Rhine Ablaze Between Spay and Koblenz - Debut Features Drone Spectacle
The summer festival "Rhein in Flammen" is set to light up the city of Koblenz and the Middle Rhine region on August 9, 2025. This annual event, with a rich tradition spanning over 200 years, is Germany's largest and oldest fireworks show.
The festival commences in Koblenz on August 4, 2025, with fairground rides available from 2:00 PM. The main day, however, takes place on August 5, 2025, when Europe's largest boat parade, featuring around 75 illuminated boats, will travel the 17 km stretch between Spay and Koblenz. Along the way, castles and mansions on the Rhine will be illuminated with Bengal lights, creating a breathtaking spectacle.
The highlight of the event is the spectacular final fireworks display over the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress in Koblenz, attracting approximately 250,000 spectators on the riverbanks and 20,000 guests on the boats. A new addition to the festival this year is a drone show, featuring up to 400 drones and colorful LED lights, starting at 11:00 PM.
In addition to Koblenz, "Rhein in Flammen" is also celebrated in several other communities along the Middle Rhine, including Spay, Braubach, Rhens, and Lahnstein. The nearby towns of Rüdesheim and Bingen also host their own "Rhein in Flammen" festivals annually on the first Saturday in July.
For those planning to attend the Koblenz festival, public transport is highly recommended. Koblenz central station is easily accessible from many German cities, and local trains and buses run extended services until about 3:00 AM to accommodate visitors leaving the event. Special late-night trains run from Koblenz Hauptbahnhof after midnight to nearby cities like Bingen and Trier.
Visitors are advised to plan their travel and accommodation in advance, as the festival attracts large crowds. Residents in the city center should expect changed traffic management, and the organizers recommend traveling by bus and train due to potential traffic congestion.
Detailed information about the program for all towns along the "Rhein in Flammen" route can be found on the official Rhein in Flammen website. The Cologne band "Höhner" performed on Friday evening, and Sunday is a family day with karaoke and face painting from 12:00 to 18:00.
This year, the city of Koblenz expects around 140,000 people at "Rhein in Flammen", and up to 90,000 visitors attended the festival on Saturday, August 5, 2023. The festival promises a memorable experience, combining spectacular fireworks, illuminated river scenery, and a festive atmosphere along the Middle Rhine.
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On August 5, 2025, an evening of entertainment awaits spectators as Europe's largest boat parade takes place, followed by the spectacular fireworks display over the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress in Koblenz. Also, a new addition to the festival this year is a drone show featuring up to 400 drones and colorful LED lights.
