Day Trips from Koblenz: Castles and Geyser
Where to go from Koblenz
Koblenz is a good base for castles, a cold-water geyser and a volcanic lake. Distances are short, but opening seasons and a long rail closure shape the plan more than the map does.
Marksburg, Braubach
Marksburg stands 160 metres above the right bank of the Rhine at Braubach, about 15 km south. It is the one medieval hill castle on the Middle Rhine that was never destroyed. Entry is by guided tour only, lasting about 50 minutes, with tickets sold in the castle shop. An adult pays 12 EUR, a child aged 6 to 15 pays 8 EUR, and a family card costs 24 EUR.
The castle is open daily, usually 10:00 to 17:00 in summer and 11:00 to 16:00 in winter. English tours run daily in summer at about 11:00, 13:00 and 16:00, and in winter only on Saturdays and Sundays at 13:30. Times are on the Marksburg information page .
The right-bank railway (RB10) is closed from 10 July to about 12 December 2026 for refurbishment, and replacement buses run instead. After it reopens the train is the easy way to Braubach, followed by an uphill walk to the castle.
Burg Eltz, Wierschem
Eltz is an eight-towered castle in a wooded side valley, held by the same family for more than 850 years. The tour covers the Knights’ Hall, the living quarters and the treasury. Tickets are listed at 14 EUR for adults, 7 EUR reduced and 34 EUR for a family.
In 2026 the castle was open daily from 29 March to 1 November, 09:30 to 17:00, and it stays closed until about late March 2027. The route is train to Hatzenport, then VRM bus 365 to Parkplatz 1, then a shuttle for 2 EUR (cash) or a walk down. Parking costs 4 EUR. From the Ringelsteiner Mühle at Moselkern the walk is 2.5 km, about 35 minutes. See burg-eltz.de for the current season.
Boppard
Boppard lies on the big bend of the Rhine, about 15 minutes from Koblenz by the RB26 regional train. It keeps well-preserved Roman fort walls from the fourth century. A chairlift climbs to the Vierseenblick viewpoint, where the river bend looks like a string of separate lakes. Check the lift’s operating dates before you go.
Geysir Andernach
At Andernach, about 20 km north, the geyser throws carbon-dioxide-driven water up to 60 metres, and the Geysir ticket includes the discovery museum, a boat trip across the Rhine and the eruption. Allow 2.5 to 3 hours. Tickets are 21.50 EUR for adults, 17.50 EUR reduced and 12.50 EUR for children up to 16. The 2026 season ended on 31 October, with the winter break lasting until about late March. Boat slots are listed on the ticket page .
Maria Laach and Cochem
Maria Laach is an 11th and 12th century Benedictine abbey on the Laacher See, a volcanic crater lake, about 30 minutes away by car. Gas bubbles rise near the eastern shore. The abbey church is free to enter.
Cochem on the Moselle is dominated by the Reichsburg, a neo-Gothic castle rebuilt between 1868 and 1877, and is reached by regional train.
Read more: Multi-day trips from Koblenz .
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