Germany’s breath-taking western region, Rhineland is peppered with dynamic cities, picturesque countryside and beautiful landmarks. Also boasting a rich history, students have the opportunity to delve deeper into the region’s past, discovering the area’s cultural traditions while getting stuck into practising their German language skills. To give you a taste of all the fantastic places your students can explore, here are four of Rhineland’s most beautiful cultural hotspots.
Nestled into the rugged Rhine Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in its own right, Boppard provides the perfect setting for pupils to study the native language, with the mesmerising surroundings giving them plenty to talk about!
Take the Boppard chairlift up to Vierseenblick (Four Lakes View), an activity which offers spectacular views of the Rhine’s largest loop and the magnificent surrounding landscape. There’s even a café at the top where students can use a few German phrases and admire the sensational countryside. The Hunsrück Mountain Railway is also a must for visitors – allowing students to fully grasp the full diversity of the Rhineland region. The train takes you through Boppard’s epic forests, through tunnels and over dramatic viaducts – a great opportunity for students to describe what they see in German.
From scenic Boppard to thriving Cologne; this unique metropolis has a wealth of activities to entertain your pupils. Dominating the city’s skyline is Cologne Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece which boasts the accolade of the largest Gothic church in Europe, not to mention the cathedral’s imposing spires giving it the largest façade of any church in the world. Wander through the grand religious building while taking in the stunning architecture, or, if you’re feeling active, ascend the numerous steps to the top for a brilliant panoramic view over Cologne.
Aside from the cathedral, this city has plenty of cultural hang-outs to offer, providing a masterclass in German cuisine, art and chocolate. The Imhoff Stollwerck Chocolate Museum provides a fantastic opportunity for students to learn about the chocolate making process, test their reading and listening skills and enjoy a few samples along the way!
Another breath-taking, rural region of Rhineland, Rüdesheim am Rhein is a winemaking town in the Rhine Gorge. The area’s Old Town is steeped in history, providing settlements for Celts, Romans and Franks. However, the quaint town now looks more like the setting of a German fairytale, making it a great place to explore.
Students will have an abundance of opportunities to hone their linguistic skills, namely in Drosselgasse, a 144-metre long cobbled street in Rüdesheim am Rhein which houses multiple souvenir stores and quaint shops. The promenade is also home to an all year round Christmas shop – a novelty that is definitely worth a visit!
Another picturesque riverside town, Cochem is actually located on the Moselle, a tributary of the Rhine. A refreshing place to spend half a day exploring, students can make their way around the independent cafés and shops practising their German.
Cochem’s main attraction however, has to be Castillo de Cochem, otherwise known as Cochem Castle. Standing atop a hill over the town, the castle is about 30 foot above the river Moselle, and was built around the year 1000 by the palatinate count Ezzo. The Gothic building has a fascinating history – one your students are sure to discover as they delve deeper into the castle.
If you would like to organise a school trip to Rhineland tailored to your students’ needs, get in touch with one of our team members today who will be happy to help.