A Good Match
Rheinbach and Sevenoaks are broadly similar in size.
Both towns are in open countryside between a major river on one side and woods and forests on the other.
Both are not far from major conurbations. Bonn, former capital of Germany and birthplace of Beethoven is just 13 miles from Rheinbach. Cologne is about 30 miles, but commutable.
Both towns have a long and rich history. The original settlement of Rheinbach is from the 8th century and evidence of Roman activity in the area can be seen in the town centre.
Both towns support a wide range of social, cultural, sporting and other clubs.
Our Sister Organisation in Rheinbach
is called 'Freunde von Sevenoaks'
They have a website at http://www.freunde-von-sevenoaks.de
But There Are Differences As Well
Few Britons understand German or show any great interest in Germany, but in Rheinbach, as in most of Germany, English is widely understood and spoken. Many Germans are interested and knowledgeable about Britain and have a positive image of the UK, albeit tinged with regrets, and even incomprehension, over the decision to leave the EU.
One of Rheinbach's most distinctive features is its reputation for fine glassware, dating from when bohemian craftsmen settled there after the Second World War. There's a glass school in the town and a five storey glass museum.
Getting to Rheinbach is easy!
By rail there are high speed trains to Cologne via Brussels, with onward connections to Rheinbach.
By road it's 270 miles from Calais, 255 from Dunkirk by motorway to within 2 miles of Rheinbach town centre.
By air, Rheinbach is about 25 miles from Cologne Bonn International Airport.
