Discovering the Siebengebirge, Rhine Valley, Germany

With over 40 hills and valleys, the Siebengebirge Nature Park in Königswinter and Bad Honnef on the Rhine is a beautiful spot, a piece of paradise right on the doorstep of the locals or the landing stage of the Rhine steamer.

Our Siebengebirge has gone through an eventful history. It almost fell victim to quarrying, today many endangered animals and plants live here. You can visit three medieval castle ruins: Rosenau. In the Siebengebirge tales, you will meet dragons sharp as a tack, knights and ladies, a puppy in knight service, talking cats, the monk of Heisterbach and other legendary figures.

Attached to our homeland, open to the world and tolerant
Love for our homeland and cosmopolitanism have shaped our region since the days of the Romans and Ubians – even though hate mongers and populists want us to believe otherwise. My “Rhine Dragon” stands in this tradition.

An Encounter with dragons and knights

If you walk through the Seven Mountains today, you will not come across fire spitting dragons. How could they, after all we are in the middle of a nature park. But you will feel it. Dragons symbolize trust in ourselves, the confidence that we can make a difference, even if we need to grow beyond ourselves. May you encounter a dragon on your hike through the Siebengebirge!

Be brave and upright, that God may love thee. Safeguard the helpless and do no wrong.”
From "Kingdom of Heaven"

Knights are not a relic from the Middle Ages that one brings out for costume parties only. Being a knight is, above all, an attitude, a high standard that we set ourselves to do our best. Almost every day we encounter ruthless people who cannot think beyond themselves, and intolerant people who verbally cudgel people with a different opinion or deny them having brains.

In the anonymity of the Internet, language often comes offensive. It’s no longer about arguments, mud is being slung on others. Trash is being dumped all around public places and trails. A modern-day knight would intervene rather than tolerate foul language and bullying. He, or she, would also clean up broken pieces or garbage before children and animals came along and got hurt. In short, a bit more chivalry would be good for all of us!