The Power Of Scent: Do-Anything Colognes For Men

Cologne is a city in Germany, but it is also a type of fragrance. The name comes from the traditional recipe that used herb and citrus notes with little anchoring with base notes. Cologne is also referred to as Eau de Cologne, and it has a fragrance concentration of about 2% to 4%.

Cologne, Germany, is one of the country's oldest cities and is known for its charm, museums, and art galleries. The city's main landmark is the Cologne Cathedral, which offers epic views of the city.

Cologne, the fragrance, is typically marketed towards men, but can be worn by anyone. It is important to understand the different types of fragrances and how they are used. Fragrances are a mixture of different raw materials or perfume oils mixed with a solvent, usually alcohol, to preserve and dilute the scent.

There are several types of fragrances, including perfume, cologne, eau fraiche, eau de toilette, and parfum. The difference lies in the level of raw material in the fragrance, which determines its longevity. Cologne typically lasts around two hours.

When applying cologne, it is recommended to spray it directly onto the skin, especially the heated areas of the body, to help diffuse the scent throughout the day.

There are many cologne fragrances available for men, such as Le Labo Thé Matcha 26 EDP, Ralph Lauren Polo EDT, and Chanel Bleu de Chanel EDT.

Whether you are visiting Cologne, Germany, or looking for a new cologne fragrance, there is much to explore and discover.

Cologne Cathedral: The second tallest building in the city, with over 8,000 square meters of space and a capacity of 20,000 people

Cologne Cathedral, officially known as Hohe Domkirche Sankt Petrus, is a renowned monument of German Catholicism and Gothic architecture. It is Germany's most visited landmark, attracting an average of 6 million people a year. It is the tallest twin-spired church in the world, the second tallest church in Europe after Ulm Minster, and the third tallest church of any kind in the world. The cathedral is the seat of the Archbishop of Cologne and of the administration of the Archdiocese of Cologne.

Construction of the cathedral began in 1248 but was halted around 1560, leaving the structure unfinished. Attempts to complete the construction began around 1814, but the project was not properly funded until the 1840s. The edifice was finally completed according to its original medieval plan in 1880, making it the tallest building in the world for four years until the completion of the Washington Monument in 1884. The towers of its two huge spires give the cathedral the largest façade of any church in the world.

Cologne Cathedral has a ground floor area of nearly 8,000 square meters (86,111 square feet) and can hold more than 20,000 people. The choir of the cathedral is the largest in Germany, with a total of 104 seats, including two seats reserved for the pope and king. The cathedral's west front is composed of two towers, with the southern tower standing at 157.31 meters (516.1 feet) and the northern tower slightly higher at 157.38 meters (516.3 feet). The stairway connecting the ground to the top has a total of 533 steps. Visitors can climb these steps to a viewing platform about 100 meters (330 feet) above the ground, which offers scenic views of the city and the Rhine.

The upper portion of the cathedral houses 11 church bells, four of which are medieval. The most notable treasure stored in the cathedral is the Shrine of the Three Kings, a casket that traditionally contains the relics of the Biblical Magi, also known as the Three Wise Men. The shrine, shaped like a basilica church, is made of wood, bronze, silver, and is gilded and ornamented with jewels, enamels, and sculptures.

Eau de Cologne: Learn about the origins of Eau de Cologne (water from Cologne) at the Farina Fragrance Museum

The Farina Fragrance Museum in Cologne, Germany, is the place to go to learn about the origins of Eau de Cologne. Founded in 1709, the museum is housed in the world's oldest fragrance factory, John Maria Farina opposite the Jülichs Place, which has been the registered office since 1723.

The museum offers a detailed insight into the production methods of perfume throughout history, with a focus on Eau de Cologne. Visitors can see the distillation apparatus and other technical devices used in the past, as well as pictures and documents that trace the evolution of perfume-making. The museum also displays some of the imitations and forgeries of Eau de Cologne that appeared on the market due to the lack of copyright protection at the time.

The Fragrance Museum is located near the famous Wallraf-Richartz-Museum and Cologne City Hall. It can only be visited as part of a guided tour, which is conducted by guides in historical costumes. During the tour, visitors will learn about the history of perfume-making, including the processes and ingredients used, such as enfleurage and various essences. They will also have the opportunity to smell different fragrances and learn about the cultural history of perfume, dating back to the Rococo era of the perfumer Johann Maria Farina in the 18th century.

The Farina company, now run by the eighth and ninth generations of the Farina family, has a long history of creating unique fragrances. The original Eau de Cologne, for example, was created by Johann Maria Farina to remind him of his homeland, Italy, and to offer a more pleasant sensory experience than the malodorous Cologne of over 300 years ago. He described his desired fragrance as smelling "like a spring morning in Italy after the rain", and it became a world-famous blend of lemons, oranges, bergamot, grapefruit, herbs, and flowers.

Cologne Zoo: Home to tigers, elephants, hippos, monkeys, and more

The Cologne Zoo is home to a wide variety of animals, including tigers, elephants, hippos, monkeys, and many more. The zoo offers a fun and educational experience for all ages, with over 10,000 animals and 850 species to discover.

One of the most popular attractions at the zoo is the Elephant Park, which is the largest and most modern elephant park in Europe. The park is home to a herd of Asian elephants, including the youngest calf born in June 2023. Visitors can observe these gentle giants in their natural family group, as they roam and interact with each other.

For those fascinated by aquatic life, the Hippodom is a must-see. It replicates an African river landscape, complete with hippos, Nile crocodiles, antelopes, and vibrant birds. The spacious and accessible exhibit offers unique perspectives, allowing visitors to observe the animals underwater, from a bird's-eye view, or even eye-to-eye.

Monkey lovers will delight in the Jungle House, home to nine different species of monkeys, many of which are endangered in the wild. The extensive enclosures provide ample space for the primates to romp and play, with climbing equipment and tropical plant life adding to the immersive experience. The nearby Baboon Rocks, a historic structure at the zoo, houses a troop of hamadryas baboons on a rocky island surrounded by a deep moat.

In addition to these highlights, the Cologne Zoo also features the Clemenshof, a traditional mountain farm with livestock such as chickens, pigs, cows, and sheep. The zoo's aquarium showcases the diverse underwater world, with over 70 geographical sections featuring colourful fish, anemones, corals, and more. The Rainforest House transports visitors to a Southeast Asian rainforest, teeming with rare lizards, birds of paradise, and exotic plants.

With its array of animals and immersive exhibits, the Cologne Zoo provides an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages, offering a glimpse into the wild and wonderful world of nature.

Hohenzollern Bridge: One of the city's main landmarks, popular with romantics and locals

The Hohenzollern Bridge is one of the city's main landmarks, popular with romantics and locals alike. It is a 409-metre-long arched truss bridge that crosses the Rhine River in Cologne, Germany. The bridge runs east-west and was constructed on the same latitude as the famous cathedral. On the western bank, it connects to Cologne Main Station, while the eastern bank is home to the Koln Messe/Deutz Station.

The Hohenzollern Bridge is known for its impressive structure and beautiful views of the city. It is one of the most important railway bridges in Germany, with over 1,200 trains passing through daily. The bridge is also open to pedestrians and cyclists, offering a unique perspective of the city and the river.

The bridge has a rich history, dating back to its construction between 1907 and 1911. It was inaugurated by Emperor Wilhelm II and featured three side-by-side truss arch bridges, each with three arches, carrying four railway tracks and a roadway. The original equestrian statues of Prussian kings and emperors from the House of Hohenzollern still flank the access ramps.

Since 2008, the bridge has become known for the thousands of "love locks" attached to its fences and railings by couples as a symbol of their love and commitment. It is estimated that there are over 500,000 locks, adding around 15 tons of weight to the bridge.

A stroll across the Hohenzollern Bridge offers a panoramic view of Cologne's city centre, including the cathedral, as well as the Old Town. It is a popular spot for train spotting and taking in the vibrant cityscape. The bridge is illuminated in the evening, creating a romantic atmosphere with the cathedral in the background.

Boat Tour: Take a panoramic boat tour along the River Rhine, one of Europe's major rivers

One of the best ways to explore Cologne is by taking a boat tour along the River Rhine, one of the major rivers in Europe. This panoramic tour offers a unique perspective of the city and its landmarks. Here's everything you need to know about this boat tour:

The River Rhine

The River Rhine is one of the major rivers in Europe, starting in Switzerland and flowing through several countries, including Germany, where Cologne is located. The river has played a significant role in the history and development of the city.

Tour Details

The boat tour takes you on a journey through the different sides of Cologne. You'll get to see the modern skyscrapers and contemporary designs, as well as the historic buildings of Old Town. The tour is accompanied by a guide who will share fascinating facts about the city's history and future developments.

During the tour, you'll also get to enjoy some refreshments, including a beer, a slice of cake, or a cup of coffee. The boat will take you under the city's five bridges and pass by its main harbors, including Germany's largest inland harbor.

Booking and Pricing

Boat tours in Cologne typically start at $16 USD, and some providers offer different options, such as a 1-hour or 2-hour cruise. You can book these tours online or through local tour operators. Some tours also offer an audio guide in multiple languages to provide information about the sights along the way.

Other Attractions Along the Rhine

In addition to the boat tour, there are several other attractions along the River Rhine that you can explore:

• Cologne Cathedral: This gothic cathedral is the second-tallest building in Cologne, with over 8,000 square meters of space and a capacity of 20,000 people. You can climb up the 533 steps to the top for breathtaking views of the city.
• Hohenzollern Bridge: This bridge, crossing the River Rhine, is another popular landmark in Cologne. It is known for the thousands of "love locks" attached to its structure by couples.
• Rheinpark: Located near the Rhine River, this park offers scenic views of the river and the city. You can enjoy a cable car ride, explore the playgrounds, or participate in various community events and sports activities.
• Chocolate Museum: Indulge your sweet tooth at the Cologne Chocolate Museum, where you can learn about the history of chocolate and its confectionery processes.

Frequently asked questions