Expat Life in Bonn: Rhein in Flammen 2011

Rhein in Flammen (English: "Rhine in Flames") is the name of five different firework displays along the river Rhine in Germany. The displays take place annually, at various locations along the river. On the five different dates, brightly illuminated ships sail the river in an evening convoy for their passengers to see the full firework display at each location of the river. The firework displays are started when the ships arrive. During the firework displays in St. Goar and St. Goarshausen, the convoy waits statically between the two castles Burg Mausand Burg Rheinfels. On the river banks wine festivals take place that attract hundreds of thousands of visitors every year. The biggest "Rhein in Flammen" event takes place in Koblenz every year, on the second Saturday in August. The Bonn event takes place at the Rheinauen Park in Bonn, on the first Saturday in May.

The main exit facing Ludwig-Erhard Allee.

Main entrance facing Ludwig-Erhard Allee where patrons need to line up and open their bags for food inspection.

Since roundabout 3 or 4 years ago, Bonn council had closed off the whole area of Rheinaue to prevent people bringing in food. There are gates controlled by the personnel to check bags and satchels of viewers coming in. This is to ensure the income of establishments within the area. Doing this, there are more kiosks or food stands as before when it people tend to bring their own food and even do barbecues.

Fireworks in Rhein in Flammen.

Rides even proliferated with the favorites Europarad, Nessy, Air Ride, Bungee Trampoline among others.

I remember riding this once way back. A couple was on the booth with us and they were carrying their 2 year old daughter with them. The daughter was so wriggly that the whole ride I thought I will have a heart attack for fear of the daughter falling over.

No event in Bonn will be complete without the wurst and steak.

I thought this will be an easy ride but it scared me to see that it even flips on the side.

The Air Ride doing its flips.

Picnicking in Rheinaue while watching the rides.

First time attraction. A gigantic bread!

Night view of Rheinaue, Rhein in Flammen celebration.

Let the fireworks begin!

Food as usual where the grilled bratwurst, rostbratwurst, steak in brötchen, currywurst with fries, cotton candoes, haribo selection, mandeln, and our very favorite Chinese noodles.