Bonn – open and international
Mayors reveal their insider tips in the deutschland.de series ‘My City’. Part 30: Mayor Ashok Sridharan from Bonn.
Mr Sridharan, what is special about your city?
Its internationality, which was already apparent even before the United Nations came to Bonn, and the people’s great community spirit, which is again proving so beneficial, especially now with so many refugees in the city. And of course, Bonn is where Ludwig van Beethoven was born.
What do you see when you look out of your office window?
I see the wonderful, romantic Rhine Valley with the seven hills of the Siebengebirge. Against this backdrop the old and the new city of Bonn spreads out with the town hall, the university, Bonn Minster in the foreground, and the UN Tower and the Post Tower in the middle distance.
Where in your city do you most like to spend your time?
On the banks of the Rhine. Taking a stroll with my family or, less frequently now, doing some jogging. The river defines the pace of life in this charming city.
Which of your city’s personalities do you value most?
The city’s most famous offspring Ludwig van Beethoven, who was born in Bonn 245 ago. So we we’ll be celebrating the 250th anniversary of his birthday in 2020 – and from modern times, I value Konrad Adenauer.
What would you like to show tourists?
The cloister of Bonner Minster. It’s a historical place of tranquillity at the heart of our city.
Where can visitors best get to know the people in your city?
Virtually everywhere and at any time, because the Rhinelanders are by nature very sociable and open. This applies especially to carnival time.
And where do you most like to spend your vacations?
Lake Constance, nicknamed the ‘Swabian Sea’. The views are wonderful in all kinds of weather. You can see Germany, Switzerland and Austria. My family and I love it and have been going there for years.
