Rhine in Flames Koblenz 2025

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Published On: 7. August 2025

Rhine in Flames Koblenz 2025 – Holiday apartment Oberwinter

Rhine in Flames Koblenz 2025 will once again bathe the Middle Rhine in colorful splendor on August 9, 2025. With over 100,000 guests expected, the fireworks display is one of the biggest summer highlights between Bonn and Mainz. From our vacation apartment in Oberwinter, you can easily reach the spectacle in 30 minutes – and secure yourself a quiet place to spend the night away from the hustle and bustle. Tip: Book now and enjoy a box seat for an unforgettable evening!

What is behind Rhine in Flames?

The “Rhine in Flames” series was launched in 1956 to boost tourism in the UNESCO World Heritage Upper Middle Rhine Valley. Today, there are five events along the river; Koblenz is considered the biggest crowd-puller with its combination of summer festival, live music and several large fireworks displays. Around 50 illuminated ships sail in convoy from Spay/Braubach to Koblenz, while red fires, Bengal lights and laser shows illuminate the castles on the banks. Beforehand, the Koblenz Summer Festival transforms the banks of the Rhine and Moselle into a three-kilometer-long promenade with street food stalls, a Ferris wheel and open-air stages. Since 2012, the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress has also been spectacularly illuminated – a motif that fills thousands of Instagram posts every year. Thanks to strict pyro regulations and a sophisticated security concept, the event is considered a showcase event in the state of Rhineland-Palatinate.

Dates, program and highlights 2025

First date: Saturday, August 9, 2025 (summer festival: August 8-10)

Main fireworks display: approx. 11 p.m. over the Deutsches Eck

Boat convoy: From 8 p.m., departure Spay/Braubach – arrival Koblenz 10 p.m.

Stage program: chart acts, jazz matinee, family afternoon

New in 2025: Drone light show as the opening and a vegan food court

The Koblenz cable car extends its operating hours until 1 a.m. on this day; tickets can be pre-booked online.

Land-side viewpoints

1st Deutsches Eck: Classic with a direct view of the main fireworks display.

2nd Kaiserin-Augusta-Anlagen: shady park benches, perfect for family picnics.

3rd Ehrenbreitstein fortress plateau: panorama from a height of 118 m

4th Goethesteig Pfaffendorf: insider tip from the locals, floodlit footpath, not very crowded.

5th Kirchberg Lahnstein: Ideal for telephoto lenses.

Boat seats: Box seats on the water

Around 30 passenger ships take part in the illuminated convoy. KD Köln-Düsseldorfer traditionally starts advance sales at the beginning of November; premium decks are fully booked within 48 hours. Price range 2024: € 95 – € 185 p.P., in 2025 a surcharge of around 5% is to be expected according to the shipping company.

Alternatives: Party ships such as “RheinDream” offer DJ sets until 2 a.m.; those who prefer a quieter experience can book small charter boats from Andernach. All providers must provide proof of a ban on alcohol for the captain and crew – a guarantee for safe navigation in crowds.

Arrival, parking & tips from the Oberwinter vacation apartment

Rail: RE5 runs hourly from Remagen to Koblenz (23 min.). Special trains after the fireworks at 0:03 am and 0:33 am.

Car: P+R Messeplatz (€4 daily fee, shuttle bus included). From Oberwinter ≈ 45 min. via A61.

Cycling: For sporty guests, the Rhine cycle path leads almost car-free to the city center (33 km).

Conclusion

Whether on the water, at lofty heights or directly on the banks – Rhine in Flames Koblenz 2025 promises fireworks magic, live music and a festival feeling all in one evening. Book your “base camp” in Oberwinter now and combine big city flair with rural tranquillity.

Sustainability & safety

Since 2024, the city of Koblenz has been using compostable plates and cups; according to the Environmental Agency, a returnable deposit cup saves 60% CO₂ after just two uses compared to the disposable alternative. In addition, all pyro elements are ignited by a certified specialist company that uses lead-free effects. Quiet high-altitude bombs will be used for the first time in 2025 – a benefit for local residents and wildlife. Around 400 volunteers from the THW, fire department and water rescue service will ensure your safety. So you can enjoy the light spectacle with a clear conscience.