Urban adventures around the Eifel region

The Rhine metropolis could well be called the epitome of “cosmopolitan”. Modern buildings rise undisturbed next to time-honoured walls, while the picturesque banks of the Rhine have become a vibrant meeting place for Cologne’s colourful and diverse population. Watching over all this almost stoically is the Cologne Cathedral, Germany’s largest cathedral and the landmark of the city on the Rhine. From the viewing platform on the southern of the two 157-metre-high towers, you can marvel at the city in all its beauty. And perhaps you’ll add in a walk along the Rheinauhafen harbour with its distinctive crane houses and across the Hohenzollern Bridge, past thousands of padlocks declaring eternal love.

One of its most famous residents helped this lively city on the Rhine become well-known: In 1770, the world-famous composer Ludwig van Beethoven was born in a quaint house in Bonn’s city centre. Today, the house where Beethoven was born is a tourist magnet for the public and houses the world’s largest collection on the life and work of the composer. But the former capital of the Federal Republic of Germany also has a lot to offer in other respects: Meander serenely through the enchanting old town, take a leisurely stroll through the lush green Rheinauenpark, or dive into the city’s diverse cultural life. Bonn is a real treat for city lovers.

Germany’s westernmost major city was the favourite haunt of Emperor Charlemagne and the first capital of his European empire – after a stroll through the picturesque old town, you will understand why. The imposing Aachen Cathedral, where 30 kings have been crowned since the end of the 8th century, is surrounded by numerous sagas and legends that are just waiting to be discovered. Aachen’s location at the border triangle between Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands is also unique. There is a lot to explore in this charming city. See for yourself!

Raise the curtain on Germany’s oldest city: Trier has so much to offer. You can admire not just one but several UNESCO World Heritage Sites here. These include some impressive buildings from Roman times, including the Porta Nigra. The “Black Gate” is the best-preserved Roman city gate north of the Alps. The Baths of Barbara are also worth seeing; they were the largest thermal baths of the Roman Empire outside of Rome – today, you can only imagine how magnificent they once were. But the city on the Moselle river is also a real gem in terms of enjoyment, as it lies directly in the famous Moselle wine-growing region. The lush vineyards can be admired particularly well during a boat trip on the river.