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Bonn - endearing city on the banks of the romantic river Rhine
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BONN - For over forty years Bonn was the capital city of the Federal Republic
of Germany. This relatively small city on the banks of the river Rhine had to
face up to an enormous challenge when the seat of government was moved to Berlin.
Bonn has now superbly mastered this metamorphosis, and the legacy remaining from
its time as a capital city, draws many tourists to Bonn today. The "Democratic
path” tour, which was introduced in 2004, takes visitors to twelve major locations
in the city which were the scenes of the making of German politics. Information
boards in German and English elucidate the political significance of each of the
locations and explain the use the buildings are being put to today thus giving
visitors an insight into contemporary history.
Bonn is famous as the home of Ludwig van Beethoven - one of the greatest composers
of our time. The room at the back of Bonngasse 20, in which Ludwig van Beethoven
was born in 1770, leaves visitors speechless. The museum’s fascinating exhibits
including Beethoven’s ear trumpets, instruments and scores provide an interesting
insight into the life of the composer. Not only does the city offer walks in the
footsteps of this great man but, of course, there are opportunities throughout
the year to hear live performances of his works culminating in the Beethoven festival
held every autumn. The festival comprises some 50 concerts given by top international
orchestras and leading soloists at a wide variety of attractive locations in and
around the city.
Bonn is also the gateway to the romantic river Rhine. The Siebengebirge hills
overlooking the city, crowned with numerous castles and lined with forests and
vineyards are steeped in myths and legends - one only has to think of the Rolandsbogen
and the Drachenfels. A boat tour along the Rhine following the line of the Siebengebirge
has always been a highlight of the tour of Germany for many of our foreign visitors.
The "Rhine in Flames” held every first Saturday in May is still one of the most
popular events of the year. On this evening, the river is one continuous column
of ships floating past the numerous sights along the banks of the Rhine all beautifully
illuminated by Bengal fire whilst fireworks light up the night sky. The mild climate
of the Rhine valley encourages the outdoor life and the staging of open-air events.
Bonn makes particularly good use of the excellent weather in the summer when life
moves out of the buildings and onto the streets where there is a wealth of free
entertainment to enjoy. The Rhine people are well known for their joie de vivre
which guests to the region find quite infectious. The arts also play an extremely
important role in Bonn.
Almost 30 museums mean than Bonn is becoming more and more popular with guests
looking for a culturally oriented holiday. The museum mile in Bonn is a huge magnet
drawing some two-and-a-half million visitors a year. The Art and Exhibition Hall
in Bonn stages a wide range of top quality art exhibitions attracting visitors
from all over the world. |
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