Germany North Rhine-Westphalia

Nobody can remain indifferent to the spectacular Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom). This renowned Gothic architectural marvel is also a symbol of the city and was declared a World Heritage Site in 1996. As well, in Northern Europe it is seen as an important pilgrimage, as well as being one of the oldest. Its setting on the Rhine River adds to its status: a gateway to a unique city, bursting with a diversity of historical buildings, museums, churches, archeological sites, dynamic shopping areas, restaurants and redundant to say bars and beer houses. And of course, the renowned “Eau de Cologne”. 

Dortmund is an independent city in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. It is in the middle part of the state and is considered to be the administrative, commercial and cultural center of the region. It is the 8th largest city in Germany. Founded in 882, it is only in the 13th to 14th centuries that it became the "chief city" of the region. After the Thirty Years' War the city decreased in significance until the onset of industrialization. The city then became one of Germany's most important coal, steel and beer centers until the 1970s. Its main attractions include several wonderful churches, great museums of art and local culture, a few Renaissance castles, and great parkland.

Muenster is the cultural centre of the region. Münster was the siteof the Anabaptist rebellion and the site of the signing of the Treaty of Westphalia ending the Thirty Years' War in 1648. Today it is known as the bicycle capital of Germany. The University of Münster was established in 1780. Now a major European centre for excellence in education and research. St. Paul's Cathedral, built in the 13th century in a mixture of late Romanesque and early Gothic styles. St Lambert's Church (1375), with three cages hanging from its tower. In 1535 these cages were used to display the corpses of the leaders of the Münster Rebellion, who promoted polygamy and renunciation of all property.

Bielefeld is a city in the Ostwestfalen-Lippe Region in the north-east of North-Rhine Westphalia, Germany. The historical centre of the city is situated north of the Teutoburg Forest line of hills, but modern Bielefeld also incorporates boroughs on the opposite side and on the hills. Sparrenburg Castle is Bielefeld's characteristic landmark. The Old City Hall was built in 1904 and still serves the same function. Other cultural sights of the region are the art museum, the Rudolf Oetker concert hall and the city's municipal botanical garden.

Düsseldorf is a city in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. The city is renowned for its fashion and trade fairs. Culturally, Düsseldorf is known for its academy of fine arts. As a city by the river Rhine, Düsseldorf is a stronghold for Rhenish Carnival celebrations. Every year in July more than 4.5 million people visit the city's Largest Fair on the Rhine funfair. The Rheinturm. (TV tower) is the city's landmark, the lights on which comprise the world's largest digital clock.

Monschau is a small resort town in the Eifel region of western Germany. The historic town center has many preserved half-timbered houses and narrow streets have remained nearly unchanged for 300 years, making the town a popular tourist attraction nowadays. And an open-air, classical music festival is staged annually at Burg Monschau. On the heights above the city is Monschau castle, which dates back to the 13th century. Some of the castle is in ruins, most notably what is known as The Haller. Its West Wing has been a Youth Hostel since the First World War and its grey stones makes the perfect backdrop for the summer concerts and operas held here.

Aachen is a spa town in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. Aachen was a favoured residence of Charlemagne, and later the place of coronation of the German kings. Geographically, Aachen is the westernmost city of Germany. Aachen Cathedral was erected on the orders of Charlemagne in AD 796 and was, on completion, the largest cathedral north of the Alps. It was modelled after the Basilica of San Vitale, in Ravenna, Italy, and was built by Odo of Metz. On his death, Charlemagne's remains were interred in the cathedral and can be seen there to this day. The cathedral was extended several times in later ages, turning it into a curious and unique mixture of building styles.

Bonn is a city on the banks of the Rhine River in the State of North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. Founded in the first century BC as a Roman settlement, Bonn is one of Germany's oldest cities. Bonn was the de facto capital of West Germany from 1949 to 1990. Bonn is the birthplace of Ludwig van Beethoven (born 1770). Beethoven's birthplace is located in Bonngasse near the market place. Next to the market place is the Old Town Hall, built in 1737 in Rococo style. Nearby is the Kurfürstliches Schloss, built as a residence for the prince-elector and now the main building of the University of Bonn.

Höxter is a town in eastern North Rhine-Westphalia on the left bank of the river Weser. Höxter has a medieval town hall and interesting houses with high gables and carved façades from the 15th and 16th centuries. The most interesting of the churches is the Protestant church of Saint Kilian, with a pulpit dating from 1595 and a font dating from 1631. The Weser is crossed here by a stone bridge about 150 m in length, erected in 1833. On the Brunsberg abutting the town is an old watchtower, said to be the remains of a fortress built by Widukind's brother Bruno.