about 40 miles) and ends at Koblenz.

This site captures the epitome of Rhine Romance and is the most beautiful section of the Rhine. Over 40 castles, mansions, and fortresses line the river. You can walk along the Rhine in this area and stop along the way to sample regional wines of which Reisling is the star.

The World Heritage Rose: Magic of Lorelei might be encountered on your walk. If you don't want to walk, you can shop!

SHOPPING in KOBLENZ: Go to the historic center. Surrounded by history, you can shop at St. Florins Market (Florinxmarkt), move on to Muntzplatz (Old Mint Square), and make your way to Jesuit's Square (Jesuitenplatz).

Jesuitenplatz features a variety of pubs, restaurants, and winestubs. Queen Victoria and Thomas Jefferson enjoyed some of the local food including DeppeKooche, grated potatoes, bacon, and onion casserole - to be enjoyed with a dry reisling.

If you see a sign: Strau Burtschraft, it means that it's a winery or a winegrower's cottage that offers homemade food and wine. Give it a try.