Bonn Leisure

Bonn has a nice variety of outdoor activities available on the edge of the city, and the amazing Rhine River is a wonderful source of water sports and riverside lounging. If you venture a little way out of the city, youll find a whole region of beautiful countryside filled with forests, rivers and mountains. The Rhineland is truly one of the most beautiful parts of Europe.

Hiking in the Sieg Valley

Just outside the city of Bonn lies a wonderland of green countryside, lazy rivers and soaring mountains, which have been nicely developed for your outdoor pleasure. The Siebengebirge Mountains can be seen from the city and are a great place for hiking and biking. The wooded slopes of the Sieg Valley provide another excellent environment for outdoor exploration. The winding loops of the Sieg River and the Wahnbach Reservoir mean that you can enjoy boating, rafting and fishing in this area as well.

Slightly farther away are the Rhine Valley, Ahr Valley, the Eiflel and the Drachenfelser Landchen, all of which are laid out with hiking trails, ranging from easy strolls to serious workouts. There are also a number of study trails and subject-specific circular routes for hikers who want to combine nature with an outdoor experience. The trail systems in the Rhineland are vast and well-connected. You can walk from village to village through the countryside for days on end if you want to. Guided tours are also available from the guide shops in Bonn.

Wet adventures

Water sportsmen will love the possibilities in and around Bonn. Some of the nicest boating in the region is available here. The little lakes of the Rheinauenpark, Laacher See, Agger and the Herrenteich are just a few of the watery sites where you can get out in a boat and paddle around. All these lakes and rivers mean that theres plenty of fishing opportunity if thats your pleasure.

The Rotter See is one of the most popular water sports areas in the region. This large park, with its equally large lake, is perfect for swimming and sunbathing. Sailing and paddle boats can be rented along the shore. The Rhine River and Sieg River are also wonderful sources for boat cruises, kayaking and rafting. Exploring the area by water gives you a special perspective on this amazing region.

Aerial adventures

Perhaps the most romantic and memorable way to see the Rhine Valley around Bonn is by taking a ride in a hot air balloon. There are several companies in Bonn which organise balloon rides. A sunrise excursion is one of the most spectacular times to do it.

Amusing alternatives

If you bring your family along, you may want to spend an afternoon at Phantasialand, a large amusement park, 15kms away in Bruhl. There are plenty of wild rides and fun carnival games to boost your adrenaline, while there are also a series of magical worlds which allow visitors to step into subject-related environments, which have been designed in great detail. China Town, Fantasy, Mexico, Mystery and Silver City are some of the interesting sectors, which not only entertain, but also educate.

Another fun thing to do in Bonn is to take a ride on the narrow-gauge railway called the Schmalspureisenbahn. This old-style train takes you on a tour of the surrounding countryside in style.