The Buga cable car, also known as the Rhine cable car, crosses the Rhine in Koblenz.
Address: Koblenz Cable Car, Rheinstraße 6, 56077 Koblenz | Opened: 2010 | Length: 890 m
Those who take the Rhine cable car in Koblenz will enjoy spectacular views of the city and the UNESCO World Heritage “Upper Middle Rhine Valley” and can view the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers from the 18 gondolas. The cable car ride across the Rhine leads up to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress. A cable car ride is an absolute must on a city trip to Koblenz.
Directions and location of this Koblenz landmark
The cable car in Koblenz, built as an attraction for the 2011 Federal Garden Show, has provided a connection between the Rhine embankments, above the Basilica of St. Castor, and the plateau in front of Ehrenbreitstein Fortress since 2010. The impressive cable car with its panoramic gondolas is visible from afar. Anyone walking along the Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer can’t miss the cable car’s valley station.
Opening Hours and Travel Times
A tour of the cable car is possible at any time. However, anyone wishing to ride the cable car must adhere to specific opening hours. The cable car operates during peak and off-peak seasons. The cable car does not operate during the off-peak season, from January to early March.
Koblenz Cable Car Opening Hours
Until March
Friday, Saturday, Sunday – 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
From April
Daily operation – 10:00 a.m. to at least 7:00 p.m.
Koblenz Cable Car Admission Prices
Those who wish to take the cable car can choose between a one-way or round-trip ride. Prices are tiered, and you can even bring a dog or bicycle.
Return Cable Car Ticket
Single Adult Ticket:
€14.90
Single Adult Reduced Ticket:
€14.00
Single School, Apprentice, and Student Ticket:
€8.50
Children:
€7.00
Dogs:
€4.00
Bringing a Bicycle:
€4.00
One-way Cable Car Ticket
Single Adult Ticket:
€11.00
Single Adult Reduced Ticket:
€10.00
Single School, Apprentice, and Student Ticket:
€7.00
Children:
€6.00
Dogs:
€3.00
Bringing a Bicycle:
€3.00
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions about the Cable Car in Koblenz
When was the cable car in Koblenz built?
The cable car in Koblenz, also known as the “Koblenz Cable Car,” was built in 2010. It opened in time for the 2011 Federal Garden Show (BUGA) and has since become one of the city’s main attractions. The cable car offers visitors spectacular views of the city and the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers.
When is the cable car in Koblenz scheduled to be dismantled?
The cable car in Koblenz was built as a temporary installation for the 2011 Federal Garden Show (BUGA), and its dismantling was initially planned for 2012. However, due to its popularity and tourist value, it has been extended several times since then. However, there are no concrete plans or official announcements for a specific date for the cable car’s dismantling.
How many gondolas does the cable car in Koblenz have?
The cable car in Koblenz has a total of 18 gondolas that transport visitors from the valley station at the Deutsches Eck to the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress.
How long does the cable car ride take?
The cable car ride in Koblenz takes approximately 7 minutes. During this time, passengers can enjoy spectacular views of the city of Koblenz and the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers.
Koblenz Cable Car – Special Features and Interesting Facts
The Rhine Cable Car in Koblenz is the largest of its kind north of the Alps. It was built for the Federal Garden Show, which took place in Koblenz in 2011. Since then, it has been a special attraction, enjoyed not only by tourists but also by locals. A trip across the Rhine, up to the fortress plateau on the other side of the Rhine, is a unique experience. The journey climbs 118 meters in altitude from the valley station to the top station.
The 18 gondolas have glass walls all around and offer spectacular views of the peninsula where the Rhine and Moselle rivers converge. Other sights can be admired from a bird’s eye view, and there is a unique panoramic view of the impressive river landscape.
The Koblenz Rhine Cable Car can transport up to 7,600 passengers per hour, making it the cable car with the highest transport capacity in Germany. The operator of the Koblenz Rhine Cable Car is Lindauer Skyglide Event Deutschland GmbH. This is a subsidiary of the Doppelmayr Group, which uses the cable car in Koblenz as a demonstration facility.
Historical Facts and History of the Koblenz Cable Car
The Rhine Cable Car in Koblenz was built as a special attraction for the 2011 Federal Garden Show. The planning and construction was undertaken by the Doppelmayr Group from Wolfurt, Austria, which is known for its cable car designs and has implemented numerous unique projects worldwide.
The cable car is powered by 1,300 hp, low-consumption electric motors. The cable car system consists of two suspension cables and one haul cable in each direction. The suspension cables weigh 17,000 tons and have a diameter of 54 mm.
A special feature are the 18 gondolas, each of which can accommodate up to 35 people. Everyone can ride the cable car, whether parents with strollers, wheelchair users, or people with other physical disabilities. The gondolas have floor-level entry and exit. The seats are arranged so that you can always look out and admire the view.
The cables are 890 meters long, and the gondolas travel at a speed of 16 km/h, which means they travel 4.5 meters per second. Construction of the cable car took 14 months. The cable car was originally scheduled to be dismantled in November 2013. However, UNESCO has approved the Rhine Cable Car’s operation until 2026. What happens after that is still uncertain.
Gondolas can accommodate up to 35 people.
Sights and attractions in the immediate vicinity of the Koblenz cable car
There’s plenty to discover near the valley station of the Koblenz cable car.
In the immediate vicinity of the Rhine cable car is the Basilica of St. Castor, which immediately catches the eye. The church is called a basilica because of its architectural style. It is considered the oldest church in Koblenz. A special feature is its Romanesque architecture, which is at its finest. Unique vaulted ceilings, wall paintings, expressive altars, sarcophagi, wood carvings, and beautiful statues of saints combine to create a unique image in the Basilica of St. Castor.
At the basilica, you’ll quickly discover a magical flower courtyard. The courtyard design reflects the Romanesque architectural style of the basilica in an interesting way. The park captivates with its unique planting and enchanting sea of flowers. The park includes a water basin surrounded by flowers, symbolizing the purity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
The Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer is part of the Rhine Gardens, which were redesigned for the Federal Garden Show in Koblenz in 2011. The distinctive design invites you to stroll and linger. The magnificent riverside boulevard is lined with large trees and green spaces.
Anyone strolling from the Rhine cable car along the Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer automatically arrives at a historic building that is also located in the Rhine Gardens. It is the Prussian Government Building, built in the neo-Romantic style. This architectural masterpiece features arched windows, two tall towers with small balconies, a columned gallery, and a wide staircase with special ornamentation.
The Empress Augusta Gardens also belong to the Rhine Gardens, where the Lenné Monument is located. He was the garden and landscape artist who designed numerous parks in a unique way during the Prussian era. The Görres Monument also stands surrounded by trees and meadows.
Cafés and Restaurants Near the Koblenz Cable Car
There are several restaurants and cafés near the Koblenz Cable Car that cater to their guests’ culinary needs. In a pleasant atmosphere and with a view of the Rhine, guests are served culinary delights, hearty home-style cooking, delicious coffee specialties, cakes, or a cold beer.
The Einstein on Firmungstraße not only offers its guests traditional, lovingly prepared cuisine. The menu also features a great selection of drinks, which can be enjoyed in the bright, elegant retro restaurant. In addition to cold beer, delicious wine, and soft drinks, there are also delicious cocktails with something for every taste.
Address: Einstein Koblenz, Firmungstraße 30
An Nam Asia Fusion & Sushi
Those who prefer sushi or Asian cuisine are in good hands at An Nam Asia Fusion & Sushi on Rheinzollstraße. In addition to various sushi creations, the menu also includes pho noodles and Korean grilled specialties. The modern restaurant features a beautiful outdoor terrace, directly on the banks of the Rhine, with a fabulous view.
Address: An Nam Asia Fusion & Sushi, Rheinzollstraße 6
The Wacht am Rhein is a rustic winery on Rheinzollstraße. The menu features Rhenish home cooking such as Sauerbraten with dumplings and red cabbage, various schnitzel creations, beef liver with apple rings and mashed potatoes, Hunsrück spit roast, and other delicacies. A cold beer or a delicious wine completes the experience.
Address: Wacht am Rhein, Rheinzollstraße 8
The Thailand Restaurant Chapraya on Kastorpfaffenstraße features typical Thai décor and exudes a pleasantly cozy atmosphere. The restaurant offers flavorful dishes that can sometimes be quite spicy. Dining there is an experience, as the palate is confronted with a slightly different variety of flavors. A true treat for connoisseurs.
Address: Thailand Restaurant Chapraya, Kastorpfaffenstraße 2
The Pegelhaus on Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer is a restaurant located in a former water level station and has a charm all its own. In a casual atmosphere, guests are served tasty burgers, sumptuous salads, and steaks with generous side dishes. The food is pure enjoyment, and it also offers a magnificent view of the cable car and the Rhine.
Address: Pegelhaus, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer