The famous Kreuzbergkirche is located on Stationsweg in Poppelsdorf. A place of pilgrimage stood on the site before the Elector Ferdinand allowed the Baroque church to be built there in 1627. The entry-way was first added under Elector Clemens August. The well known builder Balthasar Neumann designed the splendid stone steps which lead to the altar. The church was renovated for around two million Marks in the middle of the nineties, and the partly lost original decoration from 1750 was restored.
Bonn's green oasis is definitely the Rheinauenpark, ideal for long walks, picnics on one of the lawns, or a barbecue in one of the designated areas. In summer, you can also go rowing, or play with a remote-controlled boat on the Auen lake and if that's not enough, there is also an adventure play area for the kids and beer gardens for adults.
Botanische Garten der Universität Bonn is an oasis of peace and quiet in the middle of the city. The original gardens were re-landscaped in 1819 and still bear the typical English elements that were the flavor of the day in the early 19th Century. Visitors can admire a host of exotic plants ranging from Amazonian water lilies to orchids from the tropical rain forests. The giant North American trees are particularly striking.
The Haus der Geschichte (History House) of the Federal Republic of Germany is a must for all. Post 1945 German history is portrayed here in an interesting manner -with text captions, historical objects and photos illustrating historical events. The information here is not restricted to politics, the visitor also learns interesting facts about the history of society, art, culture as well as the economic situations. Technical aids such as screens, listening posts and info-drawers make the visit a relaxing journey through Germany's recent history. You can sit on one of the original seats from the plenary chamber to observe parliamentary debates from the fifties and sixties.
This neo-classical building, which contains one of Germany's most important Zoological collections, was built at the beginning of the 20th Century. The Alexander Koenig Research Museum, with its preserved animals and exhibits, offers an exciting afternoon for families. Over 3000 animals are on display in their natural surroundings. From local birds to exotic mammals and huge skeletons of extinct ostriches, it's all here. The bird collection has 70,000 exhibits and is particularly extensive. The egg collection is just as important and unique. The corridor to the vivarium is also impressive, as a few living reptiles are on display.
The Arithmeum pays tribute to the rise and development of mechanical machinery that existed before the technological age. This mathematics museum in the heart of Bonn exhibits a unique collection of calculators and mathematical machinery. Bernhard Korte, the founder of Arithmeum included pieces of his own private collection to those at the museum bringing in a total of 1200 pieces that were used extensively before the age of computers. The calculators here include some of the biggest and most complex thus drawing a vast number of students and enthusiasts of mathematics to the museum.
Bisected by the serpentine sinew of the Rhine River, Bonn is one of Germany's oldest cities, a city forged of a storied historic past, a strong cultural base, and a love for art and food. While it may hold lesser significance on Germany's power map today, it was settled by the Romans in the Middle Ages, and was the former capital of West Germany in 1949. It was also the birthplace of influential German composer Ludwig van Beethoven. While the seat of power has long since shifted to Berlin, and Beethoven's legacy continues to permeate through the city's soul, Bonn flourishes as Germany's commercial and cultural center. Historic vestiges of its erstwhile stint as the state's capital remain in structures like Palais Schaumburg and Villa Hammerschmidt. There is also an eclectic range of world-class museums that fill Bonn's atmospheric corners, from historic homes and local history museums, to art and science museums. Bonn's street culture is also bolstered a great deal by the diversity of students who attend the prestigious University of Bonn, creating a milieu of summertime cafes and beer gardens that thrive around the campus.
Until the year 1844, there was only a small railway station in Bonn, which served as a termination point. As the railways were extended towards the south, the station had to be rebuilt and made much bigger. The building process began in 1882, and was completed in 1885. This building, done in Italian Renaissance style with sandstone and brick facades, still serves as the main station today. The old station was rebuilt in Rolandseck after it was torn down, where it now serves as a culture and art center.
Bonn Information aids visitors of Bonn in organizing their trip. The center offers information on accommodations, sightseeing and tours, restaurants, and more. Tourists are urged to take advantage of these resources. Travel isn't supposed to be stressful. Bonn Information can help you relax and have fun on your trip.
The Rheinische Landesmuseum founded in 1820 is very centrally situated. Visitors to the museum can see exhibits and documents from various eras (from the Stone Age to the present day), as well as experience a bit of Rhenish history. A 50,000 year old skull of a Neanderthal, various Roman soldiers' grave stones as well as the huge rock altar of the Hercules Saxanus from the Brohltal are only a few examples of the extensive collection. The art collection includes work by the artists Barthel Bruyn Senior, Hann Trier, Leo Breuer and A.van Dyck. In addition, there is a section which exclusively deals with contemporary Rhenish art. The museum also houses a public library that boasts an extensive collection of books on archaeology and art history, and is open from Monday to Friday, 8a to 6p. Other features include a restaurant and a gift shop. Guided group tours of the museum can be arranged for schools and private groups.
This wonderful building borders the north west side of the Münsterplatz. It was built in 1876. Till today it is known as the Royal Palace. In those days, the building was the living quarters of the founder dean Rademacher. The post office symbol can be seen in the gable of the Baroque canon house, and the rebuilding and cleaning measures, which were started in 1997, were finished in the year 2000.