Ehrenbreitstein Fortress (Festung Ehrenbreitstein)

For thousands of years, fortifications have occupied this strategic, lofty perch in Germany’s picturesque Middle Rhine Valley, of which this 19th-century marvel is only the most recent. Today, the site consists of the fortification and a lively cultural center; three museums (the historical Landesmuseum, the Haus der Fotografie, and the Haus der Archäologie); children’s play areas; and a viewing platform.

The Ehrenbreitstein Fortress site is a popular day trip destination for history buffs, families, and those after unbeatable views overlooking Koblenz and the Rhine region. Book a private tour of the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress to learn the stories behind the landmark. Other itineraries also pair visits to the fortress with tours of Koblenz’s Old Town and other regional highlights.

• Audio guides are available in English, French, and Dutch.

• Children under 6 can visit the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress for free, while family ticket discounts are available. Tickets are half-priced from November to March.

• The Ehrenbreitstein Fortress is accessible to wheelchair users (as are the Koblenz Cable Car and the site’s inclined lift).

• The fortress has a restaurant, beer garden, kiosk cafe, and youth hostel; eateries are typically closed in January and February.

The most scenic way to discover the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress is via the Koblenz Cable Car, which links the city with the historical landmark and offers exceptional views of the surrounding scenery. The site also operates a funicular-like inclined lift, which provides easy access. For those driving, there is a paid parking lot hosted on-site.

The Ehrenbreitstein Fortress is open every day except Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. From the November to March low season, it is open from morning until late afternoon; from April to October, it is open from morning until early evening. Even after the fortress has closed for the evening, many restaurants are open until midnight.

The Ehrenbreitstein Fortress isn’t the only site worth seeing in ancient Koblenz. Before you go, admire the views from the Deutsches Eck (where the Rhine and Moselle rivers meet), visit the Schloss Stolzenfels (one of the Rhine’s fairytale castles), see the centuries-old Basilica of St. Castor, and go for a stroll through the atmospheric Old Town (Altstadt).