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

The Moselle River flowing into the Rhine River

Instead of cycling farther down and over a bridge, Joachim, Elka and I took a small ferry across the Moselle to the other side.

More angels at work here!! The ferry man and Joachim lifted Silver up the steep steps to the top.

A last view of the Deutsches Eck with the statue and the castle over the river

179. Europe Bicycle Trip--Schloss Liebeneck and Marksburg Castle and Joachim and Elka

This is continuing to be a wonderful bicycling day.

Just after leaving the town of Boppard I saw this "Bopparder Hamm" sign in the vineyards.

The next village on the other side of the river after Filsen is Osterpai and I like how they have the name of the town on the breakwall.

Osterpai showing Schloss Liebeneck on the top of the hill and Osterpai Kirche to the left in the town. Schloss Liebeneck was erected in 1590. After World War I, French troops ravaged the castle. Later it was repaired and in 1972, the family Schnierle bought the castle and converted it to their family home.Today, viewing is only possible from the outside.

The next village was Spay on my side of the river.

Marksburg Castle over the town of Braubach

Marksburg Castle is a fortress above the town of Braubach.The fortress was used for protection rather than as a residence for royal families. It was built around 1117 to reinforce custom facilities.The "keep" (tower) as built first and the castle grew into its present shape throughout succeeding centuries.  In the Napoleonic period the castle was used as a prison. Finally, it was sold in 1900 for a symbolic price of 1,000 Goldmark to the German Castle Association which had been founded a year earlier as a private initiative to preserve castles in Germany. In March, 1945, the castle was heavily damaged by American artillery fired from the other side of the Rhine. Today it is a museum with artifacts of the Middle Ages.

The village of Rhens--an old city wall with an archway leading into the centrum.

A paddlewheel boat

An interesting garage door

Approaching Lahnstein on the other side of the river

I had been following this couple for a little while and when they stopped to have a little break, I stopped also and introduced myself to Joachim and Elka Fox who are bicycling to Bad Breisig today. I said that I was going that way also and asked if it would be all right if i tagged along behind them through the city of Koblenz. They only speak German but got the idea of my request and said it would be okay. I always like this because it takes a little edge off the thinking and looking for signs for me.