Rhein in Flammen (Rhine in Flames)

Spring and summer are the best seasons to organize outdoor events, since the skies are mostly clear and weather is usually temperate. Hence every year between May and September, several cities along the Rhine river celebrate "Rhein in Flammen" (Rhine in Flames). On specific dates, a town will be selected to host the event, in which there will be fireworks display after sunset, typically after 10pm. Additionally, there are special cruises on those days which begin earlier in another nearby town, and passengers are treated to multiple rounds of fireworks throughout the journey along the Rhine to the destination host town in which the fireworks display will reach its peak.

Participating towns for Rhine in Flames are:

1) Bonn
2) Rüdesheim, Bingen
3) Spay, Koblenz
4) Oberwesel
5) St. Goar, St. Goarhausen

The exact dates for each location are stated in the official website: http://www.rhein-in-flammen.com/

This year I decided to witness the fireworks in Koblenz, a town located between Frankfurt and Cologne. It is accessible directly via regional trains from both cities. It is highly-advisable to come to the event area early, because by doing so I could find myself a good viewing spot; directly facing the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress from which the fireworks were launched. There were also stalls which sell local beer so one could opt to guzzle some beer while watching the fireworks! A (more pricey) alternative is to book a cruise so that you will be guaranteed a good view of the whole fireworks display from the cruise ship.

Here are some pictures of "Rhine in Flames":

Spectacular, isn't it? The fireworks display was also in sync with the rhythm of the background music, which made the overall experience totally awesome. Best of all - the event is FREE for everyone! I am looking forward to the next "Rhine in Flames" event next year, perhaps in a different town.