Unspoiled hiking trails, unknown mountains, medieval castles and places far away from the tourist crowds: all this awaits young and old in the Siebengebirge or ‘Seven Mountains’. Going on holiday where dragons are at home is the theme of this hiking trip. On a mystical walking holiday you are with fire-breathing giants. From Königswinter you explore the natural park of the Siebengebirge, the city of Bonn and undertake adventurous day trips.
When little mountaineers legs are getting tired, there are plenty of activities to keep them busy. A boat trip on the Rhine, a visit to the reptile zoo or a ride on the Drachenfelsbahn promises and extra portion of adventure.
Details of the hiking holiday in the Seven Mountains
The starting point for your daily excursions is Königswinter/Bonn. After a comfortable arrival, you start the adventurous circular walk around the Drachenfels (Dragon Rocks) the next day. The ascent to the Nibelungenhalle increases the excitement with each step. Say hello to the dragon, whose home is in the Dragon Cave, and experience a unique encounter. If the kids are not so brave, just cut the path and head straight for the Drachenfels.
Ship Ahoy! For a boat trip on the Rhine, pleasure comes first. Once in Bonn you can really enjoy time together with your loved ones. Be it a leisurely city walk, a museum visit or a picnic in the park. Culture tip: Discover Bonn’s more beautiful square at a city rally and learn a lot about the former German capital.
Highlights of the family hiking tour
Visit the SEA LIFE: need a break from walking? The absolute highlight is a visit to the SEA LIFE in Königswinter. When walking through the 360 degree glass tunnel, only a thick glass panel separates you from the beautiful marine animals. More than 2,000 animals await you in 36 aquariums and tanks. Go on a discovery tour and see skates, big sharks and many more!
Round trip Siebengebirge: With fire salamander and peregrine falcon you explore the circular path in the Siebengebirge. The special feature: many endangered animal and plant species are still native to this region. Maybe you will be lucky and experience some of these special treasures!
Useful information about the hiking tour
This lively hiking tour lasts eight days. Little and large summiteers and nature lovers will be happy, because adventurous experiences are included in this family hiking holiday. You should pay attention to this: the kids must have reached the age of six and be used to hiking for a few hours. Then you can begin!
Fancy and adventure? And with the whole family? Then this hiking trip is just right for you and your loved ones!
Today you are headed for the legendary Mount Drachenfels, probabley the most renowned mountain of the Siebengebirge. It is even considered Germany’s most climbed peak. You are off the the lower terminus of the Drachenfelsbahn-tram. From there you ascend to the Nibelungenhalle-hall. Only the very bravest amongst you dare to visit the dragon in the dragon cave here. Past the reptile zoo and Drachenburg-castle you proceed uphill to Mount Drachenfels. You hike via the Nachtigallental-valley back to Königswinter. If you prefer a more leisurely hike simply cut the ascent short by taking a ride with the Drachenfelsbahn-tram.
Gleefully you take a boat ride on the rive Rhine to Bonn in the afternoon. There is time left for you to get to know the city. For instance visit one of the numerous museums, stroll through countless parks or embark on a guided tour for children. After that you learn much about our solar system during the planet-educational trail. Back to Königswinter you walk leisurely along the promenade. Alternative you can start on the morning kick off the hiking tour from Königswinter and proceed along the Rhine to Bonn and then take the boat back on the early afternoon.
After all these enjoyable hiking days you have really earned a break from hiking. But again today an exciting day in Königswinter awaits. You leisurely stroll to the SEA LIFE. There you will experience the colourful underwater world up close! In Germany’s unique 360-degree glass tunnel it will feel just like as if you are under water. Discover more than 2000 animals in 36 aquariums and pool enclosures. Here you can even glance at a ghost ship in the ray-enclosure and watch giant sharks in the 7-metres deep Atlantis-pool. SEA LIFE becomes a particularly impressive experience especially during the allocated feeding times.
The scenery of the Siebengebirge-nature park was shaped by volcanoes and also produced rocks and stones, which were quarried and used to build Cologne cathedral in the Middle Ages. Along the 200 possible hiking kilometres of the Siebengebierge-mountains you keep coming across ancient quarries. You too can discover them during an exciting circular walk around Mount Petersberg today. Past the mystic Haisterbach monastery ruin you walk through the ‚Dollendorfer Hardt‘ with marvellous long-distance views onto the Rhine river valley and the Siebengebirge-mountains. You may even come across a fire salamander or a peregrine, two of over 80 species of fauna and flora which are critically endangered, however can still be found in the Siebengebirge-mountains.
approx. 3 hours
10 km
295 m
295 m
Day
6
Departure or extension
Tour character
You mainly walk along well-maintained hiking paths, roads with very little traffic and along the Rhine-river promenade.
5 overnight stays in JUFA Hotel Königswinter/Bonn***-s, breakfast included
1x boat ride Königswinter – Bonn
1x entrance fee to Sea Life Königswinter
Carefully elaborated route description
Detailed travel information 1x per room (German, English, French) with route maps or overview maps,..
Service hotline
Optional
Half-board evening meal (mostly multi-course from the buffet in the hotel)
Ascent by Drachenfelsbahn-tram, approx. EUR 8 per adult and approx. EUR 5 per child up to age of 13, payable on site
Visit Nibelungenhalle with reptile zoo, approx. EUR 6 per adult and approx. EUR 4 per child up to 14 years, payable on site
Visit Schloss Drachenburg, approx. EUR 7 per adult and approx. EUR 5 per child, payable on site
Infos
Arrival/Parking/Departure
Fly to Cologne Airport.
Arrival by train at Königswinter and then a short walk of approx. 15 minutes to the hotel or by taxi in a few minutes to the hotel, approx. EUR 5 per ride, payable on site.
Parking: free hotel parking spaces. No reservation necessary.
Things to note
Tourist tax, if due, is not included in the price
Train/Bus journey to Spitzingsee - Bayrischzell, apporox. EUR 5 per person
Further important information according to the package travel law can be found here!
Accommodation
JUFA Hotel Königswinter/Bonn
★★★★S
Situated in a marvellously quiet location in the stunning nature park and only 2 kilometres away from the centre of Königswinter, is the ‚JUFA Hotel Königswinter‘, the perfect base for a hiking holiday with the whole family.
JUFA Hotel Königswinter/Bonn
★★★★S
Situated in a marvellously quiet location in the stunning nature park and only 2 kilometres away from the centre of Königswinter, is the ‚JUFA Hotel Königswinter‘, the perfect base for a hiking holiday with the whole family. There are several hiking routes leading directly past the hotel and hence offer you a direct entry point into the giant Siebengebirge-hiking path network. The interior hardly leaves anything to be desired: the family rooms are modern and very bright, some with a connecting door, feature a bath and toilet, hair dryer, safe, TV and free Wifi. The house also features a cosy terrace with a view onto the river Rhine, an indoor adventure area for kids as well as a billiard- and games room. After a short walk past the on-site meadow orchard, you reach the on-site viewing platform with marvellous views over the Rhine. Enjoy the quietness in the unique JUFA-Hotel Königswinter.