Wellness Along The Rhine

Frankfurt

Sprawling Frankfurt on the River Main is
celebrated more by the business crowd than curious tourists. The
city is a major transport hub and an industrial and financial
powerhouse, not only in Germany, but the whole of central Europe.
Frankfurt is home to Germany's central bank, the Bundesbank and one
of Europe's most important stock exchanges, which has been trading
since 1585.

For tourists, Frankfurt offers many
intriguing sights, some great restaurants, a variety of cultural
events and excellent shopping opportunities, not to mention an
energetic nightlife scene. Attractions are mostly confined to the
historical district known as the Römerberg, where Charlemagne
erected his fort in medieval times. Most of the original buildings
were destroyed during World War II, but some have been
reconstructed, including the home of Goethe, Frankfurt's most
famous son who became Germany's greatest writer. For shopping, it's
hard to beat the Zeil, Germany's equivalent of New York's Fifth
Avenue.

With its excellent rail connections and
autobahn system, Frankfurt is the natural hub for travellers
wishing to explore the surrounding towns and countryside. It's also
the venue for numerous trade fairs, exhibitions and congresses,
drawing about 12 million event-goers a year. The largest and best
known is the annual International Book Fair, attended by thousands
of publishers, writers and avid readers.

Boppard

Boppard is a charming town located in the Rhine Valley, Germany. Situated on the banks of the Rhine River, it is often referred to as the "Pearl of the Rhine" due to its picturesque landscapes and historic charm. Boppard is a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike, offering a blend of natural beauty, outdoor activities, and cultural attractions.

One of the main highlights of Boppard is its stunning natural surroundings. The town is nestled amidst rolling hills, lush vineyards, and dense forests, providing a scenic backdrop for outdoor enthusiasts. The Rhine River flows through the town, offering opportunities for boat cruises and water activities. Visitors can take a relaxing stroll along the promenade, enjoying the breathtaking views of the river and the surrounding countryside.

Boppard is also well-known for its vineyards and wine production. The region is famous for its Riesling wines, and wine lovers will have plenty of opportunities to sample and learn about the local varieties. Visitors can take part in wine tastings and cellar tours, getting an insight into the winemaking process while savoring the flavors of the region.

The town itself is steeped in history, with a rich architectural heritage. The most significant landmark is the Romanesque-Gothic St. Severus Church, dating back to the 12th century. Its impressive twin towers dominate the skyline of Boppard and can be seen from miles away. Another notable attraction is the Bopparder Hamm, a well-preserved Roman fort that dates back to the 4th century. The fort offers visitors a glimpse into the town's Roman past, with its ruins and informative exhibits.

For those interested in exploring the town's history further, a visit to the Boppard Museum is recommended. The museum showcases a collection of historical artifacts and provides an insight into the town's development over the centuries. Another must-visit is the Electoral Castle, which offers panoramic views of the Rhine Valley and the town below.

Boppard is also a gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Upper Middle Rhine Valley. This 65-kilometer stretch of the Rhine River is renowned for its picturesque landscapes, medieval castles, and charming villages. Visitors can embark on a scenic boat cruise or take a leisurely drive along the Rhine River, stopping at various points of interest along the way.

In terms of cuisine, Boppard offers a range of dining options to suit all tastes. Traditional German fare, including hearty sausages, sauerkraut, and pretzels, can be found in many of the local taverns and restaurants. The region is also known for its fresh seafood, with the Rhine River providing an abundance of fish.

Boppard hosts several festivals and events throughout the year, including the Boppard Wine Festival and the Boppard Summer Festival. These celebrations showcase the vibrant culture and traditions of the region and provide an opportunity for visitors to indulge in local food, wine, and entertainment.

In terms of accommodation, Boppard offers a range of options to suit different budgets and preferences. Visitors can choose from charming guesthouses, boutique hotels, and luxurious resorts, all within easy reach of the town's attractions and amenities.

In conclusion, Boppard is a delightful destination in the Rhine Valley of Germany, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty, history, and culture. With its stunning landscapes, wine production, historical sites, and range of activities, Boppard is a destination that is sure to captivate and enchant visitors.

Bonn

Bonn is a city in western Germany straddling the Rhine river. It’s known for the central Beethoven House, a memorial and museum honoring the composer’s birthplace. Nearby are Bonn Minster, a church with a Romanesque cloister and Gothic elements, the pink-and-gold Altes Rathaus, or old city hall, and Poppelsdorf Palace housing a mineralogical museum. To the south is Haus der Geschichte with post-WWII history exhibits

Koblenz

Located in the West of the country, Koblenz is one of the oldest cities in Germany. It is situated on both banks of the river Rhine, at its confluence with the Moselle River. The beginnings of Koblenz can be traced back to its military beginnings around 8 BC. The city is rich in its history and heritage and is easily explored on foot. Take the cable car crossing over the river Rhine for spectacular aerial views or enjoy the city from the one thousand year old fortress, Ehrenbreitstein. The upper middle Rhine Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and its unique landscape can be enjoyed and discovered through the interactive multimedia journey at the Romanticum. Historical and architectural sites of interest include Stolzenfels Castle, the Electoral Palace of Koblenz and Old Town. From the romantic winding streets and small squares of Old Town, stroll through the alleyways from the Church of the Holy Virgin to the St Kastor Basilica and enjoy the picturesque buildings and squares along the way. Koblenz is also very popular for its Riesling and strong Spatburgunder wines since the Romans introduced it two thousand years ago.

Cologne

Cologne (Köln) is one of the largest cities
in Germany, and a bustling hub of media and business on the Rhine.
The dramatic Kölner Dom can be seen from miles away, and a number
of other beautiful Gothic and Romanesque churches are dotted around
the city. There are also museums dedicated to Roman history, modern
and religious art, ethnology, sports and even chocolate.

There are two lovely, massive green lungs
in the city containing a number of parks, recreational areas and
beer gardens. In warm weather, there's a fun outdoor culture in
Cologne and thousands of people gather in these areas for picnics,
sports and socialising. The two pedestrian strips of Hohe Strasse
and Schildergasse offer great shops, cafes and street music.

Cologne is well known for its Veedel or
traditional neighbourhoods. One of the most interesting districts
for tourists is the bohemian Agnesviertel neighbourhood where
visitors can find local fashion designers, bookshops, bars and art
galleries.

Cologne has a vibrant and colourful
cultural life, with tourists sampling locally-brewed Kölsch beer
and other gastronomic specialties. The city is also known as the
gay capital of Germany with a large pride event held every year.
The local inhabitants are known to be friendly, sociable and
liberal, making Cologne one of the best German cities in which to
meet new people and make new friends.

Koblenz

Located in the West of the country, Koblenz is one of the oldest cities in Germany. It is situated on both banks of the river Rhine, at its confluence with the Moselle River. The beginnings of Koblenz can be traced back to its military beginnings around 8 BC. The city is rich in its history and heritage and is easily explored on foot. Take the cable car crossing over the river Rhine for spectacular aerial views or enjoy the city from the one thousand year old fortress, Ehrenbreitstein. The upper middle Rhine Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and its unique landscape can be enjoyed and discovered through the interactive multimedia journey at the Romanticum. Historical and architectural sites of interest include Stolzenfels Castle, the Electoral Palace of Koblenz and Old Town. From the romantic winding streets and small squares of Old Town, stroll through the alleyways from the Church of the Holy Virgin to the St Kastor Basilica and enjoy the picturesque buildings and squares along the way. Koblenz is also very popular for its Riesling and strong Spatburgunder wines since the Romans introduced it two thousand years ago.

Frankfurt

Sprawling Frankfurt on the River Main is
celebrated more by the business crowd than curious tourists. The
city is a major transport hub and an industrial and financial
powerhouse, not only in Germany, but the whole of central Europe.
Frankfurt is home to Germany's central bank, the Bundesbank and one
of Europe's most important stock exchanges, which has been trading
since 1585.

For tourists, Frankfurt offers many
intriguing sights, some great restaurants, a variety of cultural
events and excellent shopping opportunities, not to mention an
energetic nightlife scene. Attractions are mostly confined to the
historical district known as the Römerberg, where Charlemagne
erected his fort in medieval times. Most of the original buildings
were destroyed during World War II, but some have been
reconstructed, including the home of Goethe, Frankfurt's most
famous son who became Germany's greatest writer. For shopping, it's
hard to beat the Zeil, Germany's equivalent of New York's Fifth
Avenue.

With its excellent rail connections and
autobahn system, Frankfurt is the natural hub for travellers
wishing to explore the surrounding towns and countryside. It's also
the venue for numerous trade fairs, exhibitions and congresses,
drawing about 12 million event-goers a year. The largest and best
known is the annual International Book Fair, attended by thousands
of publishers, writers and avid readers.