Deutsches Eck: The German Crown
The Deutsches Eck or the German Corner is one of the most popular locations in Germany. At this point, the rivers Rhine and Moselle converge which is also the lifeline to one of the oldest towns in the regions: Koblenz.
Deutsches Eck is blessed with abundant forested areas, developed vineyards, and to top it all four gorgeous mountain ranges which form the backdrop to the city. The city of Koblenz itself has a ripe history of over 2000 years which has further resulted in imposing castles and pious churches along with some of the most impressively elaborate palatial residences and striking townhouses. The region features in at the position of number 53 on the Top 100 Sights of Germany. This is a listing which is compiled by the German National Tourist Board.
Many tourists have regarded Upper Middle Rhine Valley as the most beautiful location of Germany. This region and its majestic scenery have been categorically mentioned as the prized possession. Take the example of the Romans and the Teutonic Order, they were among the first to be awe-inspired by the sheer beauty of the natural. It was only logical that the UNESCO would recognise and awarded Deutsches Eck with the prestigious World Heritage Status. The most striking feature of Deutsches Eck has always been the point where rivers the Rhine and the Moselle meet.
The History and the Contemporary
The Name
The region first came into existence when in the year 1216 Archbishop Theodoric of Wied distributed the region among the Teutonic Order of Knights. Its actual christening was then done by the Order itself.
In the memory of William the Great and German Unity
Recorded history going back to the year 1897 tells us that William I, the German Emperor – a magnanimous statue of his was erected employing equestrian features. This particular statue bore two inscriptions in German. The first being, Nimmer word das Reich zerstöret, wenn ihr einig seid und true, when translated into English it becomes: Never will the Empire be destroyed, so long as you are united and loyal, and the second being, Wilhelm der Große or William the Great. Furthermore, during the Second World War, in the year 1945, William the Great’s statue was considerably damaged at the hands of American bombing. The 87th Artillery unit had suspected it to be a German base. As a result of the shelling the site was damaged and it was brought down. Later on, a new proposition came from the French government. They suggested that a monument should be erected to further the cause of peace and understanding among nations. Despite the purposefulness of the suggestion, it never materialised.
Immediately after the War, President Theodor Heuss aspiring towards a re-unified German land, he turned towards Deutsches Eck. In the place of the old memorial, one can find an installation of the German coat of arms of all states also including those of the former territories such as Silesia, East Prussia and Pomerania. Here, the German flag can be seen flowing in all its united glory. In addition to this installation, certain three concrete sections of the Berlin Wall were placed next to the monument on the 3rd of October 1990, after the Berlin Wall was brought down.
In 1990 with the reunification of Germany, the purpose of the installations at the German Corner was achieved hence their existence came into question. This gave rise to a discussion which demanded to remodel the entire arena. Some also suggested the reinstallation of William the Great’s equestrian statue but this was put to the side as it was considered improper considering the time. Furtherer suggestions revolved around the development of the region as a tourist haven. In this regard, the government of Rhineland-Palatinate which was the owner of the site moved the rights of development to the city of Koblenz. The city then went on to install the statue of William the Great and took charge of developing Deutsches Eck in a manner to attract tourists.
The development initiatives took off immediately and a certain Raymond Kittl, a master sculptor from Düsseldorf was commissioned with the production and remodelling of the replica of the original statue of William the Great. This time, a much more durable material was required for the statue hence a bronze cast was used instead of the originally used copper plates. By the month of May 1992 section of the statue were brought in Koblenz aboard MS Futura. Its assemblage was conducted on the port itself and by the month of September 1993 using a mobile lattice boom crane final installations were performed.
The second day of September, the day of installation is also the Day of Sedan. It is meant to celebrate the German Empire. Considered as a semi-official memorial holiday, this day marks the victory at the Battle of Sedan in the year 1870. The battle was a result of an outbreak which was further the result of the Franco-Prussian War. At the culmination of the Battle, Napoleon III, the French Emperor along with his standing army, they were imprisoned within the fortress of Sedan by the Prussian forces. This day however no longer considered as a holiday in the present democratic context. If one visits the site along with the splendid view, one also gets to witness the spirit of German unity. Today at the German Corner there is a massive German national flag which flows commemorating the dense and myriad historical milieu of Germany and along with this there are 16 other flags representing the states of Germany. Additionally, parts of the Berlin Wall still remain in place but now carry a dedication to the victims of the division.
About Koblenz
The city of Koblenz is brimming with numerous historical buildings and monuments that have deep rooted cultural elements. Travellers who prefer to be on foot while exploring cities and towns have explicated that Koblenz is enmeshed within cosy lanes along with promenades of rivers. The city has a certain charm which makes it hard to resist and make it appear homely. The Old Town or the Altstadt of Koblenz is located right at the corner of the town which is bordered by the river Mosel in the north and Rhine in the south. It has a characteristically distinct and intricate alley system along with pulsating plazas which are definitive of its features. Pick up any bright afternoon for the weather remains near perfect each day of the year and begin a stroll. Start by going across the Balduinbrücke or the Balduin Bridge. This bridge, at the back of which is the Old Town was built over the river Moselle in the year 1342. While walking over the bridge one can quite evenly glance over the panoramic view, taking into account the many old castles along with the Florinskirche or the St. Florin’s Church and its two pointed steeples.
In the case of the two rivers – Rhine and Moselle, they have played a considerable role in the formulations of German mythos. The Rhine is said to denote pride and strength whereas the Moselle signifies a nurturing spirit. You can also go upstream while walking along the promenades of Rhine and view the magnificent sculptures of Vater Rhein und Mutter Mosel or the Father Rhine and Mother Moselle. These figures are depicted in a manner where they are caressing while laying affectionately on a bed of grapes. Exactly at the back of this sculpture is the Kurfürstliches Schloss or the Elector’s Palace which was built in neo-classical stylisation in the late 1700s.
Taking this route you can reach Deutsches Eck and witness the imposing statue of Emperor William I on horseback. At this point, you will also witness one of the rarest sights of two converging rivers – Rhine and Moselle. To witness this magic you will have to reach the very tip of the Deutsches Eck. Here, the Moselle quite literally swirls into the dominant force of the Rhine. When you move a little ahead, turn towards the Rhine and look straight across it. One will then be able to see the Festung Ehrenbreitstein or the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress. This fortress is located at a height of 388 feet looming over the Rhine. Apart from being historically significant it also marks the strength of Koblenz. If you want to reach the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress then the easiest way is through the new cable car system which goes across the Rhine.
Additionally, there is also the Weindorf or the Wine Village complex which was built in 1925 at the point in time of the Deutsche Weinausstellung that is the German Wine Exhibition. It is among the most famous and prosperous wine producing regions of Germany. There are a few rare genuine vineyards and half-timbered houses as well. One can sit here and soak in the view of the flowing river which creates a romantic ambience.
The Koblenz Cable Car
This newly constructed mode of transportation spans a distance of 850 metres lengthwise making it the largest of its kind in the whole of Europe. Travellers can experience the awe-inspiring sight of the Upper Middle Rhine River Valley which is also the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Plan
The Plan Square is located towards the edge of the Old Town and is colloquially referred simply as the Plan. Localities have further promoted this place as a meeting point. At this point once existed a meat market, a tournament arena and an execution centre. The Town Hall is also located here along with a fully operational fountain which has been in operation since the year 1806.
The Romanticum
Koblenz also plays host to numerous exhibitions which are held annually. Among them, the most popular one is the Romanticum. This exhibition takes you on a journey which spans over 800 kilometres squared. The most fascinating part of this journey is definitely the ride on the virtual steamship which takes you along the various UNESCO World Heritage Sites of the Upper Middle Rhine Valley.
The Romanticum is an amazing combination of myth, art, culture and history. It becomes interactive due to the superior 70 interactive stations which epitomise the Rhine Valley right across the history. Children, particularly of all age groups, truly enjoy this experience wherein they are enlightened and entertained while exploring.
The Gauge House
Among the many landmarks of the city is the Pegelhaus or the Gauge House. It was built between the years 1609 and 1611. This building was initially used to store a crane and later on a water level gauge. The site also alternatively becomes a popular meeting spot because of its restaurant and the mesmerising gardens of the Rhine.