Honnef

Honnef is a name historically associated with Bad Honnef, a town on the right bank of the Rhine in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. The official designation is Bad Honnef, indicating its status as a spa town; in some sources the form Honnef is used. The town lies opposite Bonn and is part of the Rhine-Sieg district in the Cologne/Bonn metropolitan region.

Geography and landmarks: Bad Honnef sits at the edge of the Siebengebirge foothills along the Rhine, with the Drachenfels rising to the south. The Drachenfelsbahn, a historic rack railway, climbs to the hill’s summit. The town comprises a historic old town around a market square and a modern residential and business area along the river.

History and economy: The area has a long history with Roman-era archaeological finds and later medieval development as a river market. It gained popularity as a spa destination in the 19th and 20th centuries, attracting visitors and residents seeking wellness. Today the economy relies on tourism, services, and light industry, with hotels, conference facilities, and a favorable location within commuting distance of Bonn and Cologne.

Transportation: Bad Honnef is connected by regional rail and road networks; it lies near the A3 highway and is served by train lines to Bonn and beyond. Rhine river traffic and ferries link it to other towns along the river. The town hosts cultural events and supports outdoor recreation in the surrounding landscape of the Siebengebirge.