BONN, Germany 🇩🇪 – 4K HDR walking tour with captions
Welcome to Bonn, the former capital of West Germany and Beethoven’s hometown! We begin at Münsterplatz with the composer’s monument, then visit Martinsplatz and the grand University Palace. Strolling through the Hofgarten’s wide lawns, we’ll explore the lively Markt and Wenzelgasse before continuing to busy Friedensplatz. A short detour leads us to Bonngasse and the famous Beethoven-Haus. We finish at the riverfront, watching ships slide by on the Rhine. “Fange mer aan!” Let’s explore Bonn with POPtravel Here we are at the heart of Bonn. The Beethoven Monument at Münsterplatz was unveiled in 1845 for the composer’s 75th birthday. Ludwig van Beethoven was born a few hundred meters from here in 1770. The bronze statue was designed by Ernst Hähnel and cast in Nuremberg. Queen Victoria and Prince Albert attended the unveiling during their visit. Just beside, notice the yellow baroque palace facade linking our steps. The Hauptpost Bonn, built in the early 1750s, incorporated a Thurn und Taxis residence tied to postal services. After 1871, it became the Imperial Post Office under the German Empire. The building’s yellow color became a postal hallmark. Today it houses shops and offices in its historic shell. Let’s take a moment for one of Bonn’s oldest landmarks nearby. The Bonner Münster rose between the 11th and 13th centuries over Roman burials and a cult site. It is dedicated to Saints Cassius and Florentius, Roman legionaries martyred here. The church blends Romanesque and Gothic forms with five towers. Inside are medieval frescoes and an 11th-century crypt. Excavations found Roman sarcophagi beneath the choir. The crossing tower is about 81 meters high. The Münster reopened to worship in 2021 after major works. It remains an active Catholic parish and key site in Bonn. Before we move on, look down to the small square on the right ahead. At Martinsplatz lie two large bronze heads showing Cassius and Florentius. These are modern sculptures by İskender Yediler, placed here in 2002. Legend says the Roman soldiers were beheaded on this spot for their faith. The church outlines in the pavement mark where St. Martin’s Church stood. Bronze reliefs by Ernemann Sander show scenes from St. Martin’s life, set into Roman wall remains. Let’s turn our attention to this grand yellow palace a short walk away. The Kurfürstliches Schloss began in 1697 as the residence of the Prince-Electors of Cologne, with later works into the 1720s. Its plan has four wings and corner towers in late Baroque style. After a fire in 1777, the Hofgarten side was rebuilt in simpler form. Since 1818, the palace has housed the University of Bonn. Today around 31,500 students study here across seven faculties. The building faces the wide green Hofgarten, a popular student meeting spot. Before we walk on, a few words about the people who studied here. The University of Bonn was founded in 1818 by King Frederick William III of Prussia. Several Nobel laureates have studied or taught here. Heinrich Hertz proved electromagnetic waves in Bonn. Friedrich August Kekulé developed his benzene-ring theory here in 1865. Karl Marx and Heinrich Heine attended lectures in Bonn. Konrad Adenauer studied law here before his political career. Research strengths include physics, mathematics, economics, and philosophy. Alumni shaped science, politics, and culture far beyond the Rhine. Now we step into the open green space just behind the palace. The Hofgarten was laid out from 1715 for the court and opens toward the Rhine. Its central lawn spans a few hectares framed by chestnut and lime trees. Spring brings picnics and music students practicing scales. The southern edge gives a clear view toward the Siebengebirge hills. On clear days, the Drachenfels peak is visible from here. The Hofgarten feels like Bonn’s quiet open-air study hall. Let’s pause for a short note about what happened here in modern times. The Hofgarten played a role in Bonn’s postwar political life. In 1949, it hosted rallies during debates on the capital question. Peace and anti-nuclear protests in the 1980s drew hundreds of thousands. After 1990, it remained a stage for civic events and student gatherings. Today, it is part of the Path of Democracy route. Summer still brings public debates and concerts to these lawns. As we continue along Stockenstraße, some quick facts connect our route. The University of Bonn counts about 31,500 students in seven faculties. Around 15 percent of students come from abroad. Thousands of staff support research and teaching across the city. The university library holds over 2 million printed volumes plus digital media. Here we are beside a playful reminder of student life a few steps away. The Studentenbrunnen was built in 1913 by sculptor Hubert Netzer. It shows three students in humorous poses about youth and learning. The figures wear traditional student caps common in Bonn. One student drinks, another reads, and the third seems to argue. The fountain was damaged in World War II but later restored. Its water still flows each summer and draws a smile. Now we arrive at a small but historic square just behind the Münster. Bischofsplatz lies behind the Bonner Münster and takes its name from former episcopal residences. The area formed part of the old ecclesiastical quarter around the church. Excavations revealed Roman and medieval remains below the paving. The square hosts small events and student gatherings at times. It offers a quiet pause near busy shopping streets. Quick note about Bonn’s cheerful Beethoven tributes before we shop. In 2019 – 2020, around 700 colorful Beethoven figures appeared citywide. They marked the 250th anniversary of the composer’s birth. The project “Unser Ludwig” by Ottmar Hörl involved many partners. Each statue showed a smiling Beethoven, softening his stern image. Figures stood in parks, shops, and along major streets. Many became popular photo spots for visitors. Over there you can spot the tall stone column on the Market Square. The Bonner Marktbrunnen was ordered by Elector Max Friedrich in 1777. The obelisk once carried a gilded electoral hat. After French troops entered in 1794, the hat was removed and not replaced. The Latin inscription praising the Elector is still visible. The fountain basin remains a central meeting point on market days. As we stroll along Wenzelgasse, here’s a bit of city trivia. Wenzelgasse is one of Bonn’s oldest lanes, recorded in the 13th century. It led from a city gate toward the market and river. Many buildings sit on medieval foundations along the street. In the 18th century, craftsmen and traders worked here. Bonn served as capital of the Electorate of Cologne until 1794. From 1949 to 1990, it was the capital of West Germany. The city hosted numerous embassies and federal offices. Today Bonn is a Federal City with major UN institutions. Layers of history sit within a short walk. As we turn into Friedrichstraße, let’s link shopping to travel flows. This street is a main shopping lane lined with cafés and boutiques. Visitors from the Netherlands, Belgium, and France come on weekends. Tourists from Japan arrive for the Beethoven heritage. Rhine river cruises add daily groups in summer months. The pedestrian zone connects to the market square and Münsterplatz. Bonn records about 1.5 million overnight stays each year. Business travelers arrive for UN bodies and conferences. Christmas markets draw large crowds each December. Even on cloudy days, these lanes stay lively. Feeling that breeze? That’s Bonn’s mild Rhine Valley weather at work. The city has a temperate oceanic climate with mild winters and warm summers. Average July highs reach about 24°C; January averages near 2°C. Rain spreads through the year; May to September feels most pleasant. The Rhine can add humidity in midsummer afternoons. Autumn colors line the Hofgarten and river paths. Spring favors long walks and easy cycling. Bonn’s cherry blossoms in April are a photo favorite. A light jacket and umbrella are practical companions. Before we move on, here’s a small but fun Bonn fact to enjoy. Bonn has a local beer style called Bönnsch served in curved glasses. Several breweries once operated before most closed by late 20th century. A microbrewery near Friedensplatz still serves Bönnsch on tap. Germany’s early women’s magazine appeared here in 1784. Electric street lighting arrived in 1888 on central streets. Diplomats were a common sight in cafés during the capital years. Bonn’s first traffic light appeared in 1952 near Friedensplatz. Small facts, big history – compact and easy to spot. Here we are at Friedensplatz, one of Bonn’s main transit spots. The square is a central hub for trams and buses crossing the city. Lines link to the main station, Bad Godesberg, and the UN Campus. Bonn Hauptbahnhof sits only about 400 meters from here. Underground Stadtbahn trains connect Bonn and Cologne in around 30 minutes. The operator SWB runs a modern electric fleet. The network carries well over 100 million passengers yearly. Friedensplatz also hosts markets and events between rush hours. You’ll likely pass here again before day’s end. Over there on Vivatsgasse stands a sight hard to miss for photos. The red “Kussmund” selfie point invites people to pose for a quick shot. It is part of Bonn’s city marketing and public art initiatives. The lips motif echoes Bonn’s long-used visual logo. It quickly became a favorite background for social media snaps. Nearby cafés often see guests trying the same pose. Here we stop at one of Bonn’s best-known historic landmarks. The Sterntor is a reconstructed medieval gate near Bottlerplatz. Its original location stood roughly 20 meters west on the old wall. The gate and tower were rebuilt here in 1900 using original stones. Behind it, Roman and medieval wall foundations remain visible. The small square often hosts performers and short breaks. Wartime damage changed the area, but the gate endured. Named for nearby Sternstraße, it is a classic meeting point. As we return to Münsterplatz, let’s note Bonn’s global friends. Bonn maintains partnerships with sister cities worldwide. Early links include Oxford from 1947 in the United Kingdom. Others include Tel Aviv, La Paz, Potsdam, Frascati, and Chengdu. Partnerships promote education, art, and exchange projects. Joint events happen during festivals and student exchanges. Bonn also cooperates with Minsk and Cape Coast. Plaques across the city mark these ties. Over there you can see a bronze fountain surrounded by shops nearby. The Drei-Grazien-Brunnen was created by sculptor Ernemann F. Sander in 1976. It shows the Three Graces in bronze on a basalt-lava base. Its cast-iron basin was reused from an older 19th-century fountain. That earlier fountain once stood at Kaiserplatz before redesigns. Sander’s works also appear at Martinsplatz and other spots. The gentle flow offers a short pause amid busy streets. Now along Sternstraße, nice for finding something to take home. Typical Bonn souvenirs feature Beethoven, the city’s famous composer. Shops sell chocolate busts, magnets, and music boxes with his portrait. Confectioners offer “Beethoven balls” filled with nougat and marzipan. The University Shop nearby stocks academic-themed gifts. Some stores carry books on Bonn’s UN role and capital years. Look for regional honey from the Siebengebirge hills. Rhineland wine and handmade ceramics make practical gifts. A fun pick is the yellow posthorn mug linked to postal history. Street cafés make resting after shopping easy. As we enter Bonngasse, look down to spot names in the pavement. The “Weg berühmter Persönlichkeiten” honors figures linked to Bonn. Bronze plaques show names like Beethoven, Adenauer, and Heine. Each plate notes work in music, politics, or science. The project began in 1991 and continues to add honorees. Bonngasse leads to the Beethoven-Haus, his original birthplace. It feels like a small walk of fame underfoot. Here we are standing before the elegant Namen-Jesu-Kirche. This church was built between 1686 and 1717 as a Jesuit church. Its façade combines early Baroque and classical features. In the 19th century it served as a university church. After restoration, it reopened in 2011 as the Old Catholic city church. Inside, look for fine stucco and the marble high altar. The church also hosts concerts and ecumenical events. Let’s take a moment for one of Bonn’s most famous addresses. The Beethoven-Haus at Bonngasse 20 is the birthplace of Ludwig van Beethoven. He was born here in December 1770 and baptized at St. Remigius nearby. The museum opened in 1893 and holds hundreds of original items. Among them are instruments, manuscripts, and an ear trumpet. A digital archive offers access to Beethoven’s works. Concerts take place in the small chamber hall. It ranks among Germany’s most visited composer museums. Now at Bertha-von-Suttner-Platz, a key urban junction of modern Bonn. The square honors Nobel Peace Prize laureate Bertha von Suttner, 1905. Bonn today has about 330,000 residents and keeps growing. It is home to over 20 United Nations institutions. The city ranks high in education and research-led sectors. Housing costs have risen with student and professional demand. Bonn promotes green mobility and targets climate neutrality by 2035. Social programs focus on inclusion and youth support. The square shows the blend of old town and new city life. As we turn back into Wenzelgasse, a few facts about people here. Over 30 percent of residents have an international background. Major communities include people from Turkey, Syria, and Poland. The city runs intercultural centers and German-language programs. Before we finish, let’s check what’s happening soon in Bonn. The city calendar stays full with cultural festivals year-round. Beethovenfest runs each September with concerts across town. In May, Rhine in Flames lights the river with fireworks. Cherry blossom events each April draw crowds to Heerstraße. The annual Christmas Market fills the center from late November. The Bonn Marathon and open-air cinema nights add to summer. Museum Mile Festival opens major museums over a weekend. In 2025, exhibitions mark 25 years of the UN Campus in Bonn. As we walk along Bertha-von-Suttner-Platz and Belderberg, note the mix. This area forms a hinge between the old town and southern quarters. Belderberg follows the Rhine with offices and several hotels. Across the river, Beuel is known for strong Carnival traditions. Southward, Südstadt shows 19th-century villas and green avenues. Bonn’s districts stay distinct yet lie within easy walking distance. Over there on Brüdergasse, take a look at the wall paintings. Murals show scenes from Bonn’s culture and history. One Beethoven image has been altered or painted over in parts. Another motif highlights women’s education, fitting the Frauenmuseum’s mission. The street art adds color to the shopping lanes. Now we spot another statue of Beethoven nearby to guide the theme. Bonn also links to other musicians and artists. Robert Schumann worked here in the 1850s near the end of his life. Clara Schumann often performed in Bonn’s halls. Painter August Macke, closely associated with Bonn, shaped German Expressionism. His former home in Bonn is now a museum for his work. Here we stand at the historic church of St. Remigius in the old town. The Gothic church was built around 1300 by the Franciscans. It functioned as a monastery church for centuries. Beethoven was baptized in the parish of St. Remigius in December 1770. The church was heavily damaged in World War II and rebuilt by 1957. Inside stands an 18th-century organ akin to the one young Beethoven played. Stained-glass windows show saints and local history. As we pass the vegetable stalls on Markt, let’s note local events. The Bonn Christmas Market runs each winter from late November. Rhine in Flames brings fireworks on the river each May. Carnival parades in February fill streets across the city. In summer, open-air concerts happen around Münsterplatz. Beethovenfest adds classical performances each autumn. Farmers’ markets operate several times a week with regional produce. Cherry blossom events draw visitors each April. Street food events and flea markets appear from spring to fall. The calendar stays busy in every season. As we head down Remigiusstraße, take note of the sculpture ahead. The installation “Mean Average” by Sir Tony Cragg stands at Remigiusplatz. It was unveiled in 2014 and made from layered bronze. Cragg, born in Liverpool, has lived in Wuppertal since the 1970s. He was knighted in 2016 for his art and for UK – German cultural ties. The sculpture has no fixed viewing side – every angle shifts the form. Its abstract curves invite people to circle and look again. It is one of several outdoor artworks across Bonn’s squares. Before we move on, a few words about Bonn’s modern economy. After losing capital status in 1990, Bonn reinvented itself successfully. It became Germany’s Federal City, with six federal ministries remaining. Deutsche Telekom and DHL established headquarters here. The university drives research partnerships in science and technology. Key sectors include IT, logistics, and renewable energy. Tourism and conferences bring steady business through the year. The UN Campus adds global roles and stable jobs. New housing projects fill former government zones along the Rhine. Bonn ranks among Germany’s prosperous mid-sized cities. Back at Münsterplatz, let’s uncover some grounded city tales. Saints Cassius and Florentius are linked to Bonn by long tradition. Bonn was under French control from 1794 to 1815. Horse-drawn trams ran here in the 19th century before electric lines. Archaeologists have found Roman pottery and wine jugs near the center. Many Cold War-era anecdotes survive from the capital period. These short notes show how dense Bonn’s story can be. Here on Gangolfstraße, we stop by the cheerful Martinsbrunnen. The fountain depicts St. Martin sharing his cloak with a beggar. It was designed in 1981 by sculptor Ernemann Sander in bronze and stone. Water flows from small spouts into a round basin. The scene recalls St. Martin’s fourth-century legend of charity. A medieval Martinskirche once stood nearby before later losses. The fountain helps keep that memory present. Nearby cafés use the spot for short breaks. As we turn into Gerhard-von-Are-Straße, notice the evolving streetscape. Bonn mixes Romanesque churches, baroque palaces, and postwar blocks. Heavy bombing in 1944 led to rapid rebuilding by mid-century. The 1950s favored functional forms later joined by glass-front offices. Eighteenth-century façades survive near Poppelsdorf and Südstadt. New eco-buildings now add solar panels and green roofs. The city balances heritage care with careful infill. Here we are on Wesselstraße, where sports energize the week. Bonn is home to Telekom Baskets, a leading basketball club. Their Telekom Dome opened in 2008 with room for about 6,000 fans. Rowing clubs race on the Rhine, a long-running river sport. Bonner SC plays football in regional competitions. Joggers and cyclists favor the Rhine paths year-round, especially weekends. As we reach Maximilianstraße, think about easy day trips by rail. Bonn Hauptbahnhof is well connected for short regional rides. Cologne is about 25 minutes away with its cathedral and museums. The Siebengebirge hills lie 12 kilometers south for hiking to Drachenfels. Koblenz is roughly one hour away at the Rhine – Moselle junction. Bad Godesberg, within Bonn, offers parks and riverside villas. Over here at Kaiserplatz, take a seat and enjoy a quick pause. The square was laid out in the 19th century and framed by chestnut trees. Many cafés and bakeries line the edge for an easy stop. The University lies close, so terraces fill in fair weather. Statues once here were removed during World War II losses. The square links to Kaiserstraße, a grand old boulevard. Small markets and art fairs often appear in this area. Now in front of the fountain, let’s talk about emperors and the church. The Kaiserbrunnen was completed in 1906, honoring Emperor Frederick III. The nearby Kreuzkirche, Bonn’s largest Protestant church, was finished in 1871. Its spire rises about 88 meters and survived wartime damage. Inside are stained-glass windows depicting major reformers. Germany once had Kaisers like Wilhelm I and Wilhelm II. In football, Franz Beckenbauer was nicknamed “Der Kaiser”. The pairing of royal and sporting titles is a witty footnote here. Back again at Hofgarten, Sundays here are full of easy energy. Families stroll, students read, and guitar tunes carry on the breeze. People picnic on the lawns or play frisbee and volleyball. Long paths welcome joggers, yoga groups, and slackliners. Street performers gather near the university steps. Summer brings open-air concerts and film nights. Church bells from nearby towers sound the hour. Ice-cream bikes set up by late morning. Rheinauen Park hosts larger festivals nearby. Sundays here mean simple outdoor time. Here we are entering the Stadtgarten on our way to the river. The park extends from the Hofgarten toward the Rhine, laid out c. 1823. It offers broad lawns and mature shade trees along its paths. Plane trees, chestnuts, and lindens line the main routes. Robins, woodpeckers, and crows are common in the canopy. Spring bulbs color the beds with tulips and daffodils. Rabbits sometimes appear near the edges in the morning. Locals jog, practice yoga, and enjoy quiet picnics. Summer brings outdoor events on the green. From here we soon meet the river and old defenses. As we cross Adenauerallee, note how this avenue frames the museums. It was named after Konrad Adenauer, Germany’s first postwar chancellor. The road once served the government quarter when Bonn was the capital. Former ministries now house UN agencies and research bodies. The Museum Mile begins along this corridor with major museums. Broad plane trees shade walkers and cyclists on warm days. The avenue links the center with Bad Godesberg to the south. Let’s take a look at the small but focused Ägyptisches Museum Bonn. The museum belongs to the University of Bonn and opened at its current site in 2001. The collection holds around 3,000 ancient Egyptian artifacts. Visitors see mummies, statues, and painted coffins from the Nile. Some pieces are more than 4,000 years old. Exhibits support university teaching and research. Student guides often explain hieroglyphs and burial customs. It is one of few university-run Egyptian museums in Germany. Ahead of us is the Alter Zoll, standing high above the Rhine. The Alter Zoll formed part of Bonn’s 17th-century fortifications. The bastion controlled river traffic as a customs post. The terrace offers broad views toward the Siebengebirge hills. Two cannons recall its later Prussian military role. Today it is a popular lookout and picnic spot. Over there on the wall, you can see the Husarenrelief sculpture. The relief honors the 1st Rhineland Hussar Regiment “King Wilhelm I No. 7”. The regiment was stationed in Bonn from 1815 until 1919. The artwork shows mounted soldiers in parade uniform. Installed in 1930, it commemorates fallen comrades. It remains as a piece of Bonn’s long military history. Here we are at the Rheinufer, Bonn’s lively riverfront area. The Bonner Personenschifffahrt runs sightseeing and dinner cruises on the Rhine. Boats operate mainly April to October, linking cities like Linz and Cologne. The river remains a key route for cargo moving across Europe. Passenger ships support tourism and local businesses on shore. Themed cruises celebrate Rhine in Flames with fireworks each summer. Port activities and services keep Bonn tied to its river roots. The calm water hides centuries of trade and travel. As we stroll along the river, let’s recall where we’ve been today. We began at Münsterplatz with Beethoven’s monument. Then came the Münster and the University Palace at Am Hof, followed by a walk through the Hofgarten’s green lawns. At Martinsplatz, we saw the bronze heads of Cassius and Florentius. We continued through Friedrichstraße and saw the murals along Brüdergasse before stopping by the Drei-Grazien Fountain. The route led us to the Egyptian Museum and the Alter Zoll viewpoint overlooking the Rhine. We passed the Kreuzkirche, relaxed at Kaiserplatz cafés, and crossed the Hofgarten once more. Finally, we reached the Rhine with its steady ship traffic. A full circle – music, history, and river views in one walk. Before we finish, here are some quick Rhine facts for you. The Rhine is about 1,233 kilometers long from Switzerland to the Netherlands. It flows through six countries and past several UNESCO-listed areas. The name traces to the Celtic “Renos,” meaning “to flow”. The river supplies drinking water to over 20 million people. Salmon have returned thanks to long-term cleanup programs. Hundreds of millions of tons of goods move on its waters yearly. More than 50 bridges cross it between Basel and Rotterdam. Flood defenses help protect cities like Bonn from high water. The Loreley legend tells of a siren luring sailors near St. Goarshausen. The Rhine has inspired songs, poems, and paintings for centuries. Now as we pass under the Kennedybrücke, look up for a moment. The bridge links Bonn’s center with Beuel across the Rhine. It opened in 1949 and was named after John F. Kennedy in 1963. The bridge replaced one destroyed during World War II. About 60,000 vehicles and trams cross it each day. Renovations between 2007 and 2010 added stronger steel and bike lanes. Before we wrap up, here’s one last thing to remember. If you enjoyed this walk through Bonn, like and subscribe to POPtravel. You’ll find walking tours from cities around the world. It’s free, relaxing, and always filmed in real time – no narration, just city sound. Join us again for the next journey.
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Let’s discover Bonn, Germany – the former capital on the Rhine and birthplace of Beethoven.
Our walking tour begins at Münsterplatz, exploring the Beethoven Monument and the grand Bonner Münster. From there, we’ll move past the historic Hauptpost to the University Palace at Am Hof and continue into the green lawns of the Hofgarten.
The route then winds through the heart of the old city, visiting the lively Markt, the shopping lanes of Friedrichstraße and Sternstraße, and making a special stop in Bonngasse at the famous Beethoven-Haus.
Our final leg takes us past Kaiserplatz and through the Stadtgarten to the scenic Alter Zoll viewpoint, finishing with a stunning view of the ships gliding by on the Rhine.
See Bonn’s key landmarks, peaceful parks, and old streets all in one steady walk – a nice hour talking about music, history, and life by the Rhine – here with POPtravel!
For more Bonn tours, see: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=poptravel+bonn and the POPtravel Germany playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLaxUrZNxL7WIjMRmNovvVd3ZfEOpI8BdH
Timeline:
00:00 Route Preview
01:00 Start of walking tour at Münsterplatz
03:48 Martinsplatz
04:44 Am Hof
07:05 Hofgarten
09:02 Stockenstraße
09:34 An der Schloßkirche
10:43 Bischofsplatz
11:35 Markt
13:50 Wenzelgasse
15:14 Friedrichstraße
19:29 Friedensplatz
20:47 Vivatsgasse
23:11 Münsterplatz
24:13 Dreieck
25:42 Sternstraße
27:41 Bonngasse
30:42 Bertha-von-Suttner-Platz
31:59 Wenzelgasse
32:36 Friedrichstraße East
33:48 Belderberg
34:45 Brüdergasse
37:22 Back at Markt
38:45 Remigiusstraße
41:25 Back at Münsterplatz
42:33 Gangolfstraße
43:48 Gerhard-von-Are-Straße
44:46 Wesselstraße
45:45 Maximilianstraße
46:40 Kaiserplatz
49:09 Hofgarten again
54:29 Stadtgarten
57:22 Rheinufer
Credits:
Captions created with help of LLMs, OpenStreetMap and Wikipedia contributors – among others.
Filmed in June 2025
Camera: Osmo Pocket 3 in 4K60
Mic: Zoom H1n
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