Cologne's Location: A Rhine River City Guide

Cologne, Germany's fourth-largest city, is situated on the River Rhine in the North Rhine-Westphalia region. With a population of over a million, it is a bustling, liberal, cosmopolitan metropolis. The city's rich history dates back to the Romans, who founded Colonia in 50 CE. Today, Cologne is known for its awe-inspiring gothic cathedral, its Christmas markets, and its thriving nightlife.

Cologne's location and transport

Cologne is located on the River Rhine in the North Rhine-Westphalia state, in central-western Germany. It is the largest city in the western part of Germany and the fourth-largest city in the country, with nearly 1.1 million inhabitants in the city proper and over 3.1 million people in the Cologne-Bonn urban region. Cologne is part of the Rhine-Ruhr metropolitan region, the second-biggest metropolitan region by GDP in the European Union.

Cologne is centred on the left (west) bank of the Rhine, about 35km southeast of the North Rhine-Westphalia state capital Düsseldorf and 25km northwest of Bonn, the former capital of West Germany. The city's location on the Rhine placed it at the intersection of major trade routes between east and west, as well as the main south-north Western European trade route from Venice to the Netherlands.

Cologne is served by two major railway stations: Köln Hauptbahnhof and Köln-Deutz. It has an excellent public transport network consisting of trams, local trains, and buses. Cologne also has a very good subway/tram and bus network called "KVB" (Kölner Verkehrsbetriebe). The city is also accessible by road, with several motorways leading to Cologne: Autobahns A1, A4, A3, A57, and A555.

Cologne Bonn Airport is the city's international airport, located about 15 minutes by S-Bahn (local train) from the city centre. The airport is a hub for low-cost airlines Eurowings and TUIfly and offers international and domestic flights. Düsseldorf International Airport and Frankfurt Rhein Main International Airport are also within reach and offer many intercontinental connections.

Cologne is a major cultural centre for the Rhineland and is known for its vibrant nightlife, with more than 70 clubs and discos. The city boasts more than 30 museums and hundreds of galleries, as well as a famous cathedral, Romanesque churches, and other historical landmarks.

Cologne's history

Cologne, the fourth-largest city in Germany, is situated in the west of the country on the River Rhine. It is the largest city in the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia and is part of the Rhine-Ruhr metropolitan region, the second-biggest metropolitan region in the European Union by GDP.

Early History

Cologne was founded in the 1st century CE as Colonia Agrippina in Germanic Ubii territory. The name Colonia was derived from the Latin name for the city, which was established by the Romans. It functioned as the capital of the Roman province of Germania Inferior and as the headquarters of the Roman military in the region until it was occupied by the Franks in 462.

Middle Ages

During the Middle Ages, Cologne flourished as it was located on a major trade route between eastern and western Europe. It was a free imperial city of the Holy Roman Empire and a member of the Hanseatic League, a trade union. It was one of the largest European cities in medieval and renaissance times.

19th and 20th Centuries

Prior to World War II, Cologne had been occupied by the French (1794-1815) and the British (1918-1926) and was part of Prussia from 1815. During World War I, Cologne was the target of several minor air raids but suffered no significant damage. However, in World War II, it was one of the most heavily bombed cities in Germany, with around 80% of the city centre destroyed.

Post-War to Present

The post-war period saw the rebuilding of Cologne, with the restoration of major historic landmarks such as city gates and churches. Today, the city is a major cultural centre for the Rhineland, hosting over 30 museums and hundreds of galleries. It is also a hub for higher education, with institutions such as the University of Cologne, one of Europe's oldest and largest universities.

Cologne's culture and nightlife

Cologne's nightlife is buzzing with more than 70 clubs and party hot spots, so there's something for everyone. From jazz, reggae and R&B to techno, the city's countless bars, restaurants, and breweries invite visitors to party. Here are some of the best nightlife spots in Cologne:

• Odonien: Located in Ehrenfeld, this is an open-air venue and cultural centre with a concert hall, store of finds, open-air stage, and beer garden with some unusual metal sculptures. Techno parties are often held here, and it's considered one of the founding places of techno culture in Germany.
• Bootshaus: This techno club in Mülheim has three rooms and an outdoor area, with space for 1,000 people on the main floor. It's renowned for its lavish light shows and themed parties, attracting famous international DJs.
• Six Pack: This intimate bar in the Belgian Quarter has more than 100 beers available in bottles, and heavy electronic music playing most nights.
• Blue Shell: This rock venue in Cologne has regular live rock gigs and loud house and dance music on other nights. It has a large variety of drinks and great service delivery.
• Flamingo Royal: This night club in Cologne has a cocktail bar and low-lit booth seating, as well as DJs on the dance floor. Wednesdays are especially popular for students and after-work parties.
• Little Link: This industrial-style bar has some of the most creative cocktails around, and the outdoor tables give it a cosy atmosphere.
• The Corkonian Irish Pub: This popular international bar in the heart of downtown has a varied program and different special offers every day. It's perfect for big or small groups, with friendly staff and a wonderful atmosphere.
• Sixpack: This club can be quite overwhelming at first, with heavy electronic music playing most nights. It has over 100 beers available in bottles, and is known as 'the' spot for students to unwind.
• Live Music Hall: This nightclub in Ehrenfeld hosts themed parties and events with international and German artists. It can hold up to 1,800 people and is popular for its various club nights.
• Artheater: This arts venue in Ehrenfeld has a theatre, a lively dance club, and a concert venue for indie acts. It draws crowds due to its variety of sounds and space to retreat to in between.
• Klapsmuhle: This club offers a lively atmosphere with popular tunes and Schlager music. It has three floors where DJs spin different genres like RnB, pop, and 80s classics.
• Club Bahnhof Ehrenfeld: This club features live concerts by talented and creative artists. It reaches out to people from all over North Rhine-Westphalia, making it ideal for more personal performances.

Cologne's food and drink

Cologne is the fourth-largest city in Germany and the largest city in the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia. With over 1000 restaurants, 100 bars, 700 pubs, and more than ten starred restaurants, the city has a vibrant food and drink scene. The city is also home to several food festivals, including the Südstadt Guided Foodie Walking Tour.

Cologne's typical brewery restaurant culture is a defining feature of the city's food and drink scene, with Kölsch beer and brewery restaurants being a unique symbol of the city's traditions and culture. The city's brewery restaurants encourage a sociable and unconventional atmosphere, where patrons are encouraged to chat and clink glasses with each other while enjoying their Kölsch beer and traditional dishes.

When it comes to food, Cologne offers a diverse range of options to suit all tastes and dietary preferences. From vegan and home-cooked meals to gourmet dining and hearty local specialties, the city's restaurants cater to every personality and taste. One such specialty is Himmel un Äd mit Flönz, a dish that combines black pudding, mash, and apple sauce, representing "earth" and "heaven." Another local favourite is Sauerbraten, a heavily marinated meat dish served with hearty gravy and potato dumplings.

In addition to its culinary delights, Cologne also offers unique drinks like the local Kölsch beer and non-alcoholic options such as apfelschorle, a refreshing mix of apple juice and carbonated mineral water.

The city's location on the Rhine River has also contributed to its rich culinary history, with the river providing access to trade routes and influencing the local cuisine.

Accommodation in Cologne

Cologne is a city in Germany, situated on the River Rhine. It is the fourth-largest city in Germany and the largest city in the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia.

Accommodation Options

Cologne offers a variety of accommodation options, ranging from low-budget youth hostels to luxury hotels. Here is a list of some of the notable hotels in the city:

• Excelsior Hotel Ernst am Dom: A luxury 5-star hotel located directly opposite the Cologne Cathedral.
• Savoy Hotel: A chic hotel known for its contemporary design and excellent dining options.
• 25hours Hotel The Circle: A centrally located hotel featuring interactive art galleries and activities.
• Stern am Rathaus: A boutique hotel near the Cologne Cathedral in the old town.
• Eden Hotel Früh am Dom: A hotel located in the heart of the city centre, opposite the Cologne Cathedral.
• Hyatt Regency Cologne: A hotel offering excellent views of the Rhine River.
• Hotel Stadtpalais: Conveniently placed near the Lanxess Arena.
• Hotel Alt Deutz City: Another hotel located near the Lanxess Arena.
• Maritim Hotel Köln: A centrally located hotel offering panoramic views of the Rhine River and a spa with a gym and indoor pool.
• Radisson Blu Hotel Cologne: A hotel featuring an elegant spa with a sauna, gym, and excellent dining options.
• Cologne Marriott Hotel: One of the most popular hotels in the city, located near the Cologne Cathedral.
• Premier Inn Köln City Mediapark: A unique hotel located in a building that was once Europe's tallest building.
• Hotel Lyskirchen: A bright and spacious hotel located 100 metres from the Rhine Promenade.
• Lint Hotel Köln: A 3-star hotel located 500 metres from Museum Ludwig.
• MAISON MARSIL - Boutique Hotel Köln: A design hotel situated in the heart of Cologne's Old Town, near the Rhine River.

Frequently asked questions