Koblenz, Germany

A couple more stops before we disembark the boat in Amsterdam.

Next stop, Koblenz ... but before we get there, the part of the cruise that it was named "Castles along the Rhine". Rainy day ... but still fun taking pictures of the castles ... lots of them. Since folks were under the canopy on the top deck staying out of the rain ... the ship staff decided to have an impromptu food, drink and music event for us. Bratwurst, fresh pretzels, and German beer drinking music ... kind of fun!



Koblenz sits at the confluence of two of Germany's major rivers, the Rhine and the Moselle. During the Middle Ages the town grew in power, controlling trade of both rivers. The massive fortress, Festung Ehrenbreitstein, built in the 12th century, is Europe's largest fortress. In 1801, Napoleon's forces arrived, partially destroying the fortress, then occupied the city for 20 years. Air raids during World War II destroyed 85% of the city.

In the afternoon, we toured Marksburg Castle, a Medieval castle. The castle is the only hill castle on the Rhine that has never been destroyed. It has been lived in for more than 700 years. After the tour, we went down the hill to Brauback to have some quiche with wine at a restored water wheel old mill.