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Bonn, Germany

Make the most of your time in Bonn, use the information provided on this web site by clicking on the links to plan your visit.

Located in the western part of Germany, Bonn is situated on the banks of the River Rhine and has become something of a centre for meetings and conferences in recent years. Famous for its former role as the capital of West Germany, the city now takes on a position of international responsibility with a growing number of United Nations institutions based within its frontiers.

The city was the West German capital between the years 1949 and 1990 and was the country’s seat of government from 1990 until 1999 when power was handed back to Berlin in the east. Some government bodies remain in the city though and so it retains its status as a federal city. Bonn is to be found in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia to the south of Cologne and is only the 19th largest city in the country – a fact which often sparks some surprise given its role in the latter half of the 20th century, not least when the decision was made to inaugurate it as the capital.

There is a focus on environment and sustainable development in the 315,000 strong city, while telecommunications and logistics are also key sectors and the subject of many a meeting and conference in the various conference centres and venues. Indeed, it is home to companies such as T-mobile and DHL.
Before taking on its role as West German capital Bonn was nothing more than a sleepy university city. Its new responsibilities brought it into the international limelight however, and it even managed to keep a grasp on power for a good few years after the collapse of communism and the subsequent removal of the Berlin wall which had for many years brought such a symbolic and actual divide in the former capital.

Bonn is also famous as the city where composer Beethoven was born back in 1770. Another composer – Robert Schumann – also lived in the city with his wife for some years. Significantly, and perhaps somewhat ironically, one of Bonn University’s most well-known students was none other than influential communist and co-author of the Communist Manifesto Karl Marx.

The city features some pretty, picturesque areas and from some parts it is possible to see out to the Siebengebirge nature park with its seven glorious peaks. This is also a regionally prominent wine-production area. The central part of town is a pedestrian only zone and is known for being clean and tidy. There is said to be a village atmosphere in the city, with Bonners being particularly laid back people.

There are a number of interesting sights and attractions in the city. Among them are the old town hall building which was built in 1737, the Kurfurstliches Schloss which is now part of the university, Bonn Minster and the Dopplekirche. Other areas worth a visit include Beethoven’s house, the art and exhibition hall, the kunstmuseum and the botanical gardens. In addition, each year during the summer, the city plays host to the Beethoven festival, while the Pützchens Markt with its numerous rides and attractions is held during September.
 

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