Deutsches Eck (German Corner)

The Deutsches Eck (German Corner) in Koblenz is the headland where the Moselle River flows into the Rhine, and one of Germany's most recognizable landmarks. A colossal equestrian statue of Emperor William I towers over the tip, while Ehrenbreitstein Fortress rises on the opposite bank. More than two million visitors come here every year. It is free to visit, part of the Upper Middle Rhine Valley UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the top things to do in Koblenz.

Where it is and how to get there

Koblenz lies in Rhineland-Palatinate at the northern gateway to the Rhine Gorge, roughly halfway between Cologne and Frankfurt. Koblenz Hauptbahnhof is served by ICE and Intercity trains on the Rhine line, making it an easy day trip from Cologne, Bonn or Frankfurt.

From the main station, the Deutsches Eck is a little over a mile (about 2 km) away. You can walk through the Old Town or along the Rhine promenade, or take a city bus. Many Rhine and Moselle river cruises also dock right next to the monument. If you drive, use one of the Old Town parking garages, as there is no parking at the tip itself.

Why it is special

The name dates back to 1216, when the Teutonic Order (Deutscher Orden) settled at the confluence. The city's name comes from the Roman "Castellum apud Confluentes," the fort at the confluence. In 1891, Emperor William II chose the site for a memorial to his grandfather William I, the first emperor of unified Germany, and a small harbor was filled in to create today's headland. The monument was unveiled on August 31, 1897.

Artillery fire destroyed the statue in March 1945. In 1953, President Theodor Heuss rededicated the empty pedestal as a memorial to German unity, at a time when the country was divided. After reunification, a replica of the statue was lifted back onto the pedestal in 1993. That layered history makes the Deutsches Eck a compact lesson in modern German history.

What to see

• The Emperor William Monument: About 121 feet (37 m) tall, including the 46-foot (14 m) equestrian statue. Stairs lead up to the pedestal for views of both rivers.
• The confluence: Watch the waters of the Moselle and Rhine meet at the very tip.
• Berlin Wall segments: Three original concrete sections of the Berlin Wall stand nearby as a memorial to the victims of Germany's division.
• Flags: The flags of the German federal states line the riverside walls.

Is it worth visiting?

Yes. The Deutsches Eck is free, open around the clock, and takes only 30 to 60 minutes. Come early in the morning or at sunset for the best light and fewer crowds. For the classic postcard view of the confluence, ride the cable car across the Rhine to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress; its lower station is right by the monument, and it is fully accessible. The area around the tip is flat and accessible, though the monument's pedestal is reached by stairs. Cafés and restaurants with outdoor seating are a short walk away, and prices are in euros.

Nearby

Combine your visit with Ehrenbreitstein Fortress across the river, the Romanesque Basilica of St. Castor, and the Ludwig Museum of modern art in the old Teutonic Order house. Koblenz is also the starting point for exploring the castle-lined Rhine Gorge, including Rheinfels Castle in St. Goar, and the Moselle Valley with Eltz Castle.