Front view of Drachenburg Castle
Tourismus NRW e.V., Baron Stephan von Sarter laid the foundation stone for Schloss Drachenburg in 1882. The stately Wilhelminian-style building is a mixture of palace, castle and villa.
The view of the Rhine from Drachenburg Castle
Tourismus NRW e.V., The view of the Rhine from Drachenburg Castle

Between Rhine and castle romanticismBonn & Rhine-Sieg district

The Beethoven Monument in Bonn on Münsterplatz
Johannes Höhn, Tourismus NRW e.V., The Beethoven Monument in Bonn on Münsterplatz
Bonn & Rhine-Sieg districtTell us about it!

I am hopelessly romantic. And I believe in great love. Do you too? Then let yourself be captivated by the unique landscape of the Siebengebirge enchant you. High above the old town of Königswinter in the Rhein-Sieg district, it stretches along the Rhine. This is where great poets such as Heinrich Heine, important painters such as William Turner and world-famous composers such as Ludwig van Beethoven have been seduced. The latter, by the way, was born just opposite, in the former federal capital of Bonn, was born just across the road. But that's just by the way. I'm sure you won't be able to resist my irresistible charms either. Just follow me and you'll see what happens to you.

It's best if we take the old cog railway. It will take us up the Drachenfels, which is shrouded in legend. When we get to the top, I'll tell you the story of the dragon that is said to have surrendered to the fair maiden on a wondrous rock. But before that, we absolutely have to visit Drachenburg Castle. I always get sentimental when I see it. Just like in a fairy tale! Come on, let's see if they'll let us in.

There's still a little way to go before we reach the top. But then! Be curious. A view over the Rhine Valley like you've perhaps never seen before awaits you. Take your time and look around. On all sides. In the distance, you might even be able to see Cologne Cathedral recognise? Or the Roland Arch? And: Do you now know why I still believe in true love?

And tell me, what do you think of a city trip?

Make your "Rhein-Sieg-Kreis" experience perfect

Want more tips?

  • The best place to enjoy a coffee with a view of the Rhine is from the Petersberg
  • On the Beethoven hiking trail, you will quickly realise why Beethoven found inspiration for his work in this landscape.
  • Cycle along the Siegauen cycle path for a relaxed ride
  • The Milchhäuschen in the middle of the forest offers the perfect break on a hike

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