Koblenz / Burg Eltz

Koblenz is a very old city that has been around since Roman times. It is the meeting place of the great Mosel and Rhein rivers, and throughout history has been an important port. The main reason for our visit to Koblenz was to take a cruise down the castle and vineyard filled Rhein river to the town of Rüdesheim. Although we weren't able to spend much time in Koblenz, it is a very nice city with a great riverwalk, highlighted by the Deutsches Eck (German Corner) - where the two rivers meet (celebrated with an enormous statue of Wilhelm I). The enormous Festung (Fortress) Ehrenbreitenstein will also grab your attention, lying directly across the Rhein near the Deutsches Eck.

Burg Eltz is a famous castle about 50km from Koblenz, located in a hidden valley on the Eltz river. Taking the road that runs along the Mosel river, you are rewarded with countless views of vineyards, castles, and quaint little wine towns. The castle itself is privately owned, and is accessible only through hiking it up and down a number of roads. The walk is brutal, but the payoff is worth it.