Things to Do in Koblenz: Rhine and Moselle

October 31, 2026

Koblenz at the river junction

Koblenz sits where the Moselle meets the Rhine, and most of what is worth doing here is within sight of one river or the other. The old centre is flat and compact, the fortress is across the water, and the wine villages and castles are a short ride away. Plan around the season, because several of the best attractions close for the winter.

Cable car to Ehrenbreitstein

The Seilbahn Koblenz starts at the lower station on Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer, near St. Kastor Basilica, and crosses the Rhine for 890 metres to the fortress plateau on the far bank. In 2026 it ran daily from March to 1 November, usually 10:00 to 19:00, then closed for a winter break. The date it reopens in 2027 is published on the cable car website , so look there before you plan a spring or early summer visit.

The combined ticket covers the fortress and one return trip and costs 21.90 EUR for an adult. Fortress entry on its own is 10 EUR, and a cable car return is listed at about 15.50 EUR. The combined ticket was not sold during the winter of 2025 and 2026, so check before a cold-weather visit.

Cruises on the Rhine and Moselle

Gilles Personenschifffahrt and Marksburgschifffahrt run roughly one-hour sightseeing cruises from the landing stages in Koblenz. The route circles the Deutsches Eck headland, goes a little way up the lower Moselle under the Balduin Bridge, then heads south past the Electoral Palace and the island of Oberwerth with a view toward Schloss Stolzenfels. The cruises are a warm-season service, and the KD winter timetable from 19 October 2026 to 2 April 2027 has no departures from Koblenz.

The Rhine itself is a working shipping channel with a strong current and large wake. It is for watching and for boat trips, not for swimming, paddling or rafting.

Cycling the Moselle

Koblenz is the end of the German section of the Mosel-Radweg, about 240 km of river path. A comfortable half-day ride follows the right bank of the Moselle through Güls to Winningen, then crosses the river and returns, roughly 25 km of flat asphalt. Bike shops near the main station rent trekking bikes and e-bikes, so ask there about hours and prices.

Wine on the Terrassenmosel

The lower Moselle near Koblenz is known as the Terrassenmosel for its steep, terraced Riesling slopes. Koblenz-Lay and Winningen both have family wineries that offer cellar tastings. Dry Riesling with a mineral edge is the style to ask for.

Calm paddling on the Moselle

Kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding are done on the canalised Moselle above the Koblenz lock, never on the Rhine. Rental details change from year to year, so ask at the campsite in Güls or the Winningen marina.

Old Town food and the spitting boy

In the Town Hall courtyard on Jesuitenplatz, the bronze Schängelbrunnen boy spits water every few minutes, which makes a good short stop with children. For a meal, look for a traditional tavern serving Himmel un Äd, black pudding with mashed potato and stewed apples, which usually costs about 14 to 17 EUR. Some taverns take cash only.

Practical notes

Koblenz is an ordinary German city, and normal city precautions are enough. Tourist information is at Forum Confluentes on Zentralplatz.