We had been dreaming of a fun birthday weekend getaway, but Ms. Rona had other plans. With flights feeling like a gamble, we decided to swap airports for open roads. Between pouring glasses of wine and indulging in beautifully crafted meals, we set our sights on a magical road trip to the fairy-tale German village of Koblenz.
Now, driving in Germany during summer? Total hit or miss. Roadworks pop up everywhere, and traffic jams can feel endless. But nothing could dampen our spirits! We had plenty to chat about, endless laughs, and, of course, our favorite topics—food and travel.
Winding through lush, green hills, the scenic drive set the perfect mood. Before we knew it, we were rolling into Koblenz when suddenly, Ephie let out a joyful shout, “Look!!! A church!”
And just like that, our adventure had truly begun.
Located at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers, Koblenz holds a strategic position that has shaped its rich history. Though it may seem like a small city, it has plenty to offer! During the Middle Ages, Koblenz played a key role in controlling trade along both rivers, making it a bustling and influential hub.
As we strolled toward the old town, we passed by the beautiful Electoral Palace. With limited time on our hands, we didn’t go inside, but the palace itself looked absolutely picturesque. The surrounding gardens were lively and inviting, filled with families enjoying picnics while children played. Nowadays, this grand palace serves as a venue for parties and meetings, blending history with modern charm
Crossing the street into Jesuitenplatz, we found ourselves in a charming square nestled in the heart of the old town. It takes its name from the Jesuit order, which was present in Koblenz for about 200 years before being expelled in 1773 (thanks, Wikipedia!). The square was a perfect spot to sit back with a drink and do some people-watching, but our hungry stomachs had other plans—we were on a mission for lunch!
We made our way to Brauhaus, a classic German pub, completely unaware that we were about to be served meals fit for a medieval feast. Gigantic portions landed in front of us—massive ribs and liver sausages. Poor Ryoko mistook the liver sausage for bratwurst (LOL), but she bravely powered through, while I somehow ended up stealing most of her mashed potatoes and abandoning my own roasted ones. Even after years of traveling in the U.S. and experiencing their legendary portion sizes, the meal in Koblenz was next-level giant—I honestly wonder if anyone has ever finished it all!
With our stomachs full and our light beers emptied, we bid farewell to a lovely lady sitting next to us and set off to explore the riverside
Whilst wandering through the old town, we stumbled upon many fascinating landmarks, but one that particularly caught our attention was the Alte Burg (or Old Castle). This historic gem, dating back to the 13th century, was partially built on the ruins of a late Roman city wall from the 4th century—a true testament to Koblenz’s layered history. Standing there, surrounded by centuries of stories, we couldn’t help but admire how the past seamlessly blends with the present in this charming city.
Bumped into the Deutsche Eck, where the 37-meter monument stands tall, a symbol of resilience after being destroyed during the World War and reconstructed only after 1993. The view from this corner is absolutely mesmerizing—it's where the mighty Rhine and Moselle rivers meet, and you can feel the magic in the air. We continued our adventure to the cable car, which whisked us up to the Fortress. From up high, the panoramic view of the town is truly something else. Did you know? This Fortress is the second largest preserved fortress in all of Europe and was originally a Roman military post, dating back to around 8 BC (thanks, Wikipedia!). It’s even on the UNESCO World Heritage list! If you ever visit, definitely take the cable car. Even though I spent the whole 5-minute ride with my eyes closed, screaming and cursing (hello, fear of heights!), the view at the top made it all worth it.
One of my absolute favorite spots was the Schangelbrunnen fountain, right before entering the old town. It's got this cute little fountain show where a boy spits water—such a quirky, charming sight! There's a story behind it, but honestly, I'm too lazy to look it up right now, sorry!
There were so many places to check out, but we eventually headed back to the hotel for a quick rest and to get dressed for dinner and drinks. Almost everywhere was fully booked, but we got lucky and snagged a spot at this lovely restaurant. The waiter, a cheerful young guy, made the experience even better. We ordered a local wine, and let me tell you, it was delicious! Paired with some flamkuchen and antipasti, it was a feast for the senses. It felt so special to share a meal with friends who feel like family.
But then, Ryoko, being the troublemaker she is, decided to shower me with a glass of cocktail... and by "shower," I mean I was soaked to my undergarments. I laughed so hard, I was sober immediately! The original mission was to see Ryoko get wasted, but sadly, that didn’t happen. Don't worry though, there will be plenty of other chances for that. We wrapped up the night with more laughter, and honestly, it was the best way to end a beautiful Saturday.
Woke up feeling as fresh as a daisy, ready to take on the day. We grabbed lunch before saying goodbye to this charming little town, and Mother Nature really gave us a show. The weather went from a perfect blue sky to thick clouds and a sudden downpour with gusty winds—then, just as quickly, it cleared up to another beautiful blue day, all within a 15-minute window! It really put things into perspective: everything can change in the blink of an eye. The only thing we can do is embrace life as it comes, enjoy every moment, and not overthink it all. Life’s way too short to worry too much, right?
Koblenz, thank you for having us, July 26th.
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