Holidays in Bonn

Bonn is a pretty university town in the West of Germany. Originally founded by the Romans as a depot for their Agrippan Legion (Castra Bonnensis) Bonn is somewhat older than nearby Cologne, which later became the capital of roman Germany. Like in Cologne, christianisation arrived early in the region, and it is not without logic that the archbishops of Cologne choose Bonn as their residence after falling out with the strong Farmer lobby (Battle of Worringen) in 1288. The residence, which was rebuilt a number of times during the Middle Ages today houses the Rheinische Friedrich Wilhem University, which counts some 24000 students. 

Bonn also was a custom station on the Rhine river, and the wealth of it's citisens is reflected in the many historical buildings throughout the town. Having been largely destroyed during the war, Bonn was chosen to be the temporary Capital of German. It was the capital of West-Germany before the fall of the wall.

Bonn itself always was a rather smakll town but by acquiring a number of villages along the Rhine and grew into a town of more than 250000 inhabitants, but still retained a somewhat laid back village like athmosphere.

A number of very interesting museums  can be found in Bonn, including the Rheinische Landesmuseum (diaplaying the famous 'NEANDERTHALER' head), the Museum Koenig with it' vast collection of stuiffed animals, the German Art Museum and also the German Modern History Museum.

Bonn is also the birth place of Ludwig van Beethoven and  this classic musican and composer is omnipresent. Don't forget to see his house of birth on Bonngasse.

The Bonners are very laid-back people who enjoy arts, history and of course a nice sip of Kölsch. The best spot to do so is at the Alter Zoll beergarden, near the university, just above the Rhine. Here you can enjoy your Beer with good food while gazing at the Siebengebirge and chatting with locals and visitors.

About 30 minutes south of Bonn in the city of Rhöndorf (take subway 66 to Bad Honnef), you can visit the Konrad-Adenauer-Haus and see where the first German Chancellor has resided during the times of the "Bonner Republik".

If time permits, go and visit the Rheinauen. It is Bonn's very own "Central Park" with several gardens, fountains, and cafes. It is also the home of several festivals.