Found in North Rhine-Westphalia, a state in the west of Germany about an hour east of the Dutch border, Solingen was just a tiny village for hundreds of years before it became a walled town, and around this time it became famous for its blacksmiths.
It was renowned not just for the making of coins, but also for the forging of swords and knives of amazing quality - swords made in Solingen have turned up in Anglo-Saxon settlements in Germany and in Britain. Although somewhat limited in its leisure activities, hiring a car in Solingen is a good idea, as there is plenty to do around the area.
There's a lot to see and do in Solingen, although some of its amazing features like just outside the city. Outdoors types will want to hire a car in Solingen and head out to the Seng Bach Dam - a 9km long trail that loops around and at one point over the Dam on the Seng Back river. It can be run, walked or cycled, and gives fantastic views of the local area.
Solingen also has a Laurel and Hardy museum, which can't be a bad thing. Hire a car in Solingen to see the scenic locale and enjoy a leisurely drive through the west German region.
