Koblenz Introduction Walking Tour (Self Guided), Koblenz

Local legends say that one 16th century robber stuck out his tongue before being executed. Instead of finding this event grim, Koblenz residents made the cheeky robber a symbol, nowadays immortalized in the shape of a little boy's statue.

The city's name comes from the Latin ad confluentes, meaning “at the confluence”, referring to the meeting point of the great rivers Moselle and Rhine. Over time, Confluentes evolved into Coblenz and eventually the modern Koblenz.

Around the year 8 BC, the Romans established a military post on the site under General Drusus. Its location made it a perfect vantage point to control river traffic and defend the northern frontier of the Roman Empire. Koblenz quickly grew beyond its role as a garrison as traders, craftsmen, and settlers prospered from the steady movement of goods along the waterways.

In the early Middle Ages, the region came under Frankish rule. By 1018, Emperor Henry II gifted Koblenz to the Archbishopric of Trier, making it part of ecclesiastical territory. Later, in the High Middle Ages, Koblenz gained prominence as a trade center, mainly for wine, timber and grains. In 1214, the settlement was officially chartered as a city, gaining the right to hold markets and fortify its walls.

Through the centuries, it passed through varying hands-French, Prussian, and local powers. After the Napoleonic Wars, it became part of Prussia’s Rhine Province. Tired of being passed around, Koblenz heavily fortified itself. The fortress systems around the city, especially across the Rhine, became a major military stronghold.

Walking through the old town, you’ll pass narrow cobbled alleys, colorful half-timbered houses, and the lofty spire of St. Castor’s Basilica. You’ll arrive at the German Corner, where the Rhine and Moselle rivers meet, crowned by the statue of Emperor Wilhelm I – a symbol of German unity. Riverside promenades, charming cafés, peaceful parks, and ferries decorate the confluence further.

In 1992, Koblenz celebrated its 2,000th anniversary-a milestone few cities can claim. Despite its age, the city is still going strong by being a true hidden gem along the course of the Rhine. Take the chance and go see for yourself how Koblenz sticks out its tongue at time itself.