Bodensonnenuhr: A Timeless Landmark in Bonn's Rheinaue

Discover the Bodensonnenuhr in Bonn's Rheinaue: Where art, science, and nature converge in a captivating lakeside setting, offering a timeless experience for all visitors.

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Bodensonnenuhr

The Bodensonnenuhr, or ground sundial, is a captivating attraction nestled within Bonn's expansive Rheinaue park. This unique timepiece combines art, science, and history, offering visitors a chance to connect with the past in a serene lakeside setting. The sundial is not only a functional instrument, indicating the time of day through the interplay of sunlight and shadow, but also a striking piece of land art that enhances the park's natural beauty. Its presence invites contemplation and provides a fascinating focal point within the Rheinaue's diverse landscape, making it a worthwhile destination for those seeking a blend of recreation and intellectual stimulation. Whether you're a seasoned sundial enthusiast or simply looking for a peaceful spot to enjoy the outdoors, the Bodensonnenuhr offers a memorable experience.

A brief summary to Bodensonnenuhr

Auensee, Bonn, 53113, DE

Local tips

Visit on a sunny day to fully experience the sundial's time-telling capabilities. The shadows are essential for reading the time accurately.
Take a stroll around the Auensee lake after viewing the sundial for a relaxing experience amidst nature.
Explore the Japanese Garden and other themed gardens within the Rheinaue park, located near the sundial.

Getting There

Public Transport

From Bonn Central Station (Hauptbahnhof), take tram line 66 towards 'Rheinaue'. Get off at the 'Rheinaue' stop. From there, walk approximately 10 minutes, following signs for the Auensee. The Bodensonnenuhr is located near the lake. A single ticket (EinzelTicket) for price level 1b costs €2.20.
Walking

From the center of the Rheinaue park, follow the signs towards the Auensee lake. The Bodensonnenuhr is situated on the shore of the lake, approximately a 20-minute walk from the park's main entrance at the Konrad-Adenauer-Brücke. The walk is along paved paths and is generally flat and accessible.
Taxi/Ride-Share

A taxi or ride-share from Bonn Central Station to the Auensee entrance of Rheinaue park will cost approximately €10-€15, depending on traffic. From the drop-off point, it's a short walk to the Bodensonnenuhr.

Discover more about Bodensonnenuhr

The Bodensonnenuhr, located in Bonn's Rheinaue park, is more than just a time-telling device; it's a testament to human ingenuity and our enduring fascination with the cosmos. This ground sundial, whose name translates to "ground sundial" in English, offers a unique blend of scientific precision and artistic expression, inviting visitors to ponder the relationship between time, space, and our place within the universe. Nestled within the Rheinaue, a sprawling 160-hectare park created for the 1979 Federal Garden Show, the Bodensonnenuhr provides a tranquil escape from the bustle of city life. The Rheinaue itself is a significant landmark in Bonn, serving as a recreational haven for locals and tourists alike. Its creation was intended to connect the formerly independent towns of Bonn, Bad Godesberg, and Beuel, fostering a sense of unity and providing a green space for all to enjoy. Within this verdant expanse, the Bodensonnenuhr adds another layer of interest, drawing visitors to its specific location near the Auensee lake. The Auensee, a 15-hectare artificial lake, further enhances the appeal of the area. With its six pontoon bridges and diverse ecosystem, the lake offers opportunities for boating, leisurely walks, and birdwatching. The Bodensonnenuhr sits near this picturesque body of water, creating a harmonious blend of natural and man-made elements. The sundial's design complements the surrounding landscape, inviting visitors to pause and reflect on the passage of time while enjoying the beauty of the park. The sundial's construction reflects a deep understanding of astronomy and mathematics. Its layout is carefully calculated to accurately display the time based on the sun's position in the sky. The shadow cast by a central gnomon falls upon the dial, indicating the hour. However, unlike traditional sundials, the Bodensonnenuhr requires the observer to become part of the instrument. To read the time, one must stand on the appropriate date marker along the analemma, a figure-eight-shaped curve that represents the sun's apparent movement throughout the year. This interactive element makes the Bodensonnenuhr a truly engaging experience, encouraging visitors to actively participate in the process of timekeeping. The history of sundials dates back to ancient civilizations, with evidence of their use found in Egypt, Greece, and Rome. These early timekeeping devices relied on the sun's movement to cast shadows on marked surfaces, providing a means of measuring the passage of the day. Over time, sundials evolved in complexity and accuracy, becoming essential tools for navigation, astronomy, and daily life. The Bodensonnenuhr represents a modern interpretation of this ancient technology, blending traditional principles with contemporary design. While the exact date of the Bodensonnenuhr's construction is not readily available, its presence within the Rheinaue park suggests that it was likely created after the park's establishment in 1979. As a permanent installation, the sundial has become a beloved feature of the park, attracting visitors of all ages and backgrounds. Its enduring appeal lies in its ability to connect us to the past, present, and future, reminding us of the cyclical nature of time and our place within the grand cosmic order. Visiting the Bodensonnenuhr offers a unique opportunity to engage with science, art, and nature in a meaningful way. Whether you're interested in learning about the principles of timekeeping, appreciating the beauty of land art, or simply enjoying a peaceful moment by the lake, the Bodensonnenuhr provides a memorable experience. Its location within the Rheinaue park ensures that there are plenty of other attractions to explore, making it a worthwhile destination for a day trip or a leisurely afternoon.

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Bodensonnenuhr

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Discover the Bodensonnenuhr in Bonn's Rheinaue: Where art, science, and nature converge in a captivating lakeside setting, offering a timeless experience for all visitors.

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Bodensonnenuhr: A Timeless Landmark in Bonn's Rheinaue

A brief summary to Bodensonnenuhr

Local tips

Getting There

Public Transport

Walking

Taxi/Ride-Share

Unlock the Best of Bodensonnenuhr

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about Bodensonnenuhr

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Bodensonnenuhr

Bismarckturm

Römische Badeanlage

Stadtbefestigung Alter Zoll Bonn am Rhein

Koblenzer Tor

Altes Rathaus

Historický plán města

Münsterpl.

Bonngasse 6

Beethoven-Haus Bonn

Sterntor Bonn Innenstadt

Sterntor

LVR-LandesMuseum Bonn

Beethovenhalle

Wallsofvision Winterlandschaft

Unmissable attractions to see

Löffelwald

Japanischer Garten

Skulpturenpfad am Post Tower

Konrad-Adenauer-Brücke

Freizeitpark Rheinaue

Beueler Rheinaue

Bundesstadt Bonn - Bundesbüdchen

Zafira Statuette

Quay Bonn-Bundeshaus

Kunst- und Ausstellungshalle der Bundesrepublik Deutschland

GOP Varieté-Theater Bonn

Art museum

House of the History of the Federal Republic of Germany

Palais Schaumburg

Bundeskanzlerplatz

Essential places to dine

Forissimo Ristorante Italiano

Remise Bonn

YUNICO - Japanese Fine Dining

TAO Bar & Restaurant

Restaurant IL BORGO

Restaurant Zum Treppchen seit 1883 in Bonn Süd-Stadt

Il Melo

Sa Finca Tapa-Bar

Matthieu’s

Restaurant Oliveto

Mandu

Casa del Gatto

Plaza Toro | Tapas Bar Bonn | Spanisches Restaurant Bonn

Em Höttche

Tuscolo Munster view

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

LudwigvanB.

Inside Fashion Boutique

HARIBO Store

Lindt Store

Blue Tomato Shop Bonn

American Vintage

Manufactum Warenhaus

GALERIA Bonn

TOMMY HILFIGER Bonn Store

kiss the inuit

Primark

Nanu-Nana

Queencoco Bonn

Lacoste

PIMKIE

Essential bars & hidden hideouts

Strandbar Bonn

Zebulon - Bonn

James Joyce - Bonn