Located on the Rhine River, Bonn is best known as the 1770 birthplace of Beethoven. You can tour his residence in the town center, which houses the largest collection of the composer’s original scores and instruments. There is also a walking tour that highlights 16 points of interest that played a role in the life of Bonn’s favorite son.
When the weather turns cold and the first flakes of winter start to fall, Bonn city squares turn into quaint little villages, like something out of a children’s nursery rhyme. Starting in Münsterplatz and spreading to neighboring squares and streets, Bonn becomes a nighttime party for the whole family. Picture animated talking reindeer heads welcoming you, red and green-hued merry go rounds taking children on magical rides, musicians playing holiday music, and regional foods of every sort, and then you will get the idea.
With more than 130 stalls to visit, the crowds make their way through the corridors while sampling some of the best street food you will find in Germany. Kartoffelpuffer (German potato pancakes) are among the favorites and usually come three to a plate, right out of the fryer—crispy and delicious. Try them with applesauce. Marktchampignons in knoblauchsosse (mushrooms in garlic sauce) are another delicacy, and the sight of these being cooked in giant skillets is enough to get your taste buds popping.
To walk off those calories, spend time exploring the many shops in the old town area. Here, you will find bookstores, small boutiques, clothing outlets, and eateries. At Café-Konditorei Müller-Langhardt, you can sample some of the best traditional pastries in Bonn. Their Black Forest cake is a favorite during the holiday season and filled with chocolate sponge, whipped cream, cherries, and a hint of kirsch.
For a traditional dinner in a warm and cozy atmosphere, make a reservation at Bierhaus Machold. They have a large beer selection and seasonal dishes like their mouth-watering sauerbraten with Bonn, Germany: Beethoven’s and Christmas Markets red cabbage and dumplings.
~ Ron Stern, Travel Photojournilist, visit www.globalgumshoe.com for more about Ron. More information: www.historicgermany.travel