Other visits in Aachen:

Other visits to choose from in Aachen include the Town Hall or "Rathaus", the Couven Museum of Life in the 18th and 19th centuries, the International press museum and the Computer museum.


Amgueddfa Chwaraeon

Mae'r amgueddfa'n olrhain hanes chwaraeon cystadleuol o'r Gemau Olympaidd cyntaf yng Ngwlad Groeg i rai o chwaraeon mwyaf llwyddiannus yr Almaen: Fformiwla 1, Gemau Olympaidd y Gaeaf a phêl-droed. Gallwch weld rhoddion gan chwaraewyr enwog ac mae arddangosfeydd arbennig ar gyfer Gemau Olympaidd Berlin 1936 a digwyddiadau erchyll Gemau Olympaidd 1972 ym Munich. Rydyn ni'n argymell eich bod chi'n trefnu taith dywys, yn Saesneg neu Almaeneg, i fanteisio'n llawn ar yr amgueddfa hon.


Stollwerck Schokoladenmuseum

Dyma amgueddfa i dynnu dŵr o'ch dannedd! Siocled, siocled a mwy o siocled - y lle i fynd os oes gennych chi ddant melys! Mae'r amgueddfa'n olrhain hanes gwneud siocled a'r broses ei hun ac yn dangos deunyddiau marchnata a chelfwaith sydd wedi cael eu defnyddio gydol hanes y diwydiant. Uchafbwynt yr ymweliad yw gweld y siocled yn cael ei wneud ac yna cael cyfle i'w flasu mewn ffynnon siocled euraidd. Wrth gwrs, allwch chi ddim gadael heb bicio i'r siop i brynu ychydig o ddanteithion!


Eglwys Gadeiriol Cologne

Yr eglwys gadeiriol yw symbol unigryw Cologne. Ym 1998, cafodd ei chynnwys ar Restr Treftadaeth y Byd UNESCO. Dyma atyniad mwyaf poblogaidd yr Almaen, ac mae'n denu dros chwe miliwn a hanner o ymwelwyr y flwyddyn. Y tu mewn, cewch weld y cysegr euraidd sy'n cynnwys creiriau'r Tri Gŵr Doeth a llawer o wrthrychau celf gwerthfawr eraill.


Cologne

There are six Christmas markets in total. The Christmas Market on the Altermarkt is picturesquely situated in Cologne's old town. By way of the shopping streets "Hohe Strasse" and "Schildergasse", you come to the Christmas Market at Neumarkt and then on to the "Fairytale Market" at Rudolfplatz. Nestling next to Cologne Cathedral, you will find the fascinating Christmas Market "am Dom". The Medieval market and the floating market on board a ship make for interesting alternatives.


Aachen

As the closer of the two destinations, Aachen is ideally suited to a two-day trip to enjoy a tour of the city and an experience of the Christmas markets. The town offers a more manageable, intimate Christmas market experience being somewhat smaller than Cologne. Alternatively, your group could use the city as a base for a deeper exploration of the area, including trips to Cologne and Bonn.


Phantasialand Theme Park

Phantasialand is an exciting theme park located in Brühl, near Cologne. The park is home to a range of indoor and outdoor rides as well as loads of attractions for younger visitors, plus some great shows. A visit to Phantasialand is a great way for kids to let off some steam on an educational visit and it offers a safe, enclosed environment. We recommend a whole day at the park, particularly for longer tours of the area.


Ehrenbreitstein

Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, the second largest fortress in Europe after Gibraltar, has a spectacular view from high above the Rhine, across the river down to "Deutsches Eck". A guided tour of the fortress in either English or German will give you an insight into the history of the fort and the area from the early 19th century.


Koblenz

Situated in the picturesque landscape of the Rhine and Moselle, Koblenz has an abundance of cultural monuments and interesting historic buildings. Its cosy lanes and narrow alleyways, the relaxed and happy atmosphere of its squares and river promenades make Koblenz a very pleasant town to visit.


Deutsches Museum Bonn

See the history and development of science and technology in Germany and the rest of the world since 1945. These developments are shown within the context of Germany's political and economic development since the war. The exhibition aims to show how important science and technology is for the Germans in global competition. Guided tours are available in English or German.


Beethoven Haus

The house of Beethoven's birth is one of Bonn's most visited attractions. A tour through the twelve rooms in the Museum takes visitors back to Beethoven's time and gives a deeper insight into the life and work of the great composer.


The Guggenheim in Bonn

A selection of work is taken from exhibitions at the famous New York museum, providing regularly changing, temporary exhibitions of works by celebrated contemporary artists. These are housed in the ground floor of the Kunstmuseum.


Bonn

Bonn is famous for two things: it was the capital of West Germany until the reunification, and one of Germany's most famous composers, Beethoven, was born here. Dating back to the Roman times like its larger neighbour Cologne, Bonn also has a lot to offer. Take a tour of the city, visit a museum or simply take in the sights and smells of the Christmas markets.


Marksburg

This is one of Germany's must see castles, a rare example of history virtually untouched over the years. It sits above the town of Braubach, which is also the castle's original name, with a commanding view from the East bank of the Rhine River. Other than the additions and maintenance over the centuries Marksburg remains much as it was when it served its original function as the fortified residence of some of German history's more notable names. In fact, the only serious damage the Marksburg ever suffered in hostilities occurred near the close of WWII when it was shelled from the west bank of the Rhine.


Boppard

A charming town with a long and interesting history. The historic wealth of the Rhine valley has contributed to making this town a very attractive place to visit.

If you are visiting at Christmas time, both Rüdesheim and Boppard have small Christmas markets, which although much smaller than Cologne's, make an attractive alternative.


Rüdesheim

An an idyllic town on the river Rhine with some fabulous examples of medieval architecture. Take the chair lift to see the Niederwald monument and some of the best views of the Rhine valley. A gem for music students or younger visitors is Siegfried's Mechanical Music Cabinet, which has some wonderful examples of music boxes and other historic mechanical instruments.


The Ludwig Forum for International Art

This gallery is a very different museum. It provides a setting in which different forms of contemporary art are presented and also interact. The various forms of visual arts are complemented by demonstrations of performing arts, including music, theatre, dance, poetry and film, enabling the visitor to experience the interplay of different kinds of contemporary art


Suermondt-Ludwig Museum

A tour of the museum could start with the modern times and lead back to the Middle Ages. The main emphasis is on the excellent collection of portraits and sculptures from the late Middle Ages and the paintings of the 17th century.


Aachen Cathedral

This Cathedral is a very special world heritage site. The core of this building is 1200 years old, and it is one of the most interesting cathedrals of Western Europe. You will be able to visit Charlemagne's burial site, the coronation site of the German Kings and important places of pilgrimage as well as the Cathedral Treasure, which is of particular value. The Aachen Cathedral is a jewel of cultural history.


Walking tour of Aachen

Take this tour to fully experience what Aachen has to offer. Aachen's historic Old Town is perfect for the city's visitors to stroll around. You will be led through narrow lanes and historic squares and be inspired by Aachen's nearly 2000 years of history.


Boat Trips departing from Cologne

Taking a Rhine boat trip is a great way to get to know the beautiful Rhine valley. Why not take a boat to the beautiful towns of Boppard, Bonn or Rüdesheim. Spend the day wandering around the medieval streets and then return by coach. Please note, during the winter months, boat companies run a limited service and it may not be possible to travel by boat to these towns from Cologne.

If you are visiting at Christmas time, special festive cruises are available from Cologne with a hot drink and a slice of Stollen. Please specify if you would like this option.


The Ludwig Museum

The Ludwig Museum is home to the largest collection of Pop Art outside the U.S. Works include that of Warhol, Lichtenstein and Segal, as well as a large collection of Picasso and expressionist work.


Walking Tour of Cologne

Cologne has been a centre for trade, religion and art since the Middle Ages and is Germany's fourth biggest city today. See this ancient city by foot and learn about its history dating back to the Romans from your English or German speaking guide. A general tour of the city does not include a tour of the cathedral, but the entrance fee can be added to the price. Alternatively, a guided tour of the cathedral can be booked separately. The tour lasts approximately one hour.


Fernsehturm

    Berlin's highest building offers a spectacular view of the city from the viewing platform 203 metres above the city. This is an excellent visit to do day or night and is a great way of passing an evening in the city centre. Information about the sights is available in English and German.


    Reichstag

    This building is a symbol of Germany's changing history. Since 1999, this has been the seat of the German Parliament and the building is open for visitors to admire and take in a spectacular view of the city from the glass dome.


    Bundesrat

    A tour in English or German will guide you through the parliamentary offices, with a look in on the plenary chamber and an explanation of the system of passing laws. Tours last one hour and there is time at the end allocated for questions


    Charlottenburg Palace, Neues Palais and Sanssouci Park

    The Charlottenburg Palace is the largest palace in Berlin. It was built in several stages. It was intended as the summer home for Sophie Charlotte, Frederick III's wife. The palace is situated in the grounds of the Neues Palais and the beautiful Sanssouci park. There are several guided tours of the various different parts of the palaces and park. Please contact us for more details.


    Pergamon Museum

    The highlight of this museum is the Department of Greek and Roman Antiquities, housed in the north and east wings of the museum. Enter the central hall to see the Pergamon Altar, which is so large that it has a huge room all to itself. The Near East Museum, in the south wing, contains one of the largest collections anywhere of antiquities from ancient Babylonia, Persia, and Assyria, documenting a civilisation that created ceramic, glass, and metal objects while Europe was still overrun with primitive tribes. The museum's upper level is devoted to the Museum of Islamic Art. Allow at least 2 hours for this visit.


    Potsdamer Platz

    See the modern side of Berlin. On Potsdam you will see the impressive Daimler-Chrysler and Beisheim buildings, shop in the Arcades and visit the spectacular futuristic Sony Centre. A visit could include seeing a film in the CineStar Original cinema or the IMAX® cinema, the Sony Style Centre or stop to eat and drink in the many bistros. For the real film-buffs, a look around the Filmmuseum for an insight into the film-making business and the history of the Hollywood and Berlin film industries is a must.


    Guggenheim

    This famous art gallery is housed in the ground floor of the Deutsche Bank on the corner of Unter den Linden. The exhibitions change four times a year and guided tours are available in English or German. There is also a shop selling journals on the exhibitions and a very nice café, the Kaffeebank, where you can have "Kaffee und Kuchen" after your visit and enjoy the view of the glass-roofed atrium in the old bank.


    Boat Trips

    Why not see the city by boat? A river tour on the Spree and through the city's canals will show you the city centre from a romantic perspective. Evening tours during the summer months make an excellent after-dinner activity. Tours last one hour. Commentary in English is available.


    Haus der Wansee Konferenz

    On January 20th, 1942, fifteen high-ranking civil servants and SS-officers met in this house to discuss the plan for "The Final Solution" of the Jewish question in Europe; the decision to deport the Jews of Europe to the East and murder them. On the 50th anniversary of the conference (1992) a memorial and educational centre was opened in the villa. Today it houses exhibitions of the National Socialist regime and of Jewish history. Guided tours in English or German are available, lasting 2 hours.


    Gedenkstätte Deutsche Wiederstand

    This Memorial was set up to remember the efforts of various groups of people who resisted the Nazis. An English or German speaking guide is available to give a tour of the exhibitions. Allow two hours for this visit.


    Deutsches Historisches Museum

    This museum has a series of permanent exhibitions that give an overview of German history starting from 100 AD, through the series of German Reichs into the 20th Century and the two world wars. The series of exhibitions aims to give visitors an insight into the tapestry of the nations history, displaying costumes, every-day artefacts through the ages, military artefacts and works of art, photography, technology, engineering and film. The museum is large and you may not wish to include all the exhibitions in your visit. Allow approximately 2 hours.


    Checkpoint Charlie

    The "Haus am Checkpoint Charlie" was started to document a history of peaceful protest against the violation of human rights. Based near the site of the "gate" from the eastern part of the city to the West, over the years they have documented escape attempts from the East and collected artefacts involved in these escapes. There are, amongst other things, pictures of one family's escape attempt in a hot air balloon, a life-size replica of an audio system speaker in which one girl travelled over the border and a very small car which carried several people to the West during various trips. There is even a life-size dummy hidden somewhere in the car which visitors have to find. There is also a strong art interest in the museum, as the exhibitions include artworks inspired by the Berlin Wall and artist impressions of the wall itself. Ghandi's worldwide non-violent fight for human rights is also documented here. Tours in English or German are available. Allow 2 hours for the visit.


    Topografie des terrors

    This open-air exhibition, which was originally designed to be temporary, is situated in the district which housed the various institutions responsible for the oppressive and criminal policies of the National Socialist Regime. The mission of the Topography of Terror Foundation is to provide historical information about National Socialism and its crimes as well as to stimulate active confrontation with this history and its impact since 1945. A tour in either English or German lasts approximately 1½ hours.


    Alliiertenmuseum

    This museum documents the Occupation of Germany by the four powers - Britain, USA, France and the USSR- and their plans for liberation and reconstruction. The exhibition follows the dramatic breakdown of relations between the Soviets and the three other occupational powers and the subsequent Cold War. It shows the part played by Berlin in the conflict, culminating in the fall of the Berlin Wall. Tours are available in English or German and last one hour.


    Gedenkstätte Sachsenhausen

    Between 1936 and 1945, over 200,000 prisoners were deported to Sachsenhausen from all over Europe. During the Soviet occupation, the camp was also used for political prisoners. As well as hosting a changing programme of exhibitions, the former camp is now a memorial and education centre. Visitors can see the dormitories where the prisoners slept, and the extremely poor facilities provided. Some of the gas chamber buildings are still standing, while the watchtowers and barbed wire fences give a chilling impression of the terrible traumas the prisoners went through. Although it is entirely at the teacher's discretion, due to the realistic nature of this visit we would recommend that pupils be over the age of 14 for this visit. English and German language tours are available and last approximately 2 hours.


    Holocaust Memorial

    The Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe near the Brandenburg Gate was commissioned by the German Government to be Germany's central Holocaust memorial site for the remembrance and commemoration of six million victims. The Memorial consists of the Field of Stelae - huge and dramatic grey concrete blocks of varying height. The Field of Stelae is open to the public day and night. The grid pattern, consisting of 2,711 concrete stelae, which can be walked through from all sides, leaves it up to visitors to find their own way in and out of the complex. The underground Information Centre which is located in the south-eastern corner of the Field of Stelae provides information on the victims, the places of extermination and today's memorial sites. A tour through the Information Centre starts by surveying the Nazis' extermination policy between 1933 and 1945. A series of texts and pictures shows the development that led to the Holocaust and the process of the extermination of the European Jews, as well as the persecution and murder of other victims groups.

    A tour can be booked in English or German to give an introduction to the memorial sight and the visitor's centre.


    Jewish Museum

    The Jewish museum is a fascinating museum celebrating 2000 years of Jewish history, culture and identity. However, the design of the building itself also attracts many visitors. It was designed by the American architect Daniel Liebeskind to resemble a broken Star of David to symbolise the destruction of the Jewish people. The museum houses an array of interactive activities which provide an excellent learning tool for pupils. They can learn to write their own name in Hebrew, learn about the different elements of a Kosher diet as well as see for themselves what life was like in the Jewish ghettos at the beginning of World War II. Guided tours are available in English or German, with a choice of themes for your tour. 2 hours should be allowed for this visit.


    The Story of Berlin

    This multi-media exhibition traces the history of the city from the 13th century to the present day. Its clever exhibitions, along with special effects, really bring to life some of the most important events in recent German history. The display on the erection of the Berlin Wall, for example, includes original footage from the day the Wall was erected. A visit with an English or German speaking guide also includes a tour of the nuclear bunker underneath the Kudamm, which was intended to protect the people of Berlin in the event of a nuclear attack during the Cold War. Allow 1½ hours for the visit.


    Walking Tours

    There's so much to see and do in Berlin, it's hard to know where to start. We suggest you take a tour, either by foot or by bus, in order to familiarise yourselves with the city. There are a number of different tours available, depending on your area of interest. Art, architecture, music history or politics, or concentrate on either the west, centre or east of the city. Tours take approximately 3 hours, depending on your choice. Please contact us for more information