Stretching out for a full 12km along the Rhine river banks, Niederkassel is paradise when it comes to experiencing “real” Germany. It’s also a great outdoor paradise. While the Rhine does flood parts of the town periodically, it also gives the city a green and lush feel that is a welcome break from the plains surrounding it.
You don’t have to fight throngs of brainless tourists to walk the river banks or explore the ruins of the Lülsdorf Castle. Although Niederkassel is only 10km from Bonn and 15km south of Cologne, the low cost airport hubs there aren’t dumping hordes of people off here. It makes the town a real win-win as a getaway spot for a weekend of real relaxation — convenient to major transport areas, but somehow completely off the map.
For entertainment, you can explore the many neighborhoods and districts of the town. Evidence of settlement goes back to 800 B.C., giving each area time to develop its own character.
Lülsdorf is the oldest, with great pride of place and pride in the formerly powerful Lords of Lülsdorf, who governed the area in the Middle Ages. This area of town has looming neo-gothic stonework and the greatest concentration of ruins and historical plaques. Bringing a camera with you will help you take advantage of the contrast between the old, new, river and sky.
At night you can hire a boat at the Mondorf marina to take you along the river, or simply relax in the town square. Ask around for the best hiking recommendations for the next day or plan a green time at the nearby Clostermanns Hof eV Golfclub.
The locals take their outdoor sports quite seriously, and if you are lucky at dinner downtown you may even spot local sports celebrities Nina Shiffer, the 2007 German swim champion, or Lisa Born Beautiful, their Olympic pentathlon entrant.
