Rhine and Moselle Advent Celebration

The history of Frankfurt am Main dates back over 2,000 years, when the Romans established a military camp at the site. Over time, the city grew into an important commercial center, with trade routes connecting it to other major European cities. In the Middle Ages, Frankfurt became a free imperial city. During the Renaissance, Frankfurt played a significant role in the development of the printing press and the spread of the Reformation. It became an important center of learning, with the establishment of the University of Frankfurt in the 18th century. In the 19th and 20th centuries, Frankfurt experienced significant upheaval, including the devastation of World War II. The city was heavily bombed, leading to the loss of much of its historic architecture. However, Frankfurt was rebuilt quickly and emerged as a major hub of commerce and finance in the post-war era, with the establishment of the European Central Bank and other important financial institutions. The River Main is a significant feature of Frankfurt's geography and history. It runs through the center of the city, dividing it into two halves - the north and the south. The river has been an essential part of Frankfurt's development, as it provided a means of transportation for goods and people, and served as a source of water for drinking and other purposes.

Another pearl of the Moselle is Cochem: with only 5,000 inhabitants, it has a lively atmosphere. The best thing to do here is to stroll along the riverbank, climb up to the vineyards, sit on a bench, gaze at Germany and think: How beautiful this place is! Of course, there is also much to see in Cochem itself, its medieval streets and houses and, above all, the castle which dates back to the year 1000 and, after the French destruction, was bought in ruins by the rich Berliner Louis Ravené and rebuilt as a private residence. Its hidden doors lead to secret passages, and stag antlers hang from the walls. In 1942, Ravené's descendants were forced to sell it to the Nazis. Today the castle belongs to the town of Cochem and can be visited on a guided tour (about 40 minutes).

Koblenz is a city steeped in history, with its origins dating back to Roman times when it was known as "Confluentes," a Latin term meaning "the confluence of two rivers." The city was strategically located at the meeting point of the Rhine and Moselle rivers, making it an important trading hub and military stronghold. Throughout its history, Koblenz has been the site of many battles and conflicts. During the Middle Ages, the city was heavily fortified, and many of the structures from that period, such as the city walls, towers, and gates, can still be seen today. The city is renowned for its stunning river scenery, which includes picturesque castles, vineyards, and historic buildings. The Rhine river, which is the longest river in Germany, offers a mesmerizing view of the city's skyline, while the Moselle river provides a quieter and more serene ambiance. The city has a wealth of historic architecture to explore. Visitors can marvel at the striking architecture of the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, the impressive Deutsches Eck monument, and the charming Old Town, which boasts beautiful half-timbered houses and narrow streets.

Königswinter is a charming city located in the Rhine Valley of Germany, surrounded by the beautiful Siebengebirge (Seven Hills). One of the towns most prominent landmarks is the stunning Drachenfels castle, located on the Drachenfels mountain, one of the Seven Hills. The castle dates back to the 12th century and according to legend, was the lair of a dragon that was slain by the hero Siegfried. Siegfried was the son of a king, raised by a blacksmith, and possessed incredible strength, courage, and skill as a warrior. He acquired a magic sword which he used to slay the dragon. Siegfrieds tragic love story with Brunhild which ended in betrayal by her brother has inspired numerous works of art and literature, including Richard Wagner's famous opera cycle, "Der Ring des Nibelungen. The castle is reached by historical cog railway, the Drachenfelsbahn.

Köln, also known as Cologne in English, is the fourth largest city in Germany with a population of over one million people. The history of Köln dates back over 2,000 years to the Roman Empire when it was known as Colonia Claudia Ara Agrippinensium. It was founded in the year 50 AD by the Roman general Agrippa, and was named in honor of Emperor Claudius. It quickly became an important center of trade and commerce due to its strategic location on the Rhine River. Throughout the Middle Ages, Köln continued to thrive as a major trading center and was a key player in the Hanseatic League. It was also a center of art and learning, with the famous theologian and philosopher Thomas Aquinas studying at the University of Köln in the 13th century. During the 16th and 17th centuries, Köln was hit hard by wars and plagues, but managed to recover and continue to grow. In the 19th century, it became a major industrial center and played a key role in the development of Germany's chemical industry. Unfortunately, Köln suffered extensive damage during World War II, with nearly 90% of the city center destroyed. However, much of the historic architecture and cultural heritage was rebuilt and restored in the post-war period, including the famous Köln Cathedral, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Amsterdam is the capital city of the Netherlands and is known for its stunning canals, rich cultural heritage, and lively arts scene. Visitors can explore the city's many historic landmarks, such as the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, and the Anne Frank House. The city is also home to numerous galleries and theaters, making it a hub for art and culture. And for those who enjoy outdoor activities, the surrounding countryside offers numerous biking and walking trails, as well as opportunities for water sports on the many lakes and canals. And let's not forget the famous nightlife and coffee shops that make Amsterdam a unique destination for many visitors.