Bonn — Former Capital, Now University City

You probably know Bonn from times when Germany was separated, right? It was our former capital of the Federal Republic of Germany — or West Germany.

Since Berlin became the capital of the “New Germany” again, several national as well as governmental institutions moved from Bonn to Berlin. Both houses of the German national parliament moved along with the Chancellery, yet even now it remains a center of politics and administration still.

Bonn is located about 20 km (13 mi) south of the 1 million city Cologne on the Rhine river, still in the federal state of North Rhine-Westphalia (Nordrhein-Westfalen).

Nowadays, the 319,000 people urban district is regarded as a vibrant university city, having one of the largest universities of Germany. And it’s a cultural center that hosts high-status concerts and exhibitions. It’s also a center for technologies of the future and the headquarters for several United Nations organizations.

People in and around the city, in fact, recognize how to enjoy the good things in life. For example, during summer, they love to head for the wine bars along the Rhine to enjoy the views of the Siebengebirge hills, a densely wooded area with more than 40 hills.

You will love to visit the old part of the city, which possesses remarkable buildings on much-admired squares. The rococo-style Altes Rathaus (Old City Hall) on the Marktplatz (Market Square), the bronze Beethoven statue on Münsterplatz (Minster Square), and the beautiful Romanesque minster are among them to be enjoyed.

And you will surely love to see the Poppelsdorf Palace (Poppelsdorfer Schloss), which is a wonderful former Electors’ residence in the south of the city. And speaking of palaces, the Kurfürstliches Schloss (Electoral Palace) in the city center, between Main Station and Rhine River, is another highlight of Bonn.

Beethoven House, in the center, is another “point of attraction.” Yes, it is the house where Ludwig van Beethoven was born. This site has turned out to be a place of pilgrimage for music lovers from all over the world. It is the only house in city to have been engaged by the Beethoven family in which 150 original exhibits reflect his life and works, and include his famous portrait and his last grand piano.

Bottom line, this region provides a means of delightful possibilities. You might love to take up the excursions into the idyllic Siegtal valley, the romantic Siebengebirge hills with its fabled Drachenfels ruins, or the walking and wine-growing paradise along the Ahr river.

And if you are with your family, the Phantasialand theme park offers entertainment for your entire family, for up to two days! :-)