European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - September 15, 1994, Darmstadt, Hesse                                Germany Holger Niermann and Jens welter wait outside the youth Hostel for their room assignments. They had hiked from Switzerland and were headed toward Cologne. A modern replica of an enormous statue of Kaiser Wilhelm i dominates the. Deutsche Eck. The original was destroyed in the last months of world War ii. A Little girl splashes in one of the town s fountains. Continued from Page 3 of which were built More than a thousand years ago still stand As a testament of its historic Beauty. Koblenz proves to be a natural draw for germans As Well As foreigners visiting the Rhineland. For those of us who live close by it s a very Nice City to see for a couple of Days remarked Eligius Rieger from nearby diez. Many come Here to eat to shop and to sightseer in the old City. It s also a wonderful place to taste the great wines produced in the Region especially in the  there Are endless things to do in Koblenz whether it s wine tasting sightseeing Bike Riding or just enjoying a leisurely stroll along one of the two riverbanks. If the City itself is not enough on the other Side of the Rhine looms the Ehre Breitstein fortress. Accessible by vehicle bicycle foot or Cable car it is a must see for those visiting Koblenz. As some of the More adventurous find out the most challenging Way to see the fortress is by the Footpath. Toting a 40-Pound Backpack Sara Mummey of Spokane wash., wiped the sweat from her brow and hoped that the grueling journey up the Mountain was not  in vain. There is a youth Hostel up Here right she pleadingly asked. The attendant at the Entrance of the fortress gave an affirmative nod and pointed the Way. Mummey and her German Friend Christiane Jordan smiled a sigh of Relief gathered their belongings and headed for their destination. The jugend Herbergs or youth Hostel is located inside the Ehre Breitstein fortress overlooking the City of Koblenz. It is a very popular stopping place for Young travellers like Mummey and Jordan. With Over 185 Beds eating facilities and a delightfully panoramic View of the Rhine and Moselle valleys the fortress youth Hostel is touted to be one of the finest in Europe. Several historical museums within the fortress Are an added Bonus for those staying at the Hostel. But the biggest appeals for boarders Are the inexpensive Cost for lodging under 20 Marks about $12 and the opportunities to meet other youths from different parts of the world. The Overall environment encourages an intercultural interaction among the guests. Germans italians British americans australians and Many More can be heard swapping stories of their travel adventures. If not staying the night daytime visitors will enjoy exploring the Many passageways and spaces throughout the fortress. For More information on the fortress or the Hostel Call 0621/73737. 4 stripes Magazine september 15, 1994