The Deutsches Eck, Koblenz

The Deutsches Eck is probably Koblenz’s most celebrated attraction. It’s the headland where the rivers Rhine and Moselle meet, right in the heart of the city and the name Deutsches Eck translates literally as "German corner". Now, while it is certainly quite impressive to see these two mighty rivers become one, it’s not the only reason that this spot is worth visiting.

Towering over the headland, perched on an enormous plinth, ...
...(who was also responsible for the war memorial in Leipzig). The statue was erected to commemorate the part he played in the struggle for German union. It stands over 14 metres high and as well as Wilhelm on horseback it features a representation of the winged goddess of Victory.

It’s a statue with an interesting history. In 1945 it was damaged by an American artillery shell and had to be removed from its position. When, after the war, ... more

The Deutsches Eck is probably Koblenz’s most celebrated attraction. It’s the headland where the rivers Rhine and Moselle meet, right in the heart of the city and the name Deutsches Eck translates literally as "German corner". Now, while it is certainly quite impressive to see these two mighty rivers become one, it’s not the only reason that this spot is worth visiting.

Towering over the headland, perched on an enormous plinth, there is a statue of Emperor Wilhelm I which was designed by Bruno Schmitz (who was also responsible for the war memorial in Leipzig). The statue was erected to commemorate the part he played in the struggle for German union. It stands over 14 metres high and as well as Wilhelm on horseback it features a representation of the winged goddess of Victory.

It’s a statue with an interesting history. In 1945 it was damaged by an American artillery shell and had to be removed from its position. When, after the war, Germany was occupied by the Allies, the French, under whose control Koblenz fell, proposed an idea to build a new monument in that spot, this one dedicated to peace among nations. However this never came about but when the country was officially divided and the country of West Germany was established, the new President decided to use the site to create something that would express a wish to see German unity restored again. As you walk round the footpath that forms the visitors part of the Deutsches Eck you’ll see the coats of arms of each of the Lands of Germany – not just those of West Germany but those that ended up in East Germany and also those parts of German that were given to countries like Poland. In 1989 when the Berlin Wall came down three pieces of it were installed here too. The EU flag is now displayed here along with the American flag which was added to commemorate the victims of the September 11th attacks.

Each of the three concrete sections of the Berlin Wall has a bronze plaque attached to it; the plaques are inscribed "17. Juni 1953", "9. November 1989" and "Den Opfern der Teilung". The 17th June 1953 was the occasion of the first attempt to reunify Germany, an uprising that was quickly and brutally subdued using Soviet tanks. The 9th of November 1989 is the date the Berlin Wall finally fell, and the final plaque translates as “To the victims of separation”.

Of course, the aims of the monument became outdated in 1990 when unity was achieved and there was much discussion about what to do with the site. Eventually the arguments were resolved when a generous businessman from Koblenz offered to pay to have the statue of Wilhelm rebuilt and this is what visitors see there today.

The importance attached to the meeting place of the two rivers goes back further, however, and also explains how the city got its name. The Romans called the place “Castellum apud Confluentes” meaning “the castle next to the confluence” and gradually this contacted to simply “Koblenz”.

The Deutsches Eck is well signposted from the centre of Koblenz and is just a ten minute walk at most from most places in town. There are lots of steps if you want to climb up to the monument – from where you’ll get an even better view - but otherwise it’s perfectly fine for wheelchairs and pushchairs. It’s really just a place to come and stand and admire the views; there aren’t any special things to do but as you look out the confluence of the two rivers is an impressive thing to see.
Looking out over the river you can see the fortress of Ehrenbreitstein, situated in a great strategic position which accounts for it having never been captured. If you have the chance to visit it, it offers an interesting alternative view of the Deutsches Eck. If you choose to stay on the Deutsches Eck there are plenty of interesting things to see close by. In the 12th century the Teutonic Knights came to Koblenz and although many of the buildings from this period have been destroyed, partial sections can still be seen. The Deutscheherrenhaus which was where the commander resided has been restored and now houses the Ludwig Museum which concentrates mainly on French art; it’s not a huge collection but it worth seeing if you are interested in art.

There are places nearby to grab a snack and a drink or even a full meal and there are sometimes souvenir stands as you approach the monument but what you see is what you get. It’s worth a walk if you are in Koblenz and, while it may not sound especially thrilling at first, it’s certainly worth a visit to see the joining of these two magnificent rivers.
 

...less