Germany has two capitals: Bonn and Berlin. Or rather, it “had” two capitals in the past, when for too many years after World War 2 it was divided into two nations, West Germany and East Germany. This shameful wound was healed in the 1990s, and the country reunified, choosing the tormented Berlin as its only capital. Approximately 600 km apart, served by two separate airports – Cologne-Bonn (CGN) and Berlin Airport (BER) – they seem like two distinct arrival points for very different vacations. Yet there is a thread that ties these two capitals together… Find out and choose which of the two best suits you; enjoy it, with the help of our convenient, customized transportation.
A bit of history of Bonn and Berlin
Bonn appears in historical annals as early as 13 BC, indicated as the Roman military fort of Bonna. In the Middle Ages, it was the prestigious seat of the Electors of Cologne and was the capital of the Principality of Cologne between the 16th and 18th centuries. After World War 2 and the division of Germany, it became the capital of West Germany from 1949 to 1991. Although Bonn is older and more prestigious, German hearts have always beat a little stronger for Berlin.
Founded in the 12th century, on the trade routes leading from Northern Europe to Slovakia, Berlin grew in size and wealth to the point that it was named capital (of the Brandenburg region) in 1451. From that time on, it was also the capital of the Kingdom of Prussia and the capital of the German Empire from 1871 onwards. It remained a capital until today, although from 1949 until unification only its eastern part was effectively the most important city in East Germany (West Berlin was for years an enclave surrounded by hostile territory).
Today, Berlin is the capital of the greater, reunited Germany. Yet Bonn still lingers, like a ghost, in the memories of those who appreciated it in its heyday. Which city will you visit?
Itineraries in Bonn: what will captivate you?
Bonn appears peaceful, tranquil, sleepy, and verdant. Like a splendid old lady who let her servants admire her, it stretches along the Rhine River at the bottom of a flat valley—in summer, also a very hot place for Northern European standards!
The panorama is dominated by the tall spires and gray facades of the elegant buildings clustered around the Market Square, the heart of the historic center. From here, your itinerary will pursue beauty and history, passing from the Old Town Hall to the New Town Hall, from the Münster (cathedral) to the Kreuzberg Church, home to the spectacular Baroque staircase of the “Holy Stairs”. Also worthy of note in Bonn are the Beethoven House Museum, the Old Catholic Cathedral, and the imposing Double Church. The pride of the ancient capital are also the princely palaces, such as the Kurfürstliches and Poppelsdorf Palace, as well as the tower of Alter Zoll, the former customs house.
Another excellent itinerary in Bonn is to visit the museums, all extremely fascinating. In addition to the Beethoven Museum, visit the Koenig Museum, which houses natural history objects, or the Historical Museum, the German National Gallery of Art, and the Museum of Mathematics. The House of History—a museum primarily dedicated to history—depicts modern Germany in detail, from 1945 to the present. A stop at the Museum of Art is also a must.
Discovering Berlin
Berlin was once admired starting from the Brandenburg Gate, the great eighteenth-century monument that stands tall in Pariserplatz (the only one in the square to survive the bombings) and which remains a symbol of the German capital. However, the first stop on any Berlin tour, now, is the remains of the Wall, erected at the end of the war to divide the city and the nation. The remnants of the Wall, now colored and adorned with phrases and drawings, are an indelible reminder of how a desire of peace mended every rift.
Berlin is a regal city, and a visit to the austere neoclassical Parliament Building is a must to understand this. Also elegant are the “Twin Churches” (Französischer Dom and Deutscher Dom) in the Gendarmenmarkt area, one of the most beautiful areas of the city. If you like museums, Berlin has an entire district dedicated to them: you’ll find five, not to mention galleries and exhibition halls, on Museum Island along the Spree River. The mighty Cathedral also stands on the same island.
But you can’t help but dedicate a few moments of admiration and reflection to the great monument to the Jewish Holocaust; a modern installation composed of 2,000 concrete blocks arranged in a labyrinth, commemorating the thousands of innocent victims during the age of madness.
How to have fun in Bonn and Berlin
Bonn and Berlin are two very different German cities, but both offer plenty of opportunities for entertainment.
Bonn, located on the banks of the Rhine, is a peaceful city rich in history. Here, you can stroll through the historic center, visit markets, and enjoy cultural events that enliven the squares and engage both residents and tourists. In the evening, you can choose among traditional restaurants, cozy pubs, and venues where you can listen to live music.
Berlin, on the other hand, is a livelier and more cosmopolitan metropolis, famous for its nightlife and creative atmosphere. The city offers world-famous museums, art galleries, historical monuments, and, of course, top-notch concerts with Europe’s best orchestras. But it’s the pubs and clubs—this is the capital of electronic music—that make it attractive to younger people.
Green spaces
Parks…both in Bonn and Berlin…represent an important natural and cultural heritage of Germany. In Bonn, one of the most famous parks is the Rheinaue, a large green space located along the Rhine River. This park offers lawns, ponds, cycle paths, and areas dedicated to sports and relaxation. It is popular with both residents and tourists, especially during the spring and summer, when it hosts events, concerts, and markets.
Berlin, on the other hand, is famous for its numerous urban parks. The most important is the Tiergarten (Zoo), located in the heart of the city. This vast green space is characterized by centuries-old trees, paths, lakes, and historical monuments. It’s perfect for walking, jogging, cycling, or simply relaxing. Another popular park is Tempelhofer Feld, in the area of a former airport. Today, it’s an open space where residents and visitors can enjoy sports, picnics, and cultural activities.
Both Bonn and Berlin offer different experiences: the former captivates with its relaxed and cultural atmosphere, the latter captivates with its energy, variety of activities, and the constant opportunity to discover something new. Visiting both means discovering two fascinating sides of Germany and spending unforgettable moments.
