The Life and Travels of Mrs Suvi

Having rented a car on our short weekend visit to Germany, we felt it would not be a big deal to drive to Beethoven’s birth city for a few hours to check out some of the sights.

After parking our car in one of the parking garages just outside the old town, the day started with breakfast at the Café-Konditorei Müller-Langhardt. We usually try to steer clear of cafés and bars located at squares but the growling in our stomachs left no choice but to try our luck.

The café is located at the Marktplatz. It has served coffee and pastry lovers since 1913. I loved the historical feel to it.

And we did not go hungry for long! We ordered the “Beethoven First” breakfast which, in addition to all this seen below, includes scrambled eggs and orange juice.

Before exploring further, we caught a glimpse of the Rococo style Altes Rathaus – the Old City Hall. The building was built in 1737. There is now a larger city hall further on but the mayor of Bonn still sits at this location. Apparently John F. Kennedy and Queen Elizabeth II (among others) gave speeches here.

Even though the weather was quite drab, I enjoyed navigating the streets and admiring the buildings along the way.

This quaint house is a tea shop! As I already have tea to last a lifetime at home, I did not dare enter.

I had fun spotting the interesting signs adoring the buildings like the one below. This is Balthazar, one of the Three Wise Men. Beethoven was baptized in this building. It is one of the oldest houses in Bonn.

There was quite a commotion outside Beethoven’s birthplace – Beethoven Haus – as Asian tourists excitedly photographed the door and took selfies in front of it.

We bought tickets to see the house from the inside but I would say that unless you are a diehard Beethoven fan, it’s not something you have do when in Bonn. There’s a pretty courtyard inside though.

Bonn has numerous sculptures all around. This sculpture below is Drei Grazien-Brunnen by Ernemann Sander. I’m not sure what it translates to exactly but it’s three ladies standing on a fountain.

Another place with lots of tourist activity (and another sculpture!) is the Münsterplatz. Ludvig van Beethoven has overlooked the square since 1845.

I had to find my own Beethoven to pose next to!

What an eye-catching bike!

This below is Mean Average by Anthony Cragg at the Remigiusplatz.

I spotted more interesting signs along the way – here’s a deer.

And a bear.

Are you familiar with Grimm’s Hans in Luck (Hans im Glück) story? This sign is for a restaurant in that name.

This here is Martin’s Fountain. I was quite sure it was also based on a Grimm story. But alas, no! The sculpture shows children trying to catch geese for the festivities of St. Martin’s Day. Above them is a boy with lantern. I really like this fountain.

The Electoral Palace, Kurfürstliches Schloss,  is University of Bonn’s main building.

Two head sculptures lie in front of the Bonn Minster, a Roman Catholic church from the 11-13 the century. They are depicting the heads of Saints Cassius & Florentius. Tourists had fun photographing themselves with them.

I had no idea that there was a Haribo shop in Bonn but when I spotted it, I knew I had to go in. Who doesn’t love Haribo’s candies?

It reminded me of the M&M’s store in London, although on a much smaller scale.

After all that sweetness and walking, it was time for lunch. We found Tuscolo, a huge pizzeria – a bit out of the way. We were seated in what was a makeshift old train carriage – very cool. The restaurant seemed to be very popular with the locals. After lunch it was time to return to our car and Dusseldorf airport.

Have you ever been to Bonn? What was special for you there?

Follow me via Facebook, Instagram or Twitter!

xx