Rhine Valley Rhapsody: Culture and Beer Gardens Galore

St. Bartholomew’s Cathedral was originally a Carolingian chapel and it has been called a cathedral since the 18 th century despite the fact that it has never been an Episcopal church in the true sense. The cathedral was dedicated to Saint Bartholomew in 1239 and was later chosen as the site where elections were held to choose the next king of the Holy Roman Empire.

Between 1562 and 1792, ten coronation ceremonies took place at the cathedral. The cathedral was damaged in a fire in August 1867 and was then reconstructed in the neo-Gothic style. Again, the cathedral was severely damaged by the bombings in WWII but was completely rebuilt by 1953. In 1987, a museum was opened in the medieval cloister of the cathedral. The museum provides visitors with information on the dramatic history of the church. Opening hours: Tue–Fri 10am–5pm, Sat, Sun, public holidays 11am–5pm MONDAYS CLOSED

St. Bartholomew’s Cathedral was originally a Carolingian chapel and it has been called a cathedral since the 18 th century despite the fact that it has never been an Episcopal church in the true sense. The cathedral was dedicated to Saint Bartholomew in 1239 and was later chosen as the site where elections were held to choose the next king of the Holy Roman Empire.

Between 1562 and 1792, ten coronation ceremonies took place at the cathedral. The cathedral was damaged in a fire in August 1867 and was then reconstructed in the neo-Gothic style. Again, the cathedral was severely damaged by the bombings in WWII but was completely rebuilt by 1953. In 1987, a museum was opened in the medieval cloister of the cathedral. The museum provides visitors with information on the dramatic history of the church. Opening hours: Tue–Fri 10am–5pm, Sat, Sun, public holidays 11am–5pm MONDAYS CLOSED

St. Bartholomew’s Cathedral was originally a Carolingian chapel and it has been called a cathedral since the 18 th century despite the fact that it has never been an Episcopal church in the true sense. The cathedral was dedicated to Saint Bartholomew in 1239 and was later chosen as the site where elections were held to choose the next king of the Holy Roman Empire.

Between 1562 and 1792, ten coronation ceremonies took place at the cathedral. The cathedral was damaged in a fire in August 1867 and was then reconstructed in the neo-Gothic style. Again, the cathedral was severely damaged by the bombings in WWII but was completely rebuilt by 1953. In 1987, a museum was opened in the medieval cloister of the cathedral. The museum provides visitors with information on the dramatic history of the church. Opening hours: Tue–Fri 10am–5pm, Sat, Sun, public holidays 11am–5pm MONDAYS CLOSED

St. Bartholomew’s Cathedral was originally a Carolingian chapel and it has been called a cathedral since the 18 th century despite the fact that it has never been an Episcopal church in the true sense. The cathedral was dedicated to Saint Bartholomew in 1239 and was later chosen as the site where elections were held to choose the next king of the Holy Roman Empire.

Between 1562 and 1792, ten coronation ceremonies took place at the cathedral. The cathedral was damaged in a fire in August 1867 and was then reconstructed in the neo-Gothic style. Again, the cathedral was severely damaged by the bombings in WWII but was completely rebuilt by 1953. In 1987, a museum was opened in the medieval cloister of the cathedral. The museum provides visitors with information on the dramatic history of the church. Opening hours: Tue–Fri 10am–5pm, Sat, Sun, public holidays 11am–5pm MONDAYS CLOSED

Hike about one mile (1.6km) from the top chairlift station to this over-the-top but undeniably impressive monument celebrating German unification.

Niederwalddenkmal (Niederwald Monument, or Statue of Germania) is a gargantuan and rather bellicose monument celebrating the 1871 foundation of the German Reich after the end of the Franco-Prussian War. Until then, most people within the new empire had continued to think of themselves first and foremost as Prussians, Bavarians or Saxons, and only secondly as Germans, so the erection of national monuments such as Germania was therefore intended to awaken German national feeling.

Hike to these castle ruins overlooking the river.

From the Niederwald Monument, you can also follow the markings to the town of Assmannshausen and the picturesque medieval castle ruins of Burg Ehrenfels facing the equally romantic Mäuseturm (Mouse Tower) on an islet in the river originally used to collect river tolls until wrecked by the French in 1688. The hike from the Niederwalddenkmal to Assmannshausen takes two hours, and from there you can take a boat or train back to Rüdesheim.

Effortlessly ascend to the top of the hills overlooking the valley and go for a walk among the vineyards and forests.

This antique 1950s chairlift offers great views over the town and the Rhine Valley that streches away to Mainz. The upper station above many of the local vineyards is close to one of the most popular tourist sights in Germany for German tourists, the Niederwalddenkmal (Niederwald Monument, or Statue of Germania). 

Hike about one mile (1.6km) from the top chairlift station to this over-the-top but undeniably impressive monument celebrating German unification.

Niederwalddenkmal (Niederwald Monument, or Statue of Germania) is a gargantuan and rather bellicose monument celebrating the 1871 foundation of the German Reich after the end of the Franco-Prussian War. Until then, most people within the new empire had continued to think of themselves first and foremost as Prussians, Bavarians or Saxons, and only secondly as Germans, so the erection of national monuments such as Germania was therefore intended to awaken German national feeling.

The light and colors of this historic city are a happy sight to behold.

The Old Town of Heidelberg, Germany, seduces with its views. Framed by the Neckar River and overlooked by the majestic Heidelberg Castle, its cobblestone streets, baroque architecture, and the oldest university in Germany beckon visitors. Highlights include the Hauptstrasse, a bustling pedestrian shopping street, and the historic Holy Spirit Church. Heidelberg's Old Town embodies the romantic spirit of Germany.

Founded in 1386, this is Germany’s oldest and one of its most prestigious universities.

The university is currently comprised of 12 faculties with over 30,000 German and international students enrolled. The college is known for its reputable science, art, law, and medical programs. The most historic facilities are located around the Universitätsplatz and dominated by the Alte Universität (Old University, 1712–28; on the south side) and the Neue Universität (New University, 1931; on the north side).

The light and colors of this historic city are a happy sight to behold.

The Old Town of Heidelberg, Germany, seduces with its views. Framed by the Neckar River and overlooked by the majestic Heidelberg Castle, its cobblestone streets, baroque architecture, and the oldest university in Germany beckon visitors. Highlights include the Hauptstrasse, a bustling pedestrian shopping street, and the historic Holy Spirit Church. Heidelberg's Old Town embodies the romantic spirit of Germany.

Founded in 1386, this is Germany’s oldest and one of its most prestigious universities.

The university is currently comprised of 12 faculties with over 30,000 German and international students enrolled. The college is known for its reputable science, art, law, and medical programs. The most historic facilities are located around the Universitätsplatz and dominated by the Alte Universität (Old University, 1712–28; on the south side) and the Neue Universität (New University, 1931; on the north side).

See Germany's most visited landmark for yourself and then climb a tower that was once the tallest in the world.

Construction began in 1248 but was paused in the 1500's and did not continue until the 19th century. Once completed in 1880, it was the tallest building in the world and to this day it has the tallest twin spires of any Gothic church in the world. The towers’ spires reach a height of 157 m (515 ft). The cathedral is as large as it is strong. During WWII the church was struck with 14 aerial bombs; its enormous size made it a good landmark for the Allied aircraft bombers. Although it was badly damaged by these attacks, it remained standing. The cathedral is home to many treasures, such as the high altar which was constructed in 1322 and is made out of solid black marble. Its most celebrated work of art is the Shrine of the Three Kings. The golden structure is believed to hold the remains to the Three Wise Men, whose remnants were brought from Milan in 1164. Those with a strong constitution can climb 533 steps to a viewing platform on the south tower.

See Germany's most visited landmark for yourself and then climb a tower that was once the tallest in the world.

Construction began in 1248 but was paused in the 1500's and did not continue until the 19th century. Once completed in 1880, it was the tallest building in the world and to this day it has the tallest twin spires of any Gothic church in the world. The towers’ spires reach a height of 157 m (515 ft). The cathedral is as large as it is strong. During WWII the church was struck with 14 aerial bombs; its enormous size made it a good landmark for the Allied aircraft bombers. Although it was badly damaged by these attacks, it remained standing. The cathedral is home to many treasures, such as the high altar which was constructed in 1322 and is made out of solid black marble. Its most celebrated work of art is the Shrine of the Three Kings. The golden structure is believed to hold the remains to the Three Wise Men, whose remnants were brought from Milan in 1164. Those with a strong constitution can climb 533 steps to a viewing platform on the south tower.

See Germany's most visited landmark for yourself and then climb a tower that was once the tallest in the world.

Construction began in 1248 but was paused in the 1500's and did not continue until the 19th century. Once completed in 1880, it was the tallest building in the world and to this day it has the tallest twin spires of any Gothic church in the world. The towers’ spires reach a height of 157 m (515 ft). The cathedral is as large as it is strong. During WWII the church was struck with 14 aerial bombs; its enormous size made it a good landmark for the Allied aircraft bombers. Although it was badly damaged by these attacks, it remained standing. The cathedral is home to many treasures, such as the high altar which was constructed in 1322 and is made out of solid black marble. Its most celebrated work of art is the Shrine of the Three Kings. The golden structure is believed to hold the remains to the Three Wise Men, whose remnants were brought from Milan in 1164. Those with a strong constitution can climb 533 steps to a viewing platform on the south tower.

See Germany's most visited landmark for yourself and then climb a tower that was once the tallest in the world.

Construction began in 1248 but was paused in the 1500's and did not continue until the 19th century. Once completed in 1880, it was the tallest building in the world and to this day it has the tallest twin spires of any Gothic church in the world. The towers’ spires reach a height of 157 m (515 ft). The cathedral is as large as it is strong. During WWII the church was struck with 14 aerial bombs; its enormous size made it a good landmark for the Allied aircraft bombers. Although it was badly damaged by these attacks, it remained standing. The cathedral is home to many treasures, such as the high altar which was constructed in 1322 and is made out of solid black marble. Its most celebrated work of art is the Shrine of the Three Kings. The golden structure is believed to hold the remains to the Three Wise Men, whose remnants were brought from Milan in 1164. Those with a strong constitution can climb 533 steps to a viewing platform on the south tower.

Experience the thermal springs which first drew settlers to Aachen.

There are more than 30 mineral-rich springs in the Aachen area. One of these springs, the so-called “Rosenquelle”, is located directly beneath the city and continuously supplies the Carolus Thermen with fresh mineral water of 47° celsius (116° F) temperature. With eight indoor and outdoor pools of various temperatures and several other interesting features, it is one of the city's most visited baths.

Smell and taste the sulphurous minerals springs which symbolize the city’s long history of thermal baths.

Located in a neo-classical pavillon built in 1827, you'll find two drinking fountains where you can try the water for yourself. They are prominently featured in a park in the city center, but if you have any trouble finding them, just follow the smell of the sulfur.

See the 14th-century city hall built where the coronation feasts were held, and visit a museum exploring Aachen's past.

The Rathaus, or city hall, is still the seat of the mayor and city council. A museum gives visitors a sense for the lavish coronation banquets that took there. Next door in the Center Charlemagne, visitors learn about Charlemagne and other city history, stretching back into antiquity. For instance, it explains how the first settlements were built around the thermal springs and how it later became a Roman bath.  

Walk through one of the oldest cathedrals in Europe and marvel at the colorful Romanesque and Gothic architecture.

First built in 805 AD (although with later Gothic additions) the cathedral is one of the most historic in Europe. Indeed it was the first place in Germany to be designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. Over 30 coronations of the King of the Romans took place here. Somewhat confusingly, King of the Romans was the title assumed by the kings of the Germans until they could be crowned Holy Roman Emperor by the pope. The cathedral is the burial site of Charlemagne, who founded the Holy Roman Empire and is considered one of the most important figures in all of European history. The Cathedral Treasury is also home to many sacral art treasures including the Cross of Lothair, the Bust of Charlemagne, and the Persephone sarcophagus. It is recommended that visitors take the Treasury audio guide for more information on the displays.