Unkel

Unkel is situated to the far south of the Siebengebirge-Drachenfels region and, with its Rhine promenade and lanes in the old town centre, proves to be a little treasure trove of the Rhine Romanticism. Wine, music and poetry have always played a major role here. As far back as mediaeval times, aristocratic families and even the Chapter of the Cologne Cathedral possessed vineyards. The “Unkeler Funkeler” “Unkel Sparkle” was the name given to the shimmering wine that once grew here. Winegrowing was the main source of income for the town up until the 19^th century. The town wall dates back to the 16^th century. There are still two remaining towers of this wall facing the Rhine. One was known to be a prison and it is said that the young Beethoven found himself here one morning after a long drinking session. Other famous contemporaries, such as the Brothers Grimm, also paid visits to Unkel. The author Ferdinand Freiligrath  and the composer Carl Loewe appraised the beauty of the town on the Rhine, which to this day impresses all who visit with its lovely examples of romantic half-timbered houses and its Rhine promenade.