Deutsches Eck — Attraction in Koblenz

After further landfills at the site and a large-scale collection campaign, the official "Emperor William Monument of the Rhine Province" was erected and solemnly inaugurated in the presence of the emperor on 31 August 1897. Bruno Schmitz again had drawn up the plans for a giant, over 37 metres (121 ft) high monument installed at the tip of the Deutsches Eck, bearing an inscription quoting a verse by the Koblenz poet Max von Schenkendorf: Nimmer wird das Reich zerstöret, wenn ihr einig seid und treu ("Never will the Empire be destroyed, so long as you are united and loyal"). Another inscription could be found at the statue dedicating it to Wilhelm der Große ("William the Great"). The equestrian statue itself, 14 m (46 ft) in height, presented William I in a general's uniform, reminiscent of the Prussian victories in the "German Wars of Unification". His horse is roped by a winged female genius bearing a laurel wreath and the Imperial Crown. After World War I under the terms of the Treaty of Versailles, the Rhine Province was occupied by Allied forces. When in November 1929 the area was finally cleared according to the Young Plan, tens of thousands gathered at the Deutsches Eck to celebrate the "liberation of the Rhineland". On 22 July 1930 Reich President Paul von Hindenburg celebrated the completion of his triumphal journey through the Rhenish lands here with a festive banquet and a firework display. Later in the same evening, 38 people were killed when a pontoon bridge across the Mosel collapsed under the weight...

On the edge of the Old Town of Coblenz lies the Deutsche Eck – an artificially created spit of land at the confluence triangle of the Rhine and the Mosel. The Deutsche Eck is the landmark of the city of Coblenz. It attracts around 2 million visitors each year to enjoy the wonderful view over the Rhine and the fortress of Ehrenbreitstein.

The Deutsche Eck owes its name to a German order of knights which was given a part of the land by Archbishop Theoderich von Wied in the year 1216. After the establishment of the Teutonic Order, the headland was renamed Deutscher Ordt (from Orden=order), and later Deutsches Eck. Since 2002, it has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage Upper Middle Rhine Valley.

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Deutsches Eck ("German Corner") is the name of a promontory in Koblenz, Germany, where the Mosel river joins the Rhine. Named after a local commandry of the Teutonic Order ("Teutonischer Orden"), it became known for a monumental equestrian statue of William I, first German Emperor, erected in 1897 in appreciation of his role in the unification of Germany. One of many Emperor William monuments raised in the Prussian Rhine Province, it was destroyed in World War II and only the plinth was preserved as a memorial. Following German reunification, a replica of the statue was erected on the pedestal after controversial discussions in 1993. It is today a Koblenz monument and a...

This iconic landmark is more than just a geographical point—it's a powerful symbol of unity and heritage.

The most striking feature, of course, is the imposing equestrian statue of Emperor Wilhelm I. Towering above the water, it feels like a sentinel watching over the merging rivers and the surrounding landscape. The scale of the monument is impressive, but what really drew me in was the deep historical resonance it carries. As someone who appreciates the layers of European history, standing at the base of this monument made me feel connected to a pivotal period in Germany's story.

The area is immaculately maintained, with plenty of space to walk, reflect, and take in the views. Looking across the Rhine, you can see the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress perched high on the opposite bank—another must-visit. I took the cable car from Deutsches Eck to the fortress, and the panoramic ride gave me some of the best views of Koblenz.

What really makes Deutsches Eck special, though, is its atmosphere. It’s peaceful, yet alive with meaning. Whether you’re a history buff, a photographer, or just someone seeking a serene place to watch boats glide by, this place has something for you. I visited in the late afternoon and stayed through sunset—the golden light shimmering on the river was...