Bonn / Rhine valley

Bonn, the former capital of Germany, is located between the Siebengebirge and the Eifel foreland. After the government’s move to Berlin, many companies have settled especially in the former government quarter. Although 40.000 students are living in Bonn, the town has a quiet and sometimes sleepy character with a lot of flair.

The old “Kurfürstliche Residenzschloss” (electoral residence) sited in the town centre and the “Poppelsdorfer Schloss” (Poppelsdorf Castle), which are connected by a long avenue, host the university and several museums. The Romanesque-style “Bonner Münster”, which was built as a double choir transept basilica in between the years 1060 and 1080, belongs to the tourist attractions as well as Beethoven’s birth house.

The “Museumsmeile” (museums’ mile) comprising several high-class museums such as the “Haus der Geschichte” (museum of history), the “Kunst- und Austellungshalle” (arts and exhibition hall) and the “Deutsches Museum” (museum of German history) is definitely worth a visit. A diverse cultural programme rounds the picture off.

The Siebengebirge is located opposite the former government quarter on the other side of the Rhine. The “Drachenfels”, one of the most famous mountains, can be ascended either by foot, by rackrailway or riding donkeys. The towns of Königswinter and Bad Hönningen are popular tour destinations; bowling tours to these locations are legendary.

The Rhine valley can be explored ideally on a boat tour. During the summer the boats go on a regular basis and one can get on board at several stops.

Dozens of wine festivals take place in autumn, and one can also try local wines at extensive wine tastings in many villages located at the rivers Rhine and Mosel.