Authorities are constantly monitoring water levels to ensure they take the correct measures thus controlling the extent of the damage caused. Germany's rivers are expected to keep swelling until better weather conditions slow down the snow melt in the Alps.

Commercial shipping has stopped across many waterways as the safety of vessels cannot be guaranteed anymore when passing under bridges. Authorities also want to limit waves caused by boats hitting the river banks.

The water has spilled over into some streets, as rising water levels in rivers also result in rising groundwater in low-lying areas. Roads throughout the country are being monitored for their safety and might be subject to further closures.

Residential areas have so far been spared - with few exceptions . However, several town centers, especially in historic cities that boast a great deal of old architecture situated close to their river banks, have had to be sealed off.

The rise in water levels also brings debris into flooded areas, which can cause damage. This village in the Black Forest had to cordon off certain areas not only due to water damage but also to be prepared for the clean-up afterwards.

While children are expected to return to school after Christmas holidays they might have to refrain from certain outdoor activities. This public soccer field in Wörnitz, Bavaria, has flooded so badly that it will likely need to be regrassed.

Certain cities with little history of flooding have taken some extra precautions, fortifying their river banks and making sure that locals and visitors alike remain safe. Düsseldorf (pictured here) has ordered waterside restaurants to close during the floods and has also stopped shipping - despite nearby Duisburg being a major industrial hub that depends on the shipping industry.

The rise in water levels is not only a threat to urban areas but also to low-lying fields and nature. The habitat of animals is just as much in jeopardy as that of humans, with floods sometimes resulting in irreparable damages to the eco-system. With climate change causing natural catastrophes more frequently, even the most developed countries can be caught off-guard when disaster strikes.

Dusseldorf has Germany's third-largest inland port. In the 1990s, part of the Rhine harbor was developed into office buildings. Renowned architects like Frank O. Gehry, David Chipperfield or Jo Coenen created futuristic architecture placed among old, protected warehouses. The so called "Media Harbor" is now a landmark of the city.

In Dusseldorf shopping becomes an experience. There is a whole row of department stores that make an impression with their extraordinary or representative architecture. From art deco to modern – all can be found here. The Kö-Bogen is one example. This was the brainchild of star architect Daniel Libeskind.

Art lovers can choose from 26 museums (pictured: Kunstsammlung NRW) and over 100 galleries. Dusseldorf is closely associated with big names of contemporary art and photography like Beuys, Richter, Gursky, Höfer - and many more. Our tip - a good way to discover the talent of tomorrow is to go to the world famous Dusseldorf art academy where once a year the students present their graduation pieces.

Dusseldorf, with Cologne and Mainz, is one of three major Rhineland carnival hubs. Every year on November 11th at 11:11 o'clock the new carnival season is declared. At first these celebrations are indoors in form of costume balls and carnival shows. It culminates in street celebrations - for six days from the Thursday before Ash Wednesday the street carnival takes place.

Dusseldorf is home to the only Japantown in Germany, and the third largest in Europe. Once a year this is celebrated. A festival highlight is the gathering of cosplayers from across Europe. Dressed in costumes to look like their idols from manga, anime and comic films they take over the Rhine promenade. Japan Day attracts over a half a million visitors to the city.

What would Dusseldorf be without it? The river is the city's lifeline – in every sense. In 1990 with the creation of the Rhine promenade the people of Dusseldorf eventually got their boulevard along the Rhine, which they make good use of all year round. On the opposite shore it is green - for miles there are meadows and embankments.

White-water rides, giant boosters and a ferris wheel - the fun fair covering an area of 165,000 square meters in Oberkassel is the biggest of its kind along the Rhine. The ten day festival takes place every year in the third week of July. It culminates in a huge fire works display on the Rhine. This year it will not take place because of the coronavirus.

Dusseldorf's most popular tourist attraction - which could have to do with the cozy taverns. There are said to be over 260 of them. Locally the old town center is also known as the longest bar in town. Here Altbier - a top fermented dark beer - is drunk. Dusseldorf-newbies should try the brewery tour - it includes sampling beer as well as a visit to one or several traditional small breweries.

Dusseldorf is a fashion metropolis and the Königsalleee its unofficial cat walk. The shopping mile in the city center is sort of like Dusseldorf's answer to the Champs-Elysées. A broad boulevard shaded by huge trees with lots of restaurants and cafes and of course luxury boutiques as well as a row of exquisite department stores enticing you to take a stroll and at least do some window-shopping.

Many paths lead to Dusseldorf. The Rhine metropolis has an international airport - which is also the third biggest in Germany. However the most picturesque way to arrive in Dusseldorf is by crossing one of six Rhine bridges. These are also popular photo motifs. Together with the television tower they shape the cityscape.

What would Bonn be without Beethoven? The city is proud of its famous son and built his monument in Münsterplatz in 1845. Not far from there is the house where he was born, which is now a museum.

Behind this fancy rococo façade, Bonn´s mayor receives his guests. The Golden Book of the City, situated in the old town hall, has been imprinted with many famous signatures over the years. From 1949 to 1990 – while Germany was divided – Bonn was the provisional capital of the German Republic.

The old waterworks on the Rhine is an authentic place to reflect on Bonn's time as national capital. The German Bundestag sat here for six years until it was moved to Berlin in 1992. For those interested in history, tours to the old plenary chamber are available.

With more than 850.000 visitors annually, it is one of the most visited museums in Germany. The permanent exhibition allows one to experience history since 1945. More than 6000 objects and documents can be admired here. An eye-catcher is Konrad Adenauer´s work car. The first German chancellor had a Mercedes 300.

Where once the customs house collected its dues from seafarers, one can now enjoy a drink in the beer garden. Kölsch, a beer from Cologne, is traditionally served. Except people from Bonn call it "Bönnsch". Included in the experience is a great view of the river Rhine, the Siebengebirge, and the Post Tower. At 162,5 meters, the latter is the tallest building in North Rhine-Westphalia.

Next to the Post Tower, Deutsche Welle has its headquarters. Employees from more than 60 nations produce multimedia content in 30 different languages daily. Those who are interested can look behind the scenes after registering for a tour.

This extraordinary natural spectacle takes place annually in the spring. Tourists from all over the world admire the pink sea of blossoms the old town of Bonn turns into. Especially beautiful at that time of the year is Heerstraße, widely regarded as one of the most stunning tree-lined streets. The cherry trees were originally planted in the 1980s to bring some color into the old town.

The Prince-Electors of Cologne once resided in this castle. Today Bonn university's scientific collection is housed here. The neighboring Botanical Garden counts as one of the oldest and most varied in the world. An inspiration​ for anyone with a green thumb, admirers of classical music also shouldn't miss out on the castle concerts that are held every summer.

The hill known as "Dragon´s Rock“ is one of the most visited recreation destinations in the Rhineland. Those who are ambitious hike up. The others just take the cable car. The reward at the top is a breathtaking view of the Rhine, with the city of Bonn in the distance.

Every first weekend in May the city transforms into an enchanted world full of light and color. In addition to illuminated castles and ships there are fireworks accompanied by music. These create a festive atmosphere. After the performance, people head to the Rheinaue to enjoy the various music stages.