Unkel facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Unkel
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Unkel seen from the left bank of the Rhine
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| Country | Germany | |
| State | Rhineland-Palatinate | |
| District | Neuwied | |
| Municipal assoc. | Unkel | |
| Elevation | 56 m (184 ft) | |
| Population
(2022-12-31)
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| • Total | 5,038 | |
| Time zone | CET/CEST (UTC+1/+2) | |
| Postal codes |
53572
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| Dialling codes | 02224 | |
| Vehicle registration | NR | |
| Website | www.unkel.de (in English) | |
Unkel is a charming town in Germany. It is located in the district of Neuwied, in the state of Rhineland-Palatinate. The town sits right on the eastern bank of the Rhine river. It is close to the town of Remagen, and about 20 kilometers (12 miles) southeast of Bonn.
Unkel is also the main town for a group of smaller towns called a Verbandsgemeinde (collective municipality). This group is known as Unkel.
Contents
People and Beliefs
Most people in Unkel are Roman Catholic. About 55% of the residents follow this faith. Another 15% are Protestant. Some people do not belong to a religious group, and about 8% are Muslim.
Unkel's Location
Where is Unkel?
Unkel is located at the edge of the Rhine-Westerwald Nature Park. This park is a beautiful area of nature. The town is right in the middle of the Rhine Valley. Unkel's center is only about 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) from the border of North Rhine-Westphalia.
Towns Nearby Unkel
Unkel has several towns around it. From north to south, these towns are Rheinbreitbach, Bruchhausen, Windhagen, Linz, Erpel, and Remagen.
Unkel's Areas
Unkel is divided into three main parts. These areas are Unkel itself, Scheuren, and Heister.
Places to See in Unkel
Unkel has some interesting historical places to visit.
The Freiligrathaus
One of the most important sights is the "Freiligrathaus." This building is right on the Rhine riverfront. It is a beautiful old palace built in 1760. A famous German writer named Ferdinand Freiligrath lived here for a few years.
St. Pantaleon Church
The Catholic parish church is called "St. Pantaleon." It is very old and has many special features. Inside, you can find a feretory. This is a special container that holds important religious items.
Old Town Wall
Much of Unkel's old town wall is still standing today. It is very well preserved. You can see parts of it around the town.
Unkel's Twin Towns
Unkel has special friendships with two other towns. These are called "twin towns."
Famous People from Unkel
Many important people have lived in or had connections to Unkel.
Stefan Andres
Stefan Andres was a well-known author. He wrote many books, including a famous story called Wir sind Utopia.
Konrad Adenauer
Konrad Adenauer (1876–1967) was a very important person in German history. He became the first leader, or Chancellor, of West Germany. During a difficult time in history (the time of national socialism), he found safety in Unkel.
Willy Brandt
Willy Brandt (1913–1992) was another former Chancellor of Germany. He spent his last years in Unkel, from 1979 to 1992. Many famous politicians came to visit him there. These visitors included Helmut Kohl and Mikhail Gorbachev. Unkel's main market square is named after Willy Brandt. You can even visit his old work room if you arrange it beforehand.
Stephan Fahrig
Stephan Fahrig (1968–2017) was a lightweight rower. He was also a sports scientist.
Ferdinand Freiligrath
Ferdinand Freiligrath (1810–1876) was a German writer. He started his writing career in Unkel. The house where he lived is now called the Freiligrathhaus.
Fritz Henkel
Fritz Henkel (1875–1930) was the son of the person who invented the famous laundry detergent Persil. His father also started the Henkel Company. Fritz Henkel had a summer home in Unkel. He was very generous to the town. He gave them a fire-brigade car and a park, which was named after him.
Leonhard Reinirkens
Leonhard Reinirkens was a writer. He was given the special title of honorary citizen of Unkel.
Anne Bierwirth
Anne Bierwirth is a contralto, which means she is a singer with a deep voice. She was born in Unkel.
