TOURISMUS SIEBENGEBIRGE

the city between the Rhine and the Siebengebirge Nature Park, is inextricably linked with the Drachenfels.

The Drachenfels, probably the best-known mountain in the region around Cologne & Bonn, bears the castle ruins on its summit, visible from afar, and, together with the Drachenfels plateau, is one of the most visited local recreation destinations in the Rhineland. Both hikers who make their way to the summit through the famous Nachtigallental valley or along the Eselsweg trail and visitors who take the Drachenfelsbahn railway up to the top love the view far down into the Rhine Valley and enjoy stopping off at the newly refurbished restaurant on the Drachenfels.

Today, the plateau shines in new splendour and the viewing terrace with its seating offers an unobstructed and expansive view as far as Unkel and the Rolandsbogen on the opposite bank of the Rhine.

Interesting museums and a rich cultural landscape, along with cosy wine taverns and excellent hiking trails, are the attractions that make a short holiday in the Siebengebirge so interesting.

Places of interest

At the foot of the Drachenfels is the Drachenfels tourist railway station with the valley station of the Drachenfelsbahn and the tourist information centre for the Siebengebirge. Since 1883, the cog railway has been transporting tourists up the steep section to the Drachenfels plateau and overcomes the 220 metres in altitude with stoic composure, just like Königswinter's secret heraldic animal, the Drachenfels donkey, which is housed at the station.

The next attraction in Königswinter, the Nibelungenhalle, is located halfway up the striking rock. It was built to mark the 100th anniversary of Richard Wagner's birth in 1913 and displays a collection of paintings of the 'Ring of the Nibelung' and 'Parsival'. A cave passage leads to a pond with the 13 metre long stone dragon Fafner from the Nibelung saga. For all reptile lovers, however, the adjoining reptile zoo with alligators, caimans, stump crocodiles and many snake species will certainly be at the centre of their visit.

Just a stone's throw away, directly at the middle station of the Drachenfels cable car, visitors will find Drachenburg Castle.

The Siebengebirgsmuseum of the town of Königswinter is also located in the centre of the old town. An extended and redesigned permanent exhibition focussing on "Rhine Romanticism" and sections on landscape use, the history of the landscape and Rhine tourism are available to the interested public and visitors to the Siebengebirge.

The Heisterbach monastery ruins are a former Cistercian abbey in the Siebengebirge mountains. It is located in the Heisterbach Valley between Oberdollendorf and Heisterbacherrott (Königswinter urban area).
Since its foundation in 1189, the Cistercian abbey has been a spiritual and economic centre. The imposing choir of the former abbey church and several 18th century buildings still stand on the site, which has been completely preserved and is surrounded by the historic abbey wall.
The Heisterbach Abbey Foundation offers information on guided tours, events and literature as well as material on the world of the Cistercians.

The Rheinsteig, 320 km of pure hiking pleasure through the unique landscape of the Rhine Valley from Bonn to Wiesbaden. The Siebengebirge is probably one of the most beautiful and exciting sections of this premium hiking trail with 40 km of climbing.
The Siebengebirge with its ups and downs begins in Bonn-Küdinghoven. And it is always the surprising views down into the Rhine Valley that make you forget all your tiredness on the climb and give you unforgettable moments.