- Koblenz
118 metres above the Rhine, from the fortress you have probably the most fantastic view of Koblenz and the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle. Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, the second largest preserved fortress in Europe, was built in its present form between 1817 and 1828. Its origins date back to the year 1000.
Today, in addition to the Koblenz State Museum with its diverse exhibitions (e.g. on the history of technology and archaeology of the state, on the history of the fortress with over 20 exciting stations, multimedia productions and much more), the fortress also houses the Army Memorial and the Koblenz Youth Hostel. The Conradine Ehrenbert had a castle built around the year 1000, whose name "Ehrenbertstein" became "Ehrenbreitstein" in the course of time. In the 11th century, the castle became the property of Archbishop Poppo of Trier, whose successor enlarged the complex. In the 12th century, Helfenstein Castle was added to the castle hill, the seat of the later counts. In the 15th century, under Archbishop Richard von Greiffenclau, the castle was expanded into a fortress protected against artillery. (Tip: Visit the impressive "Vogel Greif" cannon, the largest in Europe in its time, which still reminds us of this century). During the Thirty Years' War, the castle saw a flurry of changes of ownership. In 1797, French troops laid siege to the fortress, but were only able to force a surrender by starvation in 1799. In 1801 they had the fortress blown up. In 1815, after the Congress of Vienna transferred the Rhenish territories of Kurtrier to the Kingdom of Prussia, King Frederick William III ordered the expansion of Koblenz into a fortress town, creating one of the largest fortifications in Europe. As a highlight, experience the way to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress with the Koblenz cable car. Float over the Rhine and enjoy the fantastic view over the German Corner, Rhine and Moselle before gliding over the impressive fortress walls that nestle against the rock. Plan enough time for your stay. You will certainly want to enjoy the extensive fortress grounds, the various exhibitions, the fortress tours or even a visit to the restaurant at your leisure.
