Augustusburg

As you are exiting the train station at Brühl, you will immediately see the Brühl Palace, Augustusburg. The palaces were built at the beginning of the 18th century by the Archbishop-Elector of Cologne, Clemens August of Bavaria (1700-1761) of the Wittelsbach family. The architects were Johann Conrad Schlaun and François de Cuvilliés. The magnificent staircase in the Augustusburg Palace was designed by Johann Balthasar Neumann.

Palace Falkenlust

Palace Falkenlust is a small hunting lodge with an exceptionally charming interior. It was built for Elector Clemens August between 1729 and 1746, according to plans drawn up by Francois de Cuvillés. The park also contains the "Muschelkapelle" (Shell Chapel), which was designed to resemble a hermit grotto and consecrated in 1740. The Palaces Augustusburg and Falkenlust and the park were collectively designated a UNESCO cultural and natural World Heritage Site in 1984.

Max Ernst Museum

On 3rd September 2005, the Max Ernst Museum was officially opened with a ceremony at which Horst Köhler, President of the Federal Republic of Germany, honoured the life's work of the artist. This is the first time that the work of the great Dadaist and Surrealist Max Ernst (1891-1976) has been showcased at a single location. The wealth of works displayed - comprising all art forms and periods - is unsurpassed, and includes over 60 sculptures from the artist's private collection and a large part of his graphic oeuvre. The highlight of the exhibit is the selection of 36 so-called D-Paintings - birthday presents from the painter, sculptor and writer to his wife, Dorothea Tanning, showing his love for her and given every year.

Phantasialand

Germany's second-largest theme park is perfect for a family day out. Read more here.