A Journey from Hannover to Rhineland Splendor

Our insider tip: Hanover! Let yourself be enchanted by Hanover’s charm and laid-back atmosphere! Stroll through the markets and the alleys of the Old Town, and recharge your batteries in nature—for example, around the Maschsee or in the Eilenriede City Forest. Hannover is a city where everything is close by—why not rent a bike and leisurely ride from one neighborhood to the next? Along the Ihme River, an idyllic bike path connects the Maschsee to the trendy Linden neighborhood, with its popular Saturday market, many small, unique shops, boutiques, restaurants, and cafés.

Minden is a picturesque town in the northeast of North Rhine-Westphalia with a population of 81,000. This town with a long history nestles directly on the Weser River and boasts many notable buildings within a compact area. These structures trace their origins to the town’s past as a bishopric, a fortified city, and a Hanseatic city with staple rights. The cityscape is dominated above all by the large cathedral, featuring both Gothic and Romanesque elements, which was founded in the eighth century. Also worth seeing are the many half-timbered houses in the Old Town, especially on Hohe Strasse and Museumszeile. Other highlights include a coffee museum and a ship mill located directly on the riverbank.

Minden is a picturesque town in the northeast of North Rhine-Westphalia with a population of 81,000. This town with a long history nestles directly on the Weser River and boasts many notable buildings within a compact area. These structures trace their origins to the town’s past as a bishopric, a fortified city, and a Hanseatic city with staple rights. The cityscape is dominated above all by the large cathedral, featuring both Gothic and Romanesque elements, which was founded in the eighth century. Also worth seeing are the many half-timbered houses in the Old Town, especially on Hohe Strasse and Museumszeile. Other highlights include a coffee museum and a ship mill located directly on the riverbank.

At the idyllic northern end of the Teutoburg Forest lies Bergeshövede, a charming gateway between tradition and technology. Three important waterways meet here - the Mittelland Canal, the Dortmund-Ems Canal and the Coastal Canal - making the town a fascinating hub of German inland shipping. Surrounded by rolling hills and green nature, Bergeshövede has the tranquil, authentic atmosphere of Westphalia. Small villages, half-timbered houses and vast landscapes characterize the picture - a perfect place to enjoy the relaxed side of traveling by water. Whether as the starting point or destination of your cruise: Bergeshövede stands for deceleration, originality and the quiet beauty of the North German inland.

At the idyllic northern end of the Teutoburg Forest lies Bergeshövede, a charming gateway between tradition and technology. Three important waterways meet here - the Mittelland Canal, the Dortmund-Ems Canal and the Coastal Canal - making the town a fascinating hub of German inland shipping. Surrounded by rolling hills and green nature, Bergeshövede has the tranquil, authentic atmosphere of Westphalia. Small villages, half-timbered houses and vast landscapes characterize the picture - a perfect place to enjoy the relaxed side of traveling by water. Whether as the starting point or destination of your cruise: Bergeshövede stands for deceleration, originality and the quiet beauty of the North German inland.

The beautiful city of Münster impresses with its many historic buildings, which are found primarily in the town’s lovingly restored Old Town. The Prinzipalmarkt, for example, with its well-preserved gabled houses and arcades, is well worth a visit. But a stroll along the so-called Promenade—which is open only to pedestrians and cyclists and winds its way around the entire Old Town—is also a delightful experience. Also worth a visit is the idyllic Aasee, located not far from the city center and surrounded by beautiful nature. The Allwetterzoo Münster is also very interesting, where visitors can marvel at many exotic animals.

The beautiful city of Münster impresses with its many historic buildings, which are found primarily in the town’s lovingly restored Old Town. The Prinzipalmarkt, for example, with its well-preserved gabled houses and arcades, is well worth a visit. But a stroll along the so-called Promenade—which is open only to pedestrians and cyclists and winds its way around the entire Old Town—is also a delightful experience. Also worth a visit is the idyllic Aasee, located not far from the city center and surrounded by beautiful nature. The Allwetterzoo Münster is also very interesting, where visitors can marvel at many exotic animals.

In Datteln, paths converge—not only on the streets, but also on the water. Here, where four canals meet, a special sense of tranquility emerges—one that only places by the water can exude. Amid gentle riverside paths, green landscapes, and charming city scenes, Datteln shows its relaxed side. Anyone who loves the water will feel right at home here—whether strolling along the locks, biking along the canal, or simply savoring the moment.

The “small” city of Herne has a population of just over 160,000 and is located in the Ruhr region in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. It is known for the Rhine-Herne Canal, a 45.4-kilometer-long federal waterway. The Herne-Ost marina (kilometer 37.5) is located here, in the immediate vicinity of the Herne-Ost lock. The marina features a restaurant, a snack bar, and shopping facilities. The eastern district is called Sodingen (population 35,000) and is divided into the neighborhoods of Horsthausen, Börnig/Holthausen, and Sodingen. The waterway runs through Horsthausen. The Teutoburgia coal mining settlement belonged to the coal mine of the same name in the district of Börnig, a former hard coal mine that was shut down as early as 1929. The settlement is a designated historic landmark and was designed as a garden city. The headframe of Shaft 1 has been preserved, as has the old hoisting machine hall, an impressive example of industrial architecture. The coal mine grounds have been converted into a park and, together with the Kunstwald, are part of the Route of Industrial Culture. Along the path, visitors will find art and sound installations that evoke the site’s former use. The top of the headframe is illuminated at night.

The “small” city of Herne has a population of just over 160,000 and is located in the Ruhr region in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. It is known for the Rhine-Herne Canal, a 45.4-kilometer-long federal waterway. The Herne-Ost marina (kilometer 37.5) is located here, in the immediate vicinity of the Herne-Ost lock. The marina features a restaurant, a snack bar, and shopping facilities. The eastern district is called Sodingen (population 35,000) and is divided into the neighborhoods of Horsthausen, Börnig/Holthausen, and Sodingen. The waterway runs through Horsthausen. The Teutoburgia coal mining settlement belonged to the coal mine of the same name in the district of Börnig, a former hard coal mine that was shut down as early as 1929. The settlement is a designated historic landmark and was designed as a garden city. The headframe of Shaft 1 has been preserved, as has the old hoisting machine hall, an impressive example of industrial architecture. The coal mine grounds have been converted into a park and, together with the Kunstwald, are part of the Route of Industrial Culture. Along the path, visitors will find art and sound installations that evoke the site’s former use. The top of the headframe is illuminated at night.

Duisburg is an independent city in North Rhine-Westphalia that has a lot to offer. Along the Rhine, there are interesting places and sights to discover. Among the most popular landmarks of the former coal industry is the “Landschaftspark Duisburg-Nord,” which attracts visitors with numerous events such as the summer movie theater or a food truck festival. The Duisburg Zoo is known, among other things, for its koalas and dolphins. A long walk to the extravagant, walk-through artwork “Tiger and Turtle” is an experience you’ll never forget.

Cologne is a city with independent municipal status in North Rhine-Westphalia and is one of the few cities in the Federal Republic of Germany with a population of over one million. Cologne Cathedral is the city’s landmark, located directly on the banks of the Rhine and next to the main train station. A cable car crosses the Rhine, offering a fantastic view of the city. The local zoo and the stadium are real attractions for young and old alike. Carnival is an important part of life here and is just as much a part of the city’s character as a traditional brewery.

The Rhineland way of life, blending tradition and modernity—Düsseldorf captivates with its diversity! Art and culture lovers are just as enthralled here as shopping enthusiasts; the Media Harbor impresses with its contemporary architecture, as does the historic Old Town. With more than 250 cozy pubs, the Old Town makes Düsseldorf the “longest bar in the world.” And it’s not just the traditional Altbier that tastes great there! Don’t miss a stroll down Königsallee, the world-famous shopping boulevard—or perhaps you’d prefer a visit to one of the many charming flea markets? And right in the middle of it all: plenty of green space and the Rhine with its riverside promenade, perfect for taking a deep breath. No wonder the VIVA family feels right at home here!

The Rhineland way of life, blending tradition and modernity—Düsseldorf captivates with its diversity! Art and culture lovers are just as enthralled here as shopping enthusiasts; the Media Harbor impresses with its contemporary architecture, as does the historic Old Town. With more than 250 cozy pubs, the Old Town makes Düsseldorf the “longest bar in the world.” And it’s not just the traditional Altbier that tastes great there! Don’t miss a stroll down Königsallee, the world-famous shopping boulevard—or perhaps you’d prefer a visit to one of the many charming flea markets? And right in the middle of it all: plenty of green space and the Rhine with its riverside promenade, perfect for taking a deep breath. No wonder the VIVA family feels right at home here!