Free Summer in North Rhine-Westphalia (Aerial Views of Düsseldorf)

Victor Hugo once said, “I love rivers; they can carry everything.” The cool evening breeze and the gentle flow of the Rhine have captivated countless poets and artists. Heine wrote poems about it, and Schumann composed music for it. Fortresses and bunkers still stand along its banks, and the Hohenzollern Bridge by Cologne Cathedral, adorned with love locks, adds a touch of romance. In Düsseldorf, North Rhine-Westphalia, the Rhine Tower, named after the river, stands tall at 240.50 meters. As a city landmark and Germany’s tenth tallest building, it attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors annually who come to enjoy panoramic city views.

North Rhine-Westphalia, known as NRW, includes cities like Cologne, Duisburg, Düsseldorf, Münster, Essen, Dortmund, Wuppertal, Bochum, and Bonn. Its capital is Düsseldorf. Walking through the city in summer, the cool breeze gently caresses you. Along the Rhine, waterfowl, wild rabbits, and sheep abound, while the sky above is a canvas of blue and white clouds. Most aerial photos are taken near D-Luegplatz. In Germany, drone flying regulations are stricter than in some other countries. Drones weighing over 249g require a license. The basic A1/A3 license covers most DJI lightweight drones, while more advanced drones like the Mavic 3 Pro require a higher-level license. Cities have numerous no-fly zones, including private properties and historical sites. Popular apps for checking flight permissions include UAV Forecast and Qroniq, with the former being more accurate. Fines for illegal flights range from €100 to €300, depending on the severity. If needed, I’ll provide a detailed guide on flying drones in Germany, covering licensing and precautions. European drone licenses are valid for 5 years and are worth obtaining as they don’t require extra fees beyond printing the license and getting third-party liability insurance for a few dozen euros.

Regarding the colors in aerial photos of Germany, the distinct qualities of Leica and Zeiss images are closely tied to the natural hues presented by the local weather. Bright, sunny days offer high-contrast tones, while overcast days give a heavy, somber mood. These characteristics reflect the serious and traditional yet subtly romantic nature of the German people.