Winzerstraße

More information about the history

Image: Eduard Fischer’s “photographic studio”

The tradition of “express” photography on the Drachenfels, which continued for more than 100 years, began in a tent in 1881. The service was in great demand – many photographers followed the example of Eduard Fischer, a photographer from Leipzig, who took pictures of his customers in his studio at the top of the hill, presumably in front of the natural backdrop of the Drachenfels ruin. In the 1930s, the town council registered a total of 24 photo booths in the town centre and on the Drachenfels.

Image: Richard Kern in front of one of his Drachenfels panoramas

One of the most successful and famous “express” photographers is Richard Kern who, from 1956 onwards, took thousands of photos of tourists on the Drachenfels, always placing his subjects in front of impressive backgrounds or in comical situations. Kern closed the business down in 1989 – he was the last representative of a trade whose pioneers had earlier included his grandfather Johannes Oster in around 1900.

Image: Richard Kern 1985

Thanks to a technique involving quick drying paper negatives, which he developed together with his father Hans, Richard Kern could produce more than 100 photos per day. With a bold self-confidence, Kern promised day trippers who, after descending the Drachenfels, regretted not having their photo taken at the beginning, “The barrier is down at the level crossing. By the time it goes up again you’ll have your pictures.”

Image: To the Drachenfels by helicopter, 1956 (Richard Kern)

The studios in the town and the booths on the hill brought life to the business with various background motifs – such as the Rolandsbogen ruins or the Siebengebirge. From the 1930s onwards, photo montages were also created with various airplane backgrounds which gave the impression of flying over the Siebengebirge – even including one backdrop with a helicopter.

Image: Photo of the Kern studio from 1934

Always intent on using new technology and providing attractions for holidaymakers and day trippers, the photographer Johannes Kern – Richard Kern’s grandfather – did not only offer his customers donkeys as props in the 1920s but also a dragon. However, contrary to expectations, it was not a great success with the customers.

Practical information

After closing down his business, Richard Kern gave the Siebengebirgsmuseum most of his equipment. It can be found in the section dedicated to “express” photography on the Drachenfels.

Siebengebirgsmuseum Königswinter, Kellerstraße 16
Tue–Fri 2 PM–5 PM, Sat 2 PM–6 PM, Sun 11 AM–6 PM, Mondays closed > Website