One of the most spectacular views of Koblenz and the Rhine-Moselle region is offered by a ride on the Koblenz cable car up or down from Ehrenbreitstein.
How does Koblenz get a cable car?
In 2011, the Federal Horticultural Show took place in Koblenz. When planning the major event, it quickly became apparent that the two core areas were too far apart. On the left side of the Rhine, events were planned, and on Ehrenbreitstein, visitors were to be able to stroll through extensive gardens. At first, it was considered whether buses should be used to transport visitors across the Rhine bridges. Finally, it was decided to build a cable car.
A contract regulated the construction, operation and dismantling after three years. This was necessary in order not to jeopardize the status of the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Upper Middle Rhine Valley Cultural Landscape”.
Construction work began in 2009. Two stations and the ropeway supports were built. In 2010, the steel cable weighing several tons was pulled in and the first cabins were installed. In the middle of the year, the opening ceremony was celebrated and the public ride operation could start for three months. With the start of the Federal Horticultural Show in 2011, the ropeway was then in regular operation.
Even at that time, the city of Koblenz was interested in extending the agreed 3-year operating period to 5 years, and even considered permanent operation. After UNESCO announced that the ropeway was compatible with World Heritage, the foundation stone was laid for long-term use (initially planned until 2026). At the end of the technically longest possible operating period of the ropeway, further steps will have to be planned.
Ride with the cable car Koblenz
The bottom station of the Koblenz cable car is located just a few meters from the German Corner/Deutsches Eck. After passing the turnstile at the entrance, you enter the very slow moving cabins.
A total of 18 cabins travel, each of which can carry a maximum of 35 passengers. Particularly popular is cabin number 17, which has a glass floor with a downward view. Cabin 18 offers passengers a special seating arrangement and an information system.
So we climb into the cabin, which then accelerates from the station and couples to the 54-millimeter-wide steel cable. Then the ride across the Rhine begins, covering 112 meters in altitude. Since there are no cableway supports in the Rhine, which are located directly at each station, the steel cable stretches 850 meters freely suspended over the Rhine. Depending on the speed of travel now 4-5 minutes remain to enjoy the fantastically beautiful view.
The Rhine under the cable car with its anchored and moving ships is really impressive. The crossing really makes you realize how wide the river is at this point. From about the middle of the trip, you get a fantastic view of the German Corner and the city of Koblenz. Turning around, the view falls on the other bank and the rising Ehrenbreitstein.
I enjoyed the ride very much, there was so much to see that I would have loved to do a few more “rounds” to take in as many impressions as possible. The ride was over much too quickly and we had to leave the gondola of the Koblenz cable car at the top station.
Free viewpoint Ehrenbreitstein
Not far from the top station is a free viewing platform. Sloping ramps take you higher and higher until you finally have an indescribably beautiful view of Koblenz, the Rhine, the Moselle and the grounds of the fortress on Ehrenbreitstein.
What you should know
A maximum of 35 passengers may be carried per cabin.
During the operating time, the cable car runs continuously.
Including getting in and out of the cabin, the ride takes about 7 minutes.
Yes, the cable car is barrier-free. The cabins can also be stopped briefly for easy entry and exit. In cabin 18 there is enough space for an electric wheelchair.
Cabin number 17 has a glass element located approximately in the middle of the floor. Around the outside is the normal cabin floor.
Yes, dogs, bicycles, strollers are allowed. In cabin 18 is even enough space for a twin stroller.
Address:
Valley station
Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer
56068 Koblenz
Top station
Greiffenklaustraße
56077 Koblenz-Ehrenbreitstein
Prices:
Adults
Single trip: 10,- €
Round trip: 13,90 €
The cable car ride was part of a blogger trip to the Romantic Rhine.
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