Bidish Koblenz is a beautiful city located in the meeting points of two majestic rivers, Rhein and Moselle. With the Rhein river on one side and the Moselle on the other, Koblenz radiates a beautiful and calm personality to everyone who walks its path. Nestled in the Rhineland region, Koblenz offers a lot of options to visit the places along both the Rhein and the Moselle. From enchanting fairytale castles to charming medieval towns, this article will help you plan out ten amazing day trips from Koblenz that you absolutely cannot miss.
Cochem
First up, Cochem! A beautiful medieval town that always seems busy with tourists who are enchanted by its beauty. Mainly popular for the presence of Reichsburg castle, one cannot ignore the beauty the city in itself provides. Tiny streets with cute shops and wineries could easily distract you on your way to the castle. Located on a hilltop, Reichsburg castle offers spectacular views of the city. Guided tours of the castle are provided in both English and German language and can be booked directly at the counter. The tour duration is 45 minutes.
Getting there: The RB 81 and RE 1/11 trains run on a regular schedule from Koblenz to Cochem, departing every hour. It takes approximately 45 minutes to travel from Koblenz to Cochem.
Burg Eltz
Burg Eltz is another beautiful castle near the Moselle river. It picturesquely sits on a hill surrounded by the Eltz Forest and looks like it’s been plucked right out of a medieval movie. It surely is one of the most charming castles in Germany. The castle’s history dates back to the early 12th century. Guided tours in both English and German language can be booked directly at the counter. The tour duration is around 40 minutes.
Getting there: The RB 81 train goes to Hatzenport every hour from Koblenz. From Hatzenport, take Bus 365 to Burg Eltz, Wierschem, which runs every 25 to 35 minutes. A 10-15 minute walk through the forest will lead you to a stunning, secluded castle that feels like a journey through time. The entire trip from Koblenz takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Luxembourg
Along the Moselle river, another beautiful place to visit is Luxembourg. A small country that has its own charming presence, Luxembourg can be a beautiful international adventure from Koblenz. The tram with fascinating colors, the Adolphe bridge, and UNESCO World Heritage old town all add up to the beauty of Luxembourg. It can make up to a leisurely day trip where you can visit the mix of old and new.
Getting there: RE 11 departs to Luxembourg from Koblenz every hour. The train journey is approximately 2 hours 15 minutes. The train ride is valid with the 49 euros Deutschland ticket and public transport is free in Luxembourg.
Cruise trips along the Rhein river
This is a must-do activity while in Koblenz. Take a beautiful cruise trip through the Rhein river where you will go along the charming little towns and beautiful castles. There is a day trip: https://www.k-d.com/de/schiffstouren/nostalgie-route offered by Köln-Dusseldorfer that leaves Koblenz at 9 AM everyday and reaches Rudesheim at 14:45. Boppard, Oberwesel, Bacharach are a few of the beautiful towns that are covered in this trip. While returning back, the boat reaches Koblenz at 8 PM. Students under 27 years old have a special discount.
You could also opt for other shorter trips that are available from Koblenz.
Königswinter
Next up, we have a delightful town of Königswinter. The town is nestled at the foot of the Siebengebirge mountains and is popular for the legendary Drachenfels. Many legends surround Drachenfels, the popular being the heroic Siegfried killing the Dragon Fafnir to become invincible, hence the name, Drachenfels (Dragon’s Rock). You can take a cool Drachenfelsbahn ride to the top of the hill for amazing views.
Getting there: Trains RB 27 and RE 8 depart from Koblenz to Königswinter every hour. The journey typically takes about 50 minutes.
Köln and Bonn
Double the fun with a day trip to nearby bigger cities, Köln and Bonn. Bonn, once the capital city of West Germany, is now mainly popular for being the birthplace of Ludwig van Beethoven, one of the world’s greatest composers. You could visit the iconic Beethoven house turned museum to learn about the composer’s life and works.
While Köln is a bigger city and might take a day of its own to explore nicely, a visit to the majestic Kölner dom and the Hohenzollern bridge is surely not to be missed. My most famous thing to do in Köln is to sit at the other side of the river and observe the scenery of the bridge and the Kölner dom as the light changes from day to night. It is one of the most beautiful experiences.
Getting there: Several regional trains (RE 5, RE 8, RB 26, RB 27) depart regularly from Koblenz train station to Köln, with trains available every 15-20 minutes. Travel time is approximately 1 hour to Bonn and 1 hour 30 minutes to Köln.
Mainz and Wiesbaden
Another two cities that you could squeeze together for a day trip from Koblenz are Mainz and Wiesbaden. Mainz, the capital of the state Rhineland-Palatinate has a historic old town with its stunning cathedral that you can explore.
Wiesbaden, on the other hand, flaunts its sophistication with fancy architecture and a vibrant city center. The city is famous for its spa culture and elegance, so make sure to immerse yourself in the delightful mix of the city.
Getting there: Trains RE 2 and RB 26 depart regularly from Koblenz train station to Mainz, with trains available every 30-40 minutes. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. From Mainz, you can take buses or trains to reach Wiesbaden in around 15-30 minutes.
Laacher See
Nature lovers, this one’s for you. Laacher See is a peaceful volcanic lake formed over 12,000 years ago, surrounded by green forests that provide a perfect escape from the hustle of the cities. It can make up for a perfect day trip where you can relax, hike a little, swim in the lake, and have a picnic. It feels calm to be there.
Getting there: To reach Laacher See, you have two options.
Option one: Take the RB 23 train from Koblenz to Mendig. From Mendig Bahnhof, catch Bus 810 and get down at Maria Laach Camping / Laacher See, Glees.
Option two: Take the RB 26 train from Koblenz to Andernach. From Andernach Bahnhof, board Bus 395 and get down at Maria Laach Camping / Laacher See, Glees.
Frankfurt
Frankfurt may seem like a far stretch but if time allows, it can be a pretty good option for a day trip. It is a German town that feels like no other. It is unique in the sense that it boasts many tall buildings and is commonly known as the financial hub of Germany. The riverside offers a picturesque view of the skyscrapers and can be a good place for a picnic. The old town has a ton of historical buildings and the shopping area also hosts modern architectural shopping malls that are always busy and might be a good place to stroll around.
Getting there: To travel from Koblenz to Frankfurt, you have the option of taking the RE 2 or VIA RB10 trains, which run regularly. The journey typically lasts around 2 hours.
Limburg
Limburg is a hidden gem in Germany, for sure. With its cobblestone streets and half-timbered houses, picturesque views and delightful atmosphere, Limburg is sure to enchant anyone who visits. There are old houses dating back to the 1200s that contribute to the medieval charm that this town possesses. Get lost strolling around the old town and stop by any cozy cafes to taste the local delicacies and appreciate the beauty.
Getting there: To reach Limburg from Koblenz, you can take the RB 23 or RE 25 trains, which operate every 2 hours. The journey typically takes around one hour.
So, there it is – 10 amazing day trips from Koblenz. These may not be the only 10 places that could make the cut but surely these are one of the beautiful places you could visit while in Koblenz. All of them have their own beauty and fascination. You could also mix them together, for instance, visiting Burg Eltz and Cochem in one day or visiting Köln and Bonn in different days. You have a lot of interesting things to do in each place. So pack your bags, charge your cameras, and happy traveling! 🙂
