Monographie Bonn-Rhein-Sieg

CITY-LAND-RIVER – EXPERIENCING NATURE AND URBAN FLAIR
Although the political heart of the reunited Germany no
longer beats in Bonn, the city’s veins are still brimming
with urban vitality. The charm of the Rhine metropolitan
city and its romantic surroundings ensure the region’s
popularity as a true tourist magnet.
According to legend, the natural scientist and globetrotter
Alexander von Humboldt, was said to have stood at “alten
Zoll” more than 200 years ago. From here, he looked
out across the Rhine toward the Siebengebirge on the other
side of the river and stated that this view was the most
beautiful panorama to be found on earth. Rhine roman -
ticism, which also has many roots around Bonn, has remained
vibrant to this very day, and the magic of this landscape
also captivates visitors from around the world in
modern times.
With more than 2.8 million overnight stays and about 8,000
socially-insured employees in the hotel and guest industry,
tourism is a significant business factor in the Bonn/Rhein-
Sieg region. Apart from business and congress tourism, it is
especially nature lovers and cultural fans who are attracted
to this region. In the tourism field, it can easily be seen that
there is a good response to products which have been
developed. It is especially the combination possibilities of
city and region, for instance culture and nature, which are
increasingly being requested. Here, different elements such
as Beethoven and the romantic Rhine River or a visit to the
Museum Mile are combined“, Udo Schäfer, managing di -
rector of Tourismus & Congress GmbH Bonn/Rhein-Sieg/
Ahrweiler region (T&C) explains the positive trend in the first
half of the year 2016. With an overall plus of 1.7 percent in
the first six months of 2016, the Bonn/Rhein-Sieg region
reflects a higher average than that of the NRW, which is at
1.2 percent. As such, it can hold its ground in the Rhineland
ranking.
The field of tension of opposites
Global politics were practised in Bonn for five decades.
Following the government’s relocation, many were very
concerned that the Rhine metropolitan region could fall into
a form of Sleeping Beauty-like oblivion – a fear that for -
tunately never materialised. Today, Bonn is once again as
cosmopolitan as in the era of Brandt, Schmidt and Co. Those
who visit the city of Beethoven are delighted by the modern,
vibrant and open-minded metropolitan city – and are happy
to come again. Yet, what is it that characterises the city’s
attractiveness, with its 320,000 inhabitants and 2,000-yearold
history? It is especially the appeal of these contrasts that
attracts the visitors’ interest. Here, international flair meets
Rhenish identity and savoir vivre. The city offers a number
of different faces: cosmopolitan and yet idyllic. Relaxed, but
not sedate. Not too big, yet not provincial. The city is
modern, yet traditional and atmospheric.
With the large number of preserved historic buildings and
the location along the romantic Rhine River, there can be no
doubt that Bonn is an exceptionally attractive city. Everything
the heart could wish for is within easy reach. With one
of the largest continuous pedestrian zones in Germany, the
historic centre is a special highlight for tourists and locals
alike. A large number of shops lace the narrow little streets
and invite shoppers to come in and browse at their leisure.
In the multicultural and historic part of town, “Südstadt”,
there are beautiful Gründerzeit houses. In Poppelsdorf or
along the Endenich cultural mile, people who are in search
of a meal are sure to find something to fit every taste and
every budget.
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