Pegelhaus (Gauge House), Koblenz
Rising along the banks of the Moselle, the Gauge House (Pegelhaus) stands as one of Koblenz鈥檚 most distinctive riverfront landmarks. Built between 1609 and 1611 under the direction of Elector Lothar von Metternich, with master builder Johann Pasqualini overseeing the project, the octagonal structure was originally constructed as a Rhine crane. In its early years, it played a crucial role in loading and unloading goods from ships, a reminder of the city鈥檚 centuries-old importance as a hub of river trade at the meeting point of the Rhine and Moselle.
The building鈥檚 function evolved. After the crane machinery was removed in 1839, the structure was adapted as a gauging station, where officials measured the ever-changing water levels of the Rhine. This work was essential to navigation and commerce, ensuring that tolls could be fairly assessed and river traffic could proceed safely. Today, the Gauge House is still associated with this heritage, as the water level recorded here is one of 22 official gauges used to regulate navigation along the Rhine.
Architecturally, the Gauge House is notable for its compact, octagonal shape and profiled base, reflecting the practical yet elegant style of early 17th-century design. The fa莽ade carries a sense of sturdy functionality, while the addition of a glazed roof over the entrance caf茅 area has given the building a contemporary dimension. To the right of the entrance, you can trace centuries of local history by examining the carved flood marks that record the river鈥檚 most dramatic rises. On the opposite wall, a distinctive blue water-level clock continues to register the Moselle鈥檚 height, connecting present-day visitors to generations of navigators who once relied on this very gauge.
Today, the Gauge House has found a new life as a restaurant, allowing visitors to dine with panoramic views of the river while surrounded by layers of history. Be it a leisurely meal or a brief visit, the building offers a moment to reflect on Koblenz鈥檚 enduring relationship with its rivers and the vital role they have played in shaping the city鈥檚 story.
The building鈥檚 function evolved. After the crane machinery was removed in 1839, the structure was adapted as a gauging station, where officials measured the ever-changing water levels of the Rhine. This work was essential to navigation and commerce, ensuring that tolls could be fairly assessed and river traffic could proceed safely. Today, the Gauge House is still associated with this heritage, as the water level recorded here is one of 22 official gauges used to regulate navigation along the Rhine.
Architecturally, the Gauge House is notable for its compact, octagonal shape and profiled base, reflecting the practical yet elegant style of early 17th-century design. The fa莽ade carries a sense of sturdy functionality, while the addition of a glazed roof over the entrance caf茅 area has given the building a contemporary dimension. To the right of the entrance, you can trace centuries of local history by examining the carved flood marks that record the river鈥檚 most dramatic rises. On the opposite wall, a distinctive blue water-level clock continues to register the Moselle鈥檚 height, connecting present-day visitors to generations of navigators who once relied on this very gauge.
Today, the Gauge House has found a new life as a restaurant, allowing visitors to dine with panoramic views of the river while surrounded by layers of history. Be it a leisurely meal or a brief visit, the building offers a moment to reflect on Koblenz鈥檚 enduring relationship with its rivers and the vital role they have played in shaping the city鈥檚 story.
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Pegelhaus (Gauge House) on Map
Sight Name: Pegelhaus (Gauge House)
Sight Location: Koblenz, Germany (See walking tours in Koblenz)
Sight Type: Food/Drink
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Koblenz, Germany (See walking tours in Koblenz)
Sight Type: Food/Drink
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Koblenz, Germany
Create Your Own Walk in Koblenz
Creating your own self-guided walk in Koblenz is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Koblenz Introduction Walking Tour
Local legends say that one 16th century robber stuck out his tongue before being executed. Instead of finding this event grim, Koblenz residents made the cheeky robber a symbol, nowadays immortalized in the shape of a little boy's statue.
The city's name comes from the Latin ad confluentes, meaning 鈥渁t the confluence鈥�, referring to the meeting point of the great rivers Moselle... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.2 Km or 2.6 Miles
The city's name comes from the Latin ad confluentes, meaning 鈥渁t the confluence鈥�, referring to the meeting point of the great rivers Moselle... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.2 Km or 2.6 Miles