The German Corner and world cultural heritage: Koblenz

At the famous Deutsches Eck, or German Corner, where the Rhine and Moselle converge, lies one of Germany's oldest and most beautiful towns – Koblenz. The surrounding region is just as attractive, with four hill ranges as well as wide stretches of countryside, woodland and water. In Koblenz itself, churches, palaces, former aristocratic residences and grand town houses stand as reminders of more than 2,000 years of history.

Where cultures meet and a cheeky rascal lies in wait

French joie de vivre and German tradition have produced a cultural fusion in Koblenz, characterised by cosy wine taverns, a genuinely welcoming atmosphere and great food – from gourmet cuisine to hearty fare. People come to Koblenz from all over the world to soak up this charm amid the narrow lanes, tucked-away corners and delightful town squares. A stroll through the old quarter could begin at the four towers, as the oriels of four baroque houses are known – one on each corner of the area's main street crossing. At the Hauptwache guardhouse from 1689, guns, flags, muskets and horns serve as a reminder of the soldiers who carried out police duties here. Further along is the Schängel fountain, which stands in the courtyard of the town hall, surrounded by a baroque ensemble of Jesuit buildings. This famous Koblenz landmark harks back to the time around 1800, when the town belonged to France and a conspicuously large number of boys were christened Jean – which became Schang and then Schängel in the local dialect. We must assume that some of these boys were rascals, because at irregular intervals the figure in the fountain spits out a powerful stream of water onto unsuspecting passers-by! The Deutscher Kaiser is also worth a visit. Rather than being a monument to German imperialism, this is a Gothic residential tower that now boasts a delightful restaurant on the ground floor.

Great art in historical walls and a truly sparkling discovery

It's not just baroque and Gothic architects who left their mark on Koblenz. A more modern influence was the famous art collector Peter Ludwig. The Ludwig Museum is housed in the Deutschherrenhaus, a former command post for the Teutonic Order of Knights close to the Deutsches Eck. Four floors are dedicated to the Ludwig collection and temporary exhibitions. Most of the works originate from the period after 1945 and feature artists ranging from Pablo Picasso, Jean Dubuffet, Pierre Soulages and Serge Poliakoff to members of the Nouveau Réalisme and Figuration Libre movements. It's such an exciting contrast: modern art in medieval walls, classics of the modern age in a captivating historical town. After enjoying some art why not enjoy some wine? The Deinhard cellar museum in the heart of Koblenz is home to one of Germany's most famous producers of sparkling wine.