North Rhine - Westphalia
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North Rhine - Westphalia
North Rhine-Westphalia– Hotchpotch of culture with realms of castles and fountains of wine
It is North Rhine-Westphalia; the most densely populated German Federal State, and today this industrial state stands to be a major hot-spot destination for tourists from all over the world. Since earlier days, the state has been a center for steel production and coal mining, and today it can compete with any high-tech and specialized industrial areas.
This Federal State of Germany is a conglomeration of many cities and thus reflecting a medley of culture, living and growing. The state boasts of excellent infrastructure and is quite pleasant living.
Besides being the hodgepodge of cultural and architectural charm, the place breathes fresh air from its fascinating landscape consisting of lakes, forests, fields and green pastures. Apart from big cities and the fashion-conscious state capital Dusseldorf, the place invites tourists to experience the living in rustic wooded hills amidst the splendid beauty of picturesque hamlets dotted in the outskirts of modern urban living.
Experience the joy of vibrancy within historical setting with modern living in this German Federal State of Westphalia, situated in the westernmost part of Germany, sharing borders with Netherland and Belgium.
History...
It was in the year 1946, that the British established the state of North Rhine-Westphalia by combining Rhinelands and Westphalia.
Earlier, it was during the medieval Saxon period that Westphalia is read about in history. Large part of Westphalia was ruled by the Bishops of Minden, Munster and Paderborn; this part of Rhineland was settled by the Romans, while the east bank of Rhine was left to the German tribes to get settled.
However, during the fourth and the fifth centuries, it was the Franks who took over most part of this area. But it was Charlemagne that transformed the city of Aachen to an important seat of power between the 8th and the 16th centuries. During Medieval period, however, Westphalia has been a seat to the Archbishop of Cologne. Westphalia has also been under the rule of Jerome Bonaparte for long time. Prussia took over the land after Napoleon’s defeat and it was under their control until WW II.
It was only in the year 1949 that the Provincial Capital was established in the town of Bonn. The state suffered heavily during the World war, but rose to power from rubbles and ruins during the period 1950-1960.
Geography and Demography...the best time to be there
Northern Rhine Westphalia is situated in the lower plain of Rhine-Ruhr basin. North Rhine-Westphalia includes dense forest and is mostly drained by Ruhr, Lippe, Wupper, Elms and Rhine River. The land is mostly occupied for commercial farming and has many gardens and orchards. This innovative state has all the amenities for a modern living.
The culture is mixed as the land is home to different tribes of German people that immigrated and began their living. Thus, the medley of varied cultural living with zinging party life make this piece of land on earth vibrate all through the year. The people here are business minded though, but when it comes to partying they simply enjoy dancing around. Behind the veil of modern industrialization there also lies some deep-rooted traditional ethos.
Visiting Northern Rhine-Westphalia is possible at any time during the year, but the best would be during the summers specially the state capital city of Dusseldorf. As, during the hot weather, most of the cafes shift outward and the place buzzes with lots of activities. The winter months come with their set of delight. But it is the rainfall that pours uninvited. The state also gets decked up during the party months of December-February when Christmas bells begin ringing but the winters can be harsh too.
Sightseeing at North Rhine-Westphalia - Keep exploring
The land offers unique setting of greenery and tourists from all over the world come to enjoy its splendid scenic beauty amidst multitude of activities.
If you are a lover of art and architecture, you will be awed to see the magnificent Gothic style cathedral and innumerable museums at the most famous destination of North Rhine-Westphalia in Cologne. The lingering music of Beethoven could still be heard in the roads and alleys of Bonn, and you can feel the remnants of an old historic town that was the cradle of German Nationhood at Aachen. Quite the contrary, you can indulge in luxury living at the most posh and sophisticated capital city of North Rhine-Westphalia in Dusseldorf.
Dusseldorf is the city that is famous for fashion and is often considered to be the Mecca of shopping in Europe.
If you have landed at the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, the first one-stop destination should be in the largest city of the state called Cologne. The city reflects an easygoing life with a relaxed atmosphere and tourists flock in to marvel at the splendor of the world’s largest Gothic cathedral and some of the best museums here. It is on foot that you can travel all around the old town of Cologne and enjoy its many tourists’ spots. It is the Cathedral of St. Peter and Mary, right next to Rhine that dominates the skyline and one can see the cathedral from any place of the town. There are guided English tours of the cathedral, but if you know the German language, it is an added advantage because the German language guided tours are quite frequently operated.
The lovers of modern art will miss no opportunity to visit the Museum Ludwig. This museum is no ordinary one; it offers a complete blend of different genres of art and showcases some great collection from traditional to modern art of 20th century. One can see plenty of American pop art too at this art gallery cum museum.
If you are interested in Roman History, drop in at Romisch-Germanisches Museum, adjacent to the Dom and get enthralled by Roman artifacts of olden times. On your way back, enjoy a visit to the Schokoladen Museum and learn the art of chocolate making in perfect style and uniqueness. Take a factory tour inside and take a break at the chocolate fountain to munch a sample to satiate your sweet tooth craving.
Spend sometime in the cosmopolitan living in the city of Bonn that has its own creativity and vigor. The must visit at Bonn is the famous Beethoven Haus that includes a glimpse of Beethoven, the world’s greatest composer and pianist’s the master piano. The house has in display several musical instruments and paintings of his time. A tour inside the museum will help you see the exhibition of original manuscripts and several items that Beethoven once used.
To the South of the Bonn is the Museum Mile and some great museums are located here. There is the Museum that displays artifacts of the World Wars, an impressive exhibition space and a great art museum called Kunstmuseum Bonn. The museum features 20th century art with special emphasis on WW II German artists. There is Arithmeum that explores the symbiosis art, science and technology. MP3, a technology was invented in Germany, and you can have a look at the Germany’s technological advancement at the Deutsches Museum. The city has plenty of theaters and one can enjoy evening at the opera houses, getting soaked in the classical music that reverberates through the city.
It is the capital city of Dusseldorf, a Rhine city that has a complete different tourist appeal. It’s sophisticated, fashionable and is also a very posh city with luxurious living. It reflects modern architecture and is more famous all around the world as a fashion city. It is the venue for the world’s largest fashion trade fair.
The river Rhine meanders through the city and that adds to the natural beauty and make Dusseldorf all the more attractive to tourists from far off places. The city has innumerable palaces, forts and historic sites that tell the tale of early Germany. Pay a visit to Schloss Benrath, the castle and also the historic homes such as Rathaus.
Walk or pedal your bicycle through the ancient lanes and by-lanes as well the important squares. The city is also filled with several religious sites and cathedrals. Not to miss is strolling in the many gardens of Dusseldorf that has some exotic and rare species of flora and fauna.
It is only in the land of North Rhine Westphalia, that at a stone’s throw distance from the pulsating cities, there exist large areas for entertainment and recreation with forest hills and low mountain ranges. One can enjoy some memorable romantic weekends, few winter walks punctuated with delicious cuisine and even exciting skiing experiences.
Things to do
The German landscape gets transformed to make way for the modern day sports that is fun and spontaneous. Mountain climbing, horseback riding, scuba diving within the lakes are popular outdoor activities and of late golfing is also being picked up as a great outdoor sport. During the weekends the local people as well the tourists indulge in kayaking and canoeing too. Canoes can be rented without prior experience, and tourists love to spend their time enjoying this kind of water sports. If you are a certified swimmer, you can enjoy rowing at Ruderclub Germania Dusseldorf too.
Tourists are also attracted to enjoy hiking amidst rustic wooded hills, dense forest and they prefer natural paths against paved roads. Apart from traditional hiking, Nordic walking has also gained grounds.
It is at Rodenkirchen, Cologne that Carting fun is at its best. Every year an event is organized whereby motorsport professionals from all over the world come to compete. There is a large spectator area too where you can relax and watch the sport.
Apart from all these in the Sauerland-Region cross-country skiing, inland skiing are some of the activities that the tourists cannot afford to miss it.
After a hectic day of pedaling, rowing, swimming or skiing, you can unwind in the thermal baths at Claudius Therme and then head for a sauna.
Events and Festivals at North Rhine-Westphalia- Don’t miss when in Westphalia
Wide range of different events mark entire year. Beginning from high-quality concerts to art exhibitions and theater performances, the calendar remains filled with a variety of events. The choice and options are so varied that there is always something for everyone to indulge in and sink in.
During the carnivals the state gets wild with excitement. It becomes time to celebrate with colorful dresses and mask parades. The event begins in the month of November and it is celebrated at different time in different cities. This festival has several names; in the Rhineland it is popular as Karneval while in Bavaria it is famous as Fasching. To experience carnival in traditional form, be a part of Women’s Carnival day in the month of February.
Enjoy the most spectacular and changing kaleidoscope of interplay of fire, water and light on the beautiful Rhine valley during the summer months. Special effects of light erupt over the mighty Rhine and it displays shimmering cascades of color.
One can also enjoy several exhibitions that keep happening in the many castles of Rhineland. Not to miss is the several wine festivals that keep taking place in this beautiful landscape of North Rhine-Westphalia.
Nightlife at North Rhine-Westphalia
The nightlife in this federal state is vibrant and electric with several startling theatrical performances and musical concerts, many bars and pubs. One can catch a show in the evening at any of the theaters that present some beautifully orchestrated shows. One can also tap one’s feet to the drumbeats at any of the disco clubs. There are clubs with some huge dance floors and also indulge in drinking beer that keeps flowing. Thus, there is no chance to get bored in this land of active and often raucous nightlife. It is a magical magnet that keeps attracting tourists from all over places.
Getting to North Rhine-Westphalia
It is very easy to get to North Rhine Westphalia. The rail network is reliable and very fast. The roads are excellent and hence motorized transportation is simply great. The official motorway network autobahn is exceedingly well connected as well as great to travel. Almost all cities in North Rhine-Westphalia has airports and there exist numerous carriers that operate domestically as well cater to international needs. The airports are equipped with airport shuttle services too that offer reduced fares and very fast connections to city center.
The most important rail networks are Intercity that offers express service every hour between major cities, high speed intercity express that is very fast, reduces travel time and is considerably comfortable and there are intercity nights trains too through which one can enjoy comfortable night journey too. There are regional trains too that connect the smaller towns. Again, there are nine ICE trains that connect Cologne with Dusseldorf per hour.
One can also get around North Rhine Westphalia by boat on the mighty Rhine River. The largest tourist boat operator on the Rhine is Koln- Dusseldorfer. It offers some great cruising experiences too.
Thus, explore the land of Beethoven and make your vacation memorable.
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