Mary Ann and Dave's Bike Trip out East...and Back!: 180. Europe Bicycle Trip--The Deutsches Eck (German Corner), Fortress Ehrenbreitstein, Emperor William I and Angels

At first I thought that this was the Moselle River but it was just a side branch of the Rhine.

I continued into Koblenz following behind Joachim and Elka. I would stop and take a photo and then bike fast to catch up to them again.

Dedication to Kaiserin Augusta Anlagen

Following Joachim and Elka toward Koblenz

The city of Ehrenbreitstein on the other side of the river

The old medieval wall outside the Grand Cafe in Koblenz--Koblenz also spelled Coblenz(English) or Coblence (French) is a German city situated on both sides of the Rhine at its confluence with the Moselle, where the Deutsches Eck ( German Corner) and its monument (Emperor William I on horseback) are situated. As Koblenz was one of the military posts established by Drusus about 8 BC, the city celebrated its 2000th anniversary in 1992. The name Koblenz originates from Latin (ad) confluentes, confluence or "(at the ) merging of rivers. It is the 3rd largest city in the state of Rhineland-Palatinate with a population of 106,000. It has a long historical record. It was heavily bombed during the World War II and rebuilt later. Koblenz is a principal seat of the Moselle and Rhenish wine trade, and also does a large business in the export of mineral waters. It also manufactures automotive parts, aluminum coils, pianos, paper, cardboard, machinery, boats and barges. Since the 17th century, it has been home to the Konigsbacher brewery. The headquarters of the German Army Forces Command is located in the city.

Ehrenbreitstein Fortress on the hill over the river--Koblenz's defensive works are extensive, and consist of strong forts crowning the hills encircling the city to the west and the citadel of Ehrenbreitstein on the opposite bank.

Koblenz-high court and court house

French in 1801 built Ehrenbreitstein fortress. It was built 118 meters above the Rhine River on Ehrenbreitstein mountain as the backbone of the regional fortification Zoom shot of Fortress Ehrenbreitstein--Occupying the position of an earlier fortress destroyed by the system by Prussia between 1817 and 1828 and guarded the Middle Rhine region, In the 16th century work began to change the castle into a fortress that could withstand the new gunpowder weapons. During World War II the fortress served as a place of safekeeping for archives and cultural objects. In 1946-50 it served as a refugee camp , in 1950-60 as residential housing , in 1952 part was a youth hostel, in 1956 a museum . Between 2007-11 there was a restoration done and today it is open to visitors and has several museums and a restaurant offering a Baroque dining experience and offering regional wine. It also serves as a venue for open air concerts and plays.

Cable cars from Koblenz side of river taking tourists to the castle--The Koblenz Cable Car is Germany's biggest aerial tramway.

Kaiser Willem I statue--In 1897 this monument of German Emperor William I on a 14 meter high horse was inaugurated by his grandson William II. In 1945, the statue was badly damaged by an American artillery shell. Soon afterwards it as completely taken down. In 1949 it was replaced by the German national flag but in 1993, a new statue was erected funded by a couple , Werner and Anneliese Theisen of Koblenz.

Taking a break at the Deutsches Eck- the place where the Moselle River flows into the Rhine River. The Deutsches Eck (German Corner) is at the headland of the 2 rivers and is a piece of land symbolizing the foundation of the German Empire,showing German unity and the German refusal of any French claims to the area. All the flags of the 16 (Lander) states of Germany fly around the perimeter of the area as well as a big national flag.

Looking at the Moselle River and the steeples of Pfarramt St. Kastor (Basilica of St. Castor) Catholic church on the right and Liebfrauenkirche on the left