Rhine Advent Magic Downstream

This 2000-year-old city resembles something from a Black Forest fairy tale with its cobbled squares and medieval half-timbered houses. Strasbourg is the largest city in the Grand Est region of France, the formal site of the European Parliament, and shares a border with Germany. This bi-cultural history is evident throughout the city’s architecture, culture, and food.

The UNESCO world heritage protected, Grand Ile is the historical heart of the city and home to the Romanesque-Gothic masterpiece, the Cathedral de Notre Dame. A 332-step climb to the Cathedral roof provides stunning views across the city. Nearby, Gutenberg Square is a great spot to enjoy a relaxing drink on one of the outdoor terraces. Its small size makes the Grand Ile ideal to explore on foot and it is truly the best way to take in the breathtaking sights and atmosphere of stunning Strasbourg.

Located in the Baden-Wurttemberg region, Karlsruhe is close to the French border and is well-known as one of the most important technologies and science hubs in Germany. First established in the early 1700s, the city is home to an attractive market square from which all of the streets radiate outwards. Enjoy a meal at one of the restaurants on the Kaiserstrasse or visit the city museum which is located in the historic castle. Alternatively, shop until you drop at the Ettlinger Tor shopping mall or visit one of the popular local attractions such as the Karlsruhe Zoo, the ZKM (or Center for Art & Media), or the Palace with its vast gardens where you can take some time out to relax and unwind.

Frankfurt am Main is considered to be a banking city with numerous high-rise buildings in the city center, which can be seen from afar. The Main River invites you to special destinations with excursion boats. In the historical center of Frankfurt, the Römer is the town hall. Here on the Römerberg, picturesque half-timbered houses are lined up, some of which have only recently been reconstructed. Also nearby are Goethe’s birthplace, the Goethe House, and the Paulskirche a monument to the beginning of democracy.

This beautiful city is part of the Rhine Gorge UNESCO World Heritage Site situated alongside the River Rhine in Germany. There have been vineyards on the steep slopes of Rüdesheim since the first century when the Romans occupied the site. There are several ancient castles within the confines of the city including the ruined Burg Ehrehfels and the atmospheric twelfth-century fortress, the Boosenburg which often hosts many popular live concerts. The stone castle of Brömserburg which dates back to the tenth century is the location of a museum dedicated to wine. Near the city’s Market Square is the beautiful church of St. Jakobus which was largely constructed in the early fourteenth century. It is now a venue for the Rheingau Musik Festival of classical and choral music. The city hosts many other festivals including a summertime firework display, a wine festival, and a Christmas market.

The German city of Coblenz enjoys a fabulous geographical setting. It lies at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers (what a treat for riverboat cruise trips) and the convergence of three low mountain ranges, the Westerwald, Hunsrück, and the Eifel (great photo opportunities). It is a popular destination for exploring the romantic Rhine Valley. It is a rather unimposing town mostly visited because of its strategic position but it is welcoming and pleasant with a good range of bars and restaurants in a pedestrianized center.

There are some interesting attractions, a major one being the Deutsches Eck, a park with a huge statue of Kaiser Wilhelm whose base provides a great position to view the point where the Rhine and Moselle meet. The best time to visit Koblenz is in August during the festival Rhein in Flammen (the Rhine in Flames) when there is a splendid fireworks display.

Prior to German reunification, the city of Bonn was the capital of the Federal State of West Germany. The city is located on the River Rhine within the German Federal State of North Rhine-Westphalia.

Of interest to visitors is the Beethoven House. The museum is dedicated to the life and works of the world-famous classical music composer, Ludwig Van Beethoven. A major landmark within the city is the Roman Catholic cathedral known as Bonn Minster. The structure of this building was developed during the period between the eleventh and thirteenth centuries. The Market Square is a magnet for architecture fans who love to marvel at the Rococo buildings. The old City Hall is found in this area and is a popular venue for tourists. The city’s University is home to the Poppelsdorf Palace. This 18th-century building houses natural science artifacts and is close to the city’s botanical gardens

Cologne is a Gothic masterpiece, anchored by its world-famous cathedral whose twin spires dominate the city skyline. Founded by the Romans in 38 BC, it grew as an important trading town to become the fourth largest city in Germany. A popular stopping-off point on Rhine river cruises, the city is a charm to walk around to explore antique streets full of interesting architecture which besides the cathedral includes a number of splendid churches and medieval buildings (such as City Hall which dates from the 12th century is the oldest in Germany).

Modern-day Cologne has a liberal joie de vivre with an appreciation for culture from both ends of the spectrum. Visitors can enjoy the avant-garde and postmodern alongside the antique splendor and enjoy diverse pursuits from a visit to a chocolate museum to a lively night out on the tiles in the beer halls of the Altstadt district.

Düsseldorf, the capital and second-largest city of North Rhine-Westphalia, is a mix of old and new Germany. The Altstadt, or Old Town, is centrally located behind the Rhine Embankment Promenade and has been dubbed “the longest bar in the world” due to the estimated 300 bars and discos in the area. Shopping aficionados will be more than pleased with the variety of shops and interesting boutiques on Königsallee and Schadowstraße while fans of history and culture will not want to miss visiting St. Lambertus Church, the Rathaus (Town Hall) or the 13th-century Schlossturm (Castle Tower) which houses the nautical museum. Those with more time on their hands may also consider short trips to visit the Baroque-style 18th-century mansion of Schloss Benrath or the 12th-century ruins of Kaiserpfalz in the picturesque town of Kaiserswerth.