Northern Rhine Experience 2025

It’s not just the locals who consider Cologne to be among the best cities in the world. The typical friendliness that you find at every turn makes visitors feel at home right away. It’s not unusual to quickly get chatting to strangers and even go for a couple glasses of Kölsch with them. The main landmark – Cologne Cathedral – watches over the whole city. It is the third-tallest church building in the world, at 157.38 metres. It might be a bit of a trek up to the top of the tower, but it’s worth it. You’ll be rewarded with an unforgettable view of the city and the Rhine spread out before you.

This old university town buzzes with energy. Rich in cultural attractions, it also boasts a varied nightlife, with imposing architectural monuments serving as a backdrop. During the ‘Gentse Feesten’ – a ten-day festival of street performance, music and culture that takes place in the city centre every July – these magnificent buildings really come into their own, illuminated by light installations It is a truly spectacular sight.

This city is traditionally considered the largest diamond trading centre in the world. As well as being home to four diamond bourses and around 1,600 diamond companies, it also has a diamond museum, where you can learn all about how these precious stones are processed, from sourcing to finishing. The old harbour area is a fantastic place to take a stroll. It is now a trendy, modern district, with lofts, theatres and night clubs occupying converted warehouse buildings, and luxury yachts from all corners of the world moored at the quay.

Few European cities are as diverse as Amsterdam, with its multicultural charm, relaxed atmosphere, historic canal district and the highest concentration of museums in the world. Don’t miss the Van Gogh Museum or the Rijksmuseum, which was restored to its former glory several years ago following a decade-long renovation project. Follow the locals’ example and explore by bike, or take a trip along the canals and discover Amsterdam from the water.

Few European cities are as diverse as Amsterdam, with its multicultural charm, relaxed atmosphere, historic canal district and the highest concentration of museums in the world. Don’t miss the Van Gogh Museum or the Rijksmuseum, which was restored to its former glory several years ago following a decade-long renovation project. Follow the locals’ example and explore by bike, or take a trip along the canals and discover Amsterdam from the water.

Hoorn is a town and a former Dutch East India Company base in the Dutch province of North Holland. It lies on the IJsselmeer, a lake north of Amsterdam. Shops and cafes dot its 17th-century town center, which is anchored by the Roode Steen, the main square. The harbor features the Hoofdtoren, a 16th-century tower. Museums include the Westfries Museum, displaying paintings of the Westfrisian Golden Age.

From Cologne to Willemstad, Ghent, Antwerp, Amsterdam, Hoorn and Emmerich to Cologne. The mighty Rhine’s final act is a stunning one. Before it joins the North Sea, it splits into five branches and spreads through the untouched countryside like a vast fan. It’s now in a rush to leave behind its famous cities with their people, culture, museums and incredible architecture. As you breathe in the incomparable air, you can understand why the river’s in such a hurry. Gusts of wind whistle around you – and are those seals you see? You are filled with an indescribable sense of freedom. And yet at the same time, you are pleased to spot one of the old Dutch fishing villages with its quaint stepped-gable roofs and colourful sailboats.

It’s not just the locals who consider Cologne to be among the best cities in the world. The typical friendliness that you find at every turn makes visitors feel at home right away. It’s not unusual to quickly get chatting to strangers and even go for a couple glasses of Kölsch with them. The main landmark – Cologne Cathedral – watches over the whole city. It is the third-tallest church building in the world, at 157.38 metres. It might be a bit of a trek up to the top of the tower, but it’s worth it. You’ll be rewarded with an unforgettable view of the city and the Rhine spread out before you.