BEETHOVEN’S CITY ON THE MIGHTY RHINE

Ludwig van Beethoven is indisputably Bonn’s most illustrious son, and the city is proud to present the largest Beethoven collection in the world with original scores and instruments in the house where he was born. Visitors to Bonn in September or October have the opportunity to listen to his wonderful music at the annual Beethoven Festival. Numerous music-loving guests are already looking forward to 2021, when Bonn will catch up with celebrating the 250th anniversary (back in 2020) of Beethoven’s birth throughout the whole year. You’ll find Beethoven’s birthplace in “Bonngasse” street in the heart of the historic town center.

Here, the Romanesque cathedral with its roughly 900-year old cloister, the rococo-style Old Town Hall, the Electoral Palace – now home to the University of Bonn – and the imposing Wilhelminian-style buildings together form a magnificent backdrop for your stroll through the town. The northern end of the historic city center merges into the Old Town. A bustling district with cobblestone streets where you will find small stores, nostalgic book shops, cozy cafés and charming taverns. In spring, Japan sends its greetings when the streets “Heerstrasse” and “Breite Strasse” become awash in a sea of pink cherry blossoms.

Another spectacular highlight is watching the Rose Monday carnival procession in the Old Town.
The 2,000-year old city has also made plenty of history in modern times. For 50 years, Bonn was the capital of the Federal Republic of Germany before parts of the government moved to Berlin. In the “Bundesviertel” – the government quarter – you can tread the “Path of Democracy” with informative picture panels that, among other locations, guide you to the “Palais Schaumburg” – the Chancellor’s second official residence – and “Villa Hammerschmidt”, the Bonn domicile of the German President.
Art and culture aficionados should make sure to take in the “Museumsmeile” (Museum Mile). Here, the Art and Exhibition Hall of the Federal Republic of Germany presents exhibitions of international renown.

In the “Kunstmuseum Bonn” (Bonn Art Museum), itself an architectural masterpiece, 20th-century modern art wows its visitors.
The “Haus der Geschichte” (House of History) of the Federal Republic of Germany offers an interactive insight into German politics and everyday life.
Fans of technology are sure to get their money’s worth at the “Deutsches Museum” (German Museum), while the Alexander Koenig Zoological Research Museum is a paradise for natural history enthusiasts.
The stunning location of the city on the Rhine river also makes it an ideal starting point for a lovely walk along the water, or for a romantic boat trip in the Rhine valley. Cast off for a wonderful day in Bonn!

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