The Beethoven Thalers are currently sold out.

January 17, 2026

The weather is nice, and I can actually persuade my daughter to take a walk along the Rhine. As we pass the opera, I remember that there is a pastry shop in Rheingasse where I once saw something 'with Beethoven' - and indeed the shop window is full of 'Beethoven products': 'Bonn Beethoven Thalers' (pâtés), 'Beethoven Travel Provisions' (butter shortbread), and 'Ludwig Pralines', all at the foot of a small, golden Beethoven statue. (It is one of over 700 pieces by conceptual artist Ottmar Hörl - here the 'Gold Edition' - created for an installation on Bonn's Münsterplatz for Beethoven's 250th birthday.)

Unfortunately, the Beethoven Thalers are currently sold out, and I learn that they will be freshly restocked at the end of January.

January 22, 2026

I walk along the Rhine in the morning to the bridge over to Beuel and first discover the sign 'Beethoven Parking Garage' and then that there are LED display boards for the parking guidance system in Bonn with the inscription 'Beethoven City Bonn' and Beethoven's head. I ask the AI who designed this logo, but instead get the answer: The official and defining slogan of the Federal City of Bonn has been since 2009 „Joy. Joy. Joy. Bonn.“. It underscores the international orientation of the city and refers to Ludwig van Beethoven's 'Ode to Joy'. (Small explanation: I am a pedestrian/cyclist and usually do not pay attention to signs for drivers.)

January 30, 2026

I was just able to clarify open questions for an upcoming performance and thought: This must be celebrated! Maybe the Beethoven Taler is available again? And of course, I "sacrificed" myself and tried them for all of us... I will bring some for our trip. (I'm afraid we will have to share a few, as they are very expensive.)