Papa Rhein – a new hotel and spa in Bingen am Rhein

What could be more romantic than visiting a city that sprawls along the Rhine, one of the longest rivers in Central and Western Europe? Regarded as the gateway to the “Upper Middle Rhine Valley” UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bingen^[9] is situated at the intersection of four winegrowing areas. The Papa Rhein, a hotel that had its soft opening on July 31 and will have its much-awaited grand opening on September 15, presents a whole new take on accommodation: The rooms are inspired by the Rhine, river life and ports, and the history of the Middle Rhine Valley; range from a cozy bunk to amazing suites; and boast views of the river, the surrounding vineyards and the nearby “Niederwalddenkmal”, a monument commemorating the founding of the German Empire following the Franco-Prussian War. There’s nothing better than relaxing in the spa or watching a spectacular sunset from the rooftop lounge. But the Papa Rhein offers much more, so be sure to visit its website^[10] (German only).

Exceptional flavors in the Vogelsberg

Who would have thought that anything growing in the volcanic soils of the Vogelsberg in Central Hesse could have more intense and tangy flavors! This is all due to the erosion of basalt. The first season of “Der Vulkan kocht” (literally: the volcano cooks), a new culinary experience based on regional specialties including game, lamb, potatoes and apples, runs from September 1 to November 8, 2020. The second season, which features strawberries, lamb and trout, is planned for spring 2021. It will be exciting to see what the 17 participating catering establishments will create from the seasonal, sustainable, regional and animal-friendly products. What we do know is that it will be an unforgettable and highly enjoyable experience. To read more about the event in the Vogelsberg region, be sure to visit its website^[11] (German only).

The best of art nouveau at Museum Wiesbaden

The beautiful city of Wiesbaden^[12] lies on the banks of the Rhine and borders the famous Rheingau region. Museum Wiesbaden^[13], an art and natural history museum, has been home to one of the most significant European private collections of art nouveau and symbolism since June 29, 2019. The Ferdinand Wolfgang Neess collection was donated to the museum on March 23, 2017, transforming it into one of the most important centers for art nouveau in Germany. The international collection comprises some 700 German, French and Austrian works of art including furniture, glass, ceramics, lamps and paintings of exceptional quality, attracting both history lovers and people who would like to simply broaden their horizons. If you would like to find out what else you could do in this city and all it has to offer, click here^[14] to watch “That’s why we love it” and, perhaps, fall in love with Wiesbaden yourself.