A city break to Königswinter is simply a must for anyone planning a mini break to the Rhein-Sieg-Kreis in North Rhine-Westphalia. The picturesque little town between Bonn and Bad Honnef lies directly on the River Rhine and offers a wonderful view of the Siebengebirge and Petersberg Mountains. According to legend, Königswinter's name originates from the time of Charlemagne. The city is first mentioned, however, in the year 1342. The woods surrounding the Siebengebirge, part of the oldest nature reserve in Germany, invite you to delve into nature.
In the Siebengebirgsmuseum, opened in 1939, visitors are treated to an extensive exhibition on the geology and history of the area. You can also learn a lot about the culture and traditions of the Siebengebirge in the Regional Museum. The town's large aquarium, Sea Life, sits on the promenade along the bank of the Rhine. Inside, over a space of 2000 or so square metres, there are more than 6000 different sea creatures in over 30 aquaria to admire. In the Sea Life Centre, there are also many different exhibitions to see, for example, Captain Nemo's Empire and the Nibelungen Treasure, where the fauna of the Middle Rhine is displayed.
Schloss Drachenburg, a listed building, sits enthroned on the Drachenfels and is the most beautiful castle on the Rhine. The corner stone of the neo-Romantic castle was laid in 1882. Nowadays the castle is often home to exhibitions. On the 321 metre-high Drachenfels you will also find the ruined castle of the same name, built in 1149. You can scale what is officially the most-climbed mountain in Europe either on foot or with the cogwheel railway, and enjoy the beautiful view from the top.
During your city break to Königswinter you should also take a look round the four most famous town quarters. Stieldorf lies just a few kilometres from Bonn and provides stunning rural scenery. Ittenbach is a well-known recreational area at the foot of the Großer Ölberg Mountain and lies right beside the Siebengebirge Nature Reserve. Oberpleis is one of Königswinter's oldest areas and is mentioned as early as 859. The Thomasberg Mountain was particularly known for basalt mining. Visitors can even take a look at an original cart from the former quarry there.
On a city trip to Königswinter you should also check out one of the town's many events. In addition to the Pfingsten celebrations at Pentecost, and the Wine and Harvest Festivals in September, a short trip to Königswinter in May is well worthwhile in order to see, proverbially speaking, the Rhine "in flames” due to an impressive fireworks show with music.
