Koblenz & Arenfels Castle
Helene In Between River Cruise Day 2: Exploring Koblenz and Arenfels Castle
On day two of our adventure, we visited Koblenz, a beautiful city with riverside views and iconic landmarks. Situated at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers, Koblenz offers history and natural beauty.
Morning: Discovering Koblenz
Our day began with a guided walking tour, where we explored Koblenz’s historic city center. I like to start exploring each new area with a walking tour to get the layout of the area and see what I may want to return to during my free time.
Koblenz has some amazing markets. While we didn’t have a lot of time, we did explore a few of the markets throughout and had some wine at the Schaengelbar at the famous Schangel Fountain. We also had an amazing lunch at Altes Beauhaus, their schnitzel and draft beer was a favorite meal on this trip.
Afternoon: Optional Excursion to Arenfels Castle
After our morning in Koblenz, we had the option for an excursion to a wine tasting at Weingut Gohlen on the way to Arenfels Castle. The owners hosted our tasting which included some amazing Riesling. It shocked me how affordable great wine in Germany is. I also enjoy that the Riesling is not overly sweet.
We arrived at Arenfels Castle, a neo-Gothic fortress nestled in the Rhineland. Their market was small but we saw Santa, miniature ponies, and a beautiful view during golden hour . Unfortunately, the castle was closed for touring.
Evening: Dinner and holiday party
After returning from the Arenfels Castle, I had dinner on the boat before Helene & Michael hosted a holiday party with live music.
THINGS TO DO AND SEE IN KOBLENTZ:
Old Town (Altstadt)
Wander through the charming old town, where you can admire well-preserved medieval and Baroque architecture. Explore the narrow streets, quaint shops, and cafes.
Cable Car Ride
The Koblenz Cable Car connects the city with the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress and offers stunning views of the river, Koblenz, and the surrounding hills.
Rhine Promenade
Go for a run or walk along the river promenade. There are several cafes and benches where you can also relax and enjoy the views of the Rhine Valley. In the summer, the promenade comes alive with outdoor events and festivals.
Schängel Fountain
This quirky fountain, located in the city center, features a playful figure of the “Schängel”—a symbol of Koblenz. It’s fun to stop by for a quick photo. Loved the holiday market and wine bar here during the holiday season.
Liebfrauenkirche (Church of Our Lady)
This lovely 14th-century church is known for its Gothic design and is a peaceful spot for reflection and admiration of its stained glass windows.
Hiking Around the Arenfels Castle
The area around Arenfels Castle is known for hiking trails. There are scenic routes that take you along the Rhine River and through forests, with excellent views of the castle from different angles.
Cheers,
Heidi
