A mineral spa and a gem of Romanticism, the town is known for its beauty and elegance. On a tour of discovery in Ahrweiler's old quarter, you can soak up the magical atmosphere and visit the historical sights and cultural venues. Alternatively, you can stay with the Benedictine monks at Maria Laach abbey and gain an insight into monastic life, or learn all about the story of Siegfried on the way up to Drachenburg Castle in the Siebengebirge hills.Ahrweiler's old quarter
The old quarter of Ahrweiler, a town that is famous for its red wine and its close links with Bad Neuenahr, has a unique charm all of its own. It still features many original buildings dating from the Middle Ages. The town is enclosed by a completely preserved wall. One of the most striking buildings in Ahrweiler is the museum - a three-storey residential tower dating from the second half of the 13th century. Another highlight is the Schlafstübchen ("little bedroom"), a historical hotel. Just like a century ago, there is no radio or TV. Breakfast can also take a bit longer here, as the coffee beans have to be ground by hand.Maria Laach Abbey
Maria Laach abbey is situated in one of Europe's most recent landscapes, the Volcanic Eifel region. Lake Laach and the range of hills surrounding it were created by volcanic activity in around 10,000 BC. The abbey is one of around 60 Benedictine monasteries and convents in Germany. At its heart is the church where services are held several times a day. Tucked away between the abbey walls and the basilica are the abbey gardens where a wide variety of plants and flowers grow, including the legendary "Laach Lily".Drachenburg Castle
Königswinter with its magnificent countryside and cultural monuments is situated at the foot of the fabled Siebengebirge hills. Mount Drachenfels, the most famous hill in this range, towers over the Rhine. This is where Siegfried, the hero of the Nibelung saga, fought a terrible dragon - the last of its kind. The whole saga revolves around the legendary Nibelung's treasure, which was supposedly hidden in a dragon's cave and has still not been found to this day. The path leading to the top of Mount Drachenfels takes you past the Siebengebirgsmuseum and the ruins of Drachenburg Castle, the epitome of late 19th century Romanticism on the Rhine, which is about half way up and clearly visible from afar.