One will say that it is a city of gateways!
Yes, there are indeed several historical gates with an interesting history behind them. Fortunately, it is not only what this town has to offer. Even the town of Andernach is called the eastern gateway to the Eifel region on the Rhine.
A sharp eye will quickly notice that the city has a long history. That is true. Andernach was founded by Romans in 12 BC and is one of the oldest towns in Germany. The remains of the medieval fortification, defensive walls with gates and towers, can be easily spotted around the old town.
Even though you are not into the historical landmarks, two spots are worth your attention. It’s The Round Tower and the Mariendom.
It is one of the largest medieval defense towers in Germany!
The 56 m (183 feet) tall Round Tower from the 15th century is visible from all sides. It is the symbol of the city.
A former watchtower in the fortifications of the medieval town wall is one of the mightiest fortified towers of its time.
This interesting building is open for visitors from April 1st to the end of October.
Not far from The Round tower stands the beautiful Romanesque cathedral with well-preserved vivid frescoes. It is a first-class architectural and cultural monument. Definitely worth visiting.
As you walk along the Konrad-Adenauer Alle, you will come across the “Rhine Gate” (das “Rheintor”) from around the year 1200. The gate is facing the riverside and is beautifully integrated between the Hotel Zum Anker and Hotel Panorama. You can’t miss it.
On the other side of the old town, a beautiful historical complex will attract your attention. These are ruins of the castle and the defense wall with belonging towers. The ruins remind us about the splendor and importance of this city in the past.
A beautiful garden, Schlossgarden, is a part of this complex. It is a great place to unwind and relax between the beautiful flowers. The garden is illuminated in the evening.
Next to the castle ruins stands The Koblenzer Tor, another gate from the same era. The Koblenzer Gate secured the castle and served as a representative entrance to the city.
Oh yeah! Andernach is a small city with only 30.000 inhabitants, but there is plenty to see and do.
The other main attraction is Alter Krahnen. It’s an old port crane from the 16th century. One of the few surviving industrial monuments from the Renaissance. It is easily accessible from the promenade along the Rhine.
Another interesting historical landmark on the Rhine is Bollwerk. Placed just about the parking on the shore of the river. It was a customs bastion on the Rhine River in the past, but today is a memorial for the soldiers who died in both world wars.
Museum für Heilkunde – The Medical History Museum takes you on a journey through the history of medicine. The museum is open year-round, but you need to contact the museum before you go there.
Stadtmuseum – The Andernach City Museum. No doubt, over 2000 years of history have left its print on the city. Housed in a splendid late Renaissance building, the exhibition will take you on a fascinating journey into the past.
Next is the remarkable Geyser Center. The most known 3-part attraction in the Andernach. Here, you can take a tour inside the Earth and see the largest cold-water Geyser in the world! Find out, How high is the Andernach geyser?
Besides sightseeing, one can take a stroll on the promenade along the river or around the old town. Local cafes and restaurants tempt you with a delicious deli.
Shopping is an option too. Why not! I did my part in the city mall (Stadthaus Galerie) and came home with 2 pairs of trousers.
After that, I and my travel buddy celebrated the shopping trophy at Brasserie Casablanca with a very delicious lunch and a glass of local wine.
I had a wonderful time in Andernach. For sure, I will stop by on another occasion.
Well, I am done with Andernach for the time being, but there is more.
For hikers.
Traumpfädchen Kleiner Stern – A approx. 7 km hike through the wide landscape and forest with breathtaking views of the Rhine, Andernach, Namedy, and the Neuwied Basin.
Please note the route can be a bit crowded on the weekends. For a more enjoyable hike, consider weekdays. See the map of the hiking trail – Traumpfädchen Kleiner Stern route.
Not far from Andernach, in the village of Namedy, you cannot miss a beautiful late gothic castle. Since 1909 the Hohenzollern dynasty has had this place in possession. Today castle is a cultural center in the care of Princess Heide of Hohenzollern.
Are you planning a wedding or other event? You might consider celebrating at Namedy Castle. The castle is not open to the public, but it can be rent for various private celebrations and events. I heard a lot of good things about this place and its host.
Only 19km (12 miles) west from Andernach, the largest water-filled caldera awaits your visit. The famous Lake Laach attracts many visitors not only for the famous maar-like lake but also for the 12th-century Benedictine monastery. (Get a leaflet in EN). An architectural masterpiece from 11-12 century located in a peaceful surrounding on the shore of the lake. Deserve a stopping by.
Are you fascinated by volcanos, earthquakes, and geological phenomena? Good, then you can experience the world of volcanos in Lava-Dom. The volcanic museum is just 6-9 km from the lake in the village of Mendig.
Yes, it is!
Come on – you can make it. I promise it will not take long 🙂
Now we have done the left bank of the river. Let’s travel to the right side of the Rhine. Cross the bridge near village Weißenthurm, follow the main route 9, and then turn to route 256. Well, done! You are here now in the town of Neuwied. Route 42 takes you along the riverside to small-town Leutesdorf.
Find a parking spot, and then walk around, enjoy the atmosphere of this place. Discover the wineries and wine taverns, or take a bit of cheese, buy a bottle of wine and go to Weinbergschaukel. and enjoy the views. Have fun!
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