City Vibes - There's always something going on in Bonn

If you've never been to Bonn, you've definitely missed out! We have summarised the most important facts about Bonn City here so that you can really score points in small talk during your visit to Bonn.

A short recap of Bonn's history

Fancy a bit of history? Then Bonn is the city for you! This little spot on the Rhine was already an important hub for the Romans. So after the famous Varus Battle, they built the Bonnalegionary camp - one of the largest legionary camps in the Roman Empire -on what was originally a Germanic settlement. Incidentally, it is still largely preserved today and is located under the Bonn-Castell district.

A few years later, in the Middle Ages to be precise, Bonn gained increasing importance and became a centre of intellectual life. Later, the city even became the residence of the Electorate of Cologne.

Fun fact: In the 11th century, Bonn was also called "Verona" - the church would have preferred to enforce this name. However, the people of Bonn refused to accept this and the city kept its original name.

After several years of occupation during the French Revolution, Bonn belonged to Prussia until 1945.

Capital city feeling

Let's move on to what is probably the most important event in Bonn's history: its time as the capital of the Federal Republic of Germany. After the end of National Socialism and the Second World War, occupied Germany needed a capital city in which to govern until the country's political situation had stabilised again. A transitional capital, so to speak. Frankfurt was actually the favourite candidate for this. However, there was one disadvantage, as Ernst Reuter recognised at the time: "If Frankfurt becomes the capital, Berlin never will again".

And so Bonn was chosen as the capital in 1949, not least thanks to its biggest fan: Konrad Adenauer. Although the city was initially ridiculed in its new role by the rest of Germany and other countries, it established itself as the seat of government over the next few years. In 1969, the city's landmark was built: the so-called Lange Eugen, the House of Representatives and the tallest building in Bonn at the time.

A few decades later, the capital city era came to an end. After reunification, Berlin once again became the official capital. This went against the grain for the people of Bonn - they feared for the economy and jobs. Any hope that Bonn could retain its function as the seat of government was dashed in 1991. The Bundestag voted in favour of moving to Berlin.

Where the lifestyle is simply casual

Fortunately, Bonn was very well prepared for the end of its time as capital city. It was the start of a rosy future. Six federal ministries are still based in the city. Today, the region has successfully established itself as a centre for science and culture. Bonn is also considered one of Germany's art capitals - pretty cool.

But it is above all because of its unique flair that Bonn is one of the country's most popular cities and tourist destinations. Characterised by international structures, the student scene and an immense cultural and event infrastructure, the city is a metropolis and a Mecca for tourists from all over the world.

We say: Bonn belongs on every bucket list!