New bronze plates expand the William Turner Route in Koblenz!

New bronze plates expand the William Turner Route in Koblenz!

In Koblenz and Rüdesheim, the fascination of Rhine romanticism comes to life with new bronze plates. On September 2, 2025, two new panels were installed on the banks of the Rhine in Koblenz, while another one was installed in Rüdesheim. These new additions expand the existing William Turner Route, which marks the important painting locations of the legendary English painter Joseph Mallord William Turner. Who would have thought that the traces of an artist who lived in the 19th century would still manifest themselves so remarkably today?

William Turner was not only a great artist, but also found a source of inspiration particularly in the Middle Rhine Valley. His impressive powers of observation allowed him to masterfully capture the light and colors of the landscape in his works. The new bronze plates, which currently total 26 locations, have a round shape that symbolically captures the painter's point of view. Recessed footprints on the plates also indicate the direction Turner would have chosen. The QR code also offers a special feature, which visitors can use to access the William Turner Route website - here you can find information about Turner's travels and works.

The new locations and the celebration

The ceremonial inauguration of the new locations was celebrated in the best weather. Among the guests were Volker Boch and State Secretary Simone Schneider, who presented the deed of donation for the plates to Mayor David Langner. The new records can be found at the following locations:

• Koblenz: Am Rheinufer auf einem kleinen Podest, flussauf des Pegelhauses.
• Koblenz: Am Rheinufer, flussauf des Biergartens „An der Königsbach“.
• Rüdesheim: Auf dem Wirtschaftsweg, flussab der Ruine Ehrenfels (Installation im Herbst 2025).

Following the redesign of this route, a visit to the Middle Rhine Museum took place, where the special exhibition "Too beautiful! The English view of the Rhine" is presented. This exhibition shows works of Rhine Romanticism, including a watercolor by Turner, and can be viewed until September 7, 2025.

Turner's influence and the development of the route

The William Turner Route is not only a homage to the artist, but also part of the funding measures to develop the World Heritage region on the Middle Rhine. This region became Germany's first important tourist destination at the beginning of the 19th century and still attracts visitors today. The installation of the new panels is another step in the continued expansion of the route, which is expected to be completed next year.

Turner himself visited Koblenz several times, with his stay in August 1817 being particularly notable. At that time he recorded his impressions in the sketchbook “Waterloo and Rhine” and also documented the impressive Ehrenbreitstein Fortress and the city of Koblenz. These sketches provided the basis for wonderful watercolors that impressively demonstrate his feeling for light and color and still serve as a reference for the beauty of the landscape for many today.

So if you are looking for historical and artistic experiences in beautiful Hesse, you should not miss the William Turner Route. It makes clear how timeless the art is and how strongly it remains interwoven with the region.