It is this combination in particular which today draws tourists to the Rhine. This connection between nature and culture is especially noticeable during a cruise to the Siebengebirge Mountains. From the sundeck of a KD ship you can enjoy the sheer width of the river and the scenery on the river banks, before you disembark in Königswinter and lose yourself for hours on seemingly endless hiking paths through meadows, fields and forests, leading you from one viewpoint to the next. That is why it's so beautiful on the Rhine!
© KD Deutsche Rheinschiffahrt GmbH
A tour on water and land to the picturesque Siebengebirge Mountains
Why is it so beautiful on the Rhine? This question was asked in a popular song in the 1920s, yielding a variety of answers about faithful girls and good wines. Not mentioned in the song is the unique combination of the beautiful scenery on the river and the region's fascinating cultural heritage.
Map
Siebengebirge Nature Park
Petersberg, Grosser Ölberg, Lohrberg, Löwenburg, Nonnenstromberg, Wolkenburg and Drachenfels: these are the names of the highest peaks in the Siebengebirge. Although the name “Siebengebirge” implies that there are seven mountains, the low mountain range to the south of Bonn boasts many more. Over 50 summits shape the landscape to the right of the Rhine by Königswinter and Bad Honnef. And it is above all the lowest of these that has attracted visitors for over 150 years – Drachenfels, which is still one of the most popular destinations for excursions in North Rhine-Westphalia. Its unmistakable contours can be spotted from afar on board ship. What a view!
Tour Siebengebirge MountainsAscent on Germany’s oldest rack-and-pinion railway
From KD’s landing stage in Königswinter, a short path leads to the valley station of the Drachenfels railway. This is the oldest rack-and-pinion railway in Germany, and since 1883 it has transported some 35 million people to the peak of Drachenfels – including many who have travelled to Königswinter with KD, because KD offers an attractive combined ticket for all those who wish to combine a boat trip with a ride on this railway.
Two-in-one Ticket Drachenfelsbahn
Magnificent – the new Drachenfels plateau
After completing the 1,200-metre journey with an elevation gain of 220 metres and stepping out of the historical carriage, you will, however, notice that time has not stood still on Drachenfels. In 2013 the Drachenfels plateau was opened here, a spectacular modern viewing point that has been carefully integrated into its natural surroundings. Through the extensive glazed frontage, it provides a view of the Rhine Valley, which attracts large numbers of people here from all over the world. Far below flows the Rhine, and the ships on it look so tiny from so far up that it is difficult to believe you will later be boarding one of them yourself.
Facts and Numbers about the Drachenfelsbahn
1.200
Metre Distance
220
Höhenmeter
2013
Viewpoint opening
12.000
Visitors per year
Descent via Drachenburg Castle
But before you do this, you should definitely undertake a lengthy walk on the way down. Drachenfels is criss-crossed with a network of paths – some steep, while others meander gently – that lead to the Rhine. However, shortly before you leave the summit, it is worthwhile visiting Drachenburg Castle. This monumental villa from the late 19th century, which is clearly visible from the Rhine, is seemingly perched on the edge of an abyss. Following careful restoration, it now accommodates a museum on the history of nature conservation, but the villa and its park offer enough attraction in their own right.
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