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Bonn

The Golden Bear's Trail: Haribo's Sweet Secrets & Bonn's Sugar History

4.9 km136 min6 stops

What awaits you on this Red Thread tour

Step into a world of whimsical sweetness and surprising history. This immersive walking tour peels back the colorful wrapper of the world's most famous gummy bear to reveal a fascinating tale of local pride, industrial revolution, and cultural identity. From a humble backyard washhouse to a global candy empire, discover how Bonn's 'white gold' and vibrant Carnival traditions shaped a brand that conquered the globe. Expect nostalgia, sensory memories, and a deep dive into the enduring legacy of industrial transformation.

Itinerary

1

TOUR START

The Global Portal of Sweetness

The modern flagship store representing the brand's current global cult status and the starting point of our journey.

The Global Portal of Sweetness

Image by joergens.mi on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

0.36 km • 6 min
2

STOP 2

The Stage of Sweet Chaos

The historic Old Town Hall, the epicenter of Bonn's civic life and the vibrant Rhineland Carnival traditions.

The Stage of Sweet Chaos

Image by danfuh on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

0.63 km • 10 min
3

STOP 3

The White Gold Rush

A central square reflecting 19th-century prosperity, where we explore the Rhineland's sugar beet boom.

The White Gold Rush

Image by Axel Kirch on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

2.81 km • 43 min
During your walk

Interlude: The Alchemy of Sweetness

A deep dive into the invention of the gummy bear, exploring the sensory science and cultural impact of this iconic candy.

4

STOP 4

The Washhouse Origins

The exact street in Kessenich where Hans Riegel started Haribo in 1920 in a small backyard washhouse.

0.23 km • 4 min
5

STOP 5

The Ghost of the Factory

The historic production site where the sweet smell of gummy bears once defined the neighborhood's sensory identity.

The Ghost of the Factory

Image by Eckhard Henkel on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0 de)

0.89 km • 14 min
6

END

The Enduring Pride of Kessenich

The heart of the Kessenich neighborhood, where we conclude by exploring the community's enduring identity and pride.

The Enduring Pride of Kessenich

Image by N/A on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.5)

Where the tour takes place

Starting point and rough tour area – the exact route unfolds in the app.

Good to know

  • Ideal for Candy lovers, history buffs, pop-culture enthusiasts, and urban explorers curious about the intersection of local heritage and global brands.
  • Best time Daytime, preferably on a weekday when the local shops in Kessenich are open and the city center is bustling.
  • Bring a sweet tooth You might want to buy some gummy bears at the start to taste along the way.
  • Comfortable shoes We will be walking from the city center down to the Kessenich neighborhood.
  • Weather check Bonn can be rainy, so an umbrella is always a smart addition to your bag.
  • Carnival season If visiting in February, expect massive crowds and altered routes.
  • Pace yourself Take your time in the Kessenich center to soak up the local atmosphere.
  • Your voucher You can redeem your voucher for two years from purchase. Once redeemed, you have 14 days of access and can enjoy the tour as often as you like during that time.

Your guide

Hannah Clarke
Audio sample
0:000:00

Hannah Clarke

  • Pop Culture & Media Landscapes
  • Southern England

Pop culture scout. Leads to filming locations, music hotspots, and fan cultures – where fiction and reality touch.

Frequently asked questions

How do I get to the tour after buying?

You see your voucher code right after payment – and you also receive it at the email address you entered at checkout. Redeem that code in the Red Thread app; that's where the tour starts.

When does my access start?

Only when you redeem the code in the app, not at purchase. From redemption you have 14 days of access to the tour.

Do I need the Red Thread app?

Yes. The free Red Thread app turns your tour into a vivid experience: with audio, a map, and thoughtful prompts, it guides you from place to place in an engaging and entertaining way. It's available free for iOS and Android.

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