Bonn Regional Group: Autumn 2026 Hike to Löwenburg
Ten scholarship holders accepted Helmut and Sigrid’s invitation to go hiking through the Siebengebirge in its beautiful autumn colours. It was a wonderful, harmonious group, enjoying a stunning yet challenging route thanks to Helmut’s experience. Everyone was in great spirits despite the unexpectedly chilly temperatures high up on the highest mountain in the Siebengebirge.
We set off in glorious sunshine, looking forward to a breathtaking view of the Rhine Valley from Löwenburg. Our expectations were met, although at some point the sun disappeared, forcing us to keep up a brisk pace to stay warm. For those accustomed to tropical temperatures, such as Daniel from Costa Rica and Tasnuva from Bangladesh, the chilly 8°C made it somewhat difficult to fully enjoy the beautiful autumn scenery.
Ten different nationalities were represented, and although most of us had never met before, we soon felt like one big family, chatting and laughing as we made our way through the forest – much to the delight of the other hikers we encountered along the way.
We were amazed by the abundance of chestnuts and the incredible variety of mushrooms. Time and again, we had to call upon AI to help us identify some of the more exotic-looking specimens!
Helmut, Verena and Sigrid shared fascinating insights into Germany’s hiking traditions and the history of the Siebengebirge. Our scholarship holders now know where Konrad Adenauer is buried, where the stones used to build Cologne Cathedral came from, and that the Rhine has never had such a low water level as it does this year.
The group’s curiosity and enthusiasm were enormous, as was the gratitude expressed by our hiking companions when we finally arrived safely back at Bonn Central Station after a long and certainly quite strenuous day.
