Exploring Cologne: A Day Trip Worth Taking?

Cologne is a city in Germany that combines modern and historic features. The city is well-connected to the rest of Germany and Europe, with a popular train station in its heart. It is known for its grand cathedral, Christmas markets, museums, attractions, nightlife, and shopping. The city has a laid-back, care-free vibe, and its own beer, Kölsch. While it may not be the most charming city, with most of its old town having been destroyed in World War II, it is a cultural hub with tons of churches, art galleries, and museums. Cologne also serves as a great base for day trips to nearby places like Aachen, Trier, Koblenz, Düsseldorf, and Bonn.

The impressive Cologne Cathedral

Cologne Cathedral (or Kölner Dom in German) is a must-see attraction in the city. It is Germany's most visited landmark, attracting an average of 6 million people a year. The cathedral is a renowned monument of German Catholicism and Gothic architecture and was declared a World Heritage Site in 1996.

The construction of this Gothic masterpiece took place in several stages and was completed in 1880, over 600 years after it first began in 1248. The cathedral is the tallest twin-spired church in the world, standing at 157 metres (515 feet) tall. It is also part of the largest façade of any church globally.

The Cologne Cathedral houses the Shrine of the Three Kings, which is considered one of the most sophisticated goldsmith's works of the Middle Ages. The cathedral also features the Gero Crucifix, the oldest large crucifix north of the Alps, dating back to the 10th century.

The cathedral is located in the centre of the city, next to the central train station, making it easily accessible. Visitors can climb the 533 steps to the viewing platform, which offers a scenic view of the city and the Rhine River. The tower is open to the public from 9 am to 6 pm during the summer months and from 9 am to 4 pm in the winter.

The Cologne Cathedral is a testament to the enduring strength of European Christianity. Its impressive size, intricate design, and long construction history make it a must-see destination for anyone visiting Cologne, even if just for a day.

Christmas markets

Cologne is a beautiful city with a rich history that transforms into a Christmas wonderland during the holiday season. The city is known for its culture and history, with amazing museums, churches, palaces, shopping districts, and parks. It is also the birthplace of Christmas markets, which makes it a great destination for a day trip.

Cologne has several Christmas markets dotted around the city, each with its own unique character and offering something for everyone. Here is an overview of some of the top Christmas markets in Cologne:

Cologne Cathedral Christmas Market (Weihnachtsmarkt am Dom)

This market is set against the impressive backdrop of the Cologne Cathedral, the city's most recognisable landmark. With over 200 stalls spread across two floors, it is the largest and most popular market in the city. Here, you can find a wide variety of traditional Christmas foods, drinks, and gifts. The market is filled with festive lights and decorations, including a 25-metre-high red spruce tree, creating a magical atmosphere. It is located right next to the train station, making it easily accessible.

Advent Village with Christmas Pyramid (Adventsdorf mit Weihnachtspyramide)

This quaint market is located just around the corner from the Cathedral Market. It is characterised by a sizable Christmas pyramid in the centre, a traditional feature of German Christmas markets. Here, you can enjoy treats such as mulled wine and gingerbread, as well as browse a nice selection of crafts and gifts.

The Christmas Market in Cologne's Old Town (Heinzel's Winter Fairytale)

This market is held in the historic Old Town of Cologne and is based on the legend of the hardworking Heinzelmännchen, mysterious little creatures that helped the people of Cologne while they slept. With about 120 stalls and a 1,800-square-metre ice landscape, this market offers a festive cheer of a traditional German market. It is split into two sections: the Heumarkt and the Alter Market, each with its unique charm.

The Angels' Market (Markt der Engel)

The Angels' Market is located in a popular shopping district in the city centre. It is adorned with hundreds of twinkling starlights, creating a dreamy and festive atmosphere. Here, you can find various craft and food stands, including handmade chocolates, waffles, and mulled wine. It is a popular spot for locals to meet up and enjoy the holiday cheer.

Nicholas Village (Nikolausdorf am Rudolfplatz)

This market features an enchanted village with cosy half-timbered houses, giving it a small-town charm. It offers a relaxed atmosphere, handmade crafts, and family-friendly entertainment, making it a favourite destination for all ages. It is located near the medieval Hahnentor city gate and is a great spot for mid-week drinks and dinner.

The Christmas Market in the Stadtgarten (Weihnachtsmarkt im Stadtgarten)

The Stadtgarten Christmas Market is located in the Stadtgarten park in the trendy Belgian Quarter. It is a smaller market but packed with a festive atmosphere and unique, stylish products from local vendors. With over 80 vendors rotating weekly, you are sure to find something special and different each time you visit.

Harbor Christmas Market (Hafen Weihnachtsmarkt)

The Harbor Christmas Market is a relatively new addition, located on the banks of the Rhine River near the Chocolate Museum. This nautical-themed market features 70 stalls offering high-quality gifts, arts, and crafts from local artisans. It also has a large wooden ship and a Ferris wheel, providing a unique and enjoyable experience.

Other Markets

In addition to these main markets, Cologne also has smaller markets in various neighbourhoods, such as the Südstadt, Chlodwigplatz, and the smallest market in a church courtyard, offering a more intimate and local experience.

Cologne's Christmas markets offer a range of delicious food and drinks, including grilled sausages, potato pancakes, raclette, Handbrotzeit, slow-grilled salmon, waffles, crepes, and, of course, mulled wine (Glühwein). The markets usually run from early November to early January, with some transforming into New Year's markets after Christmas.

To make the most of your day trip to Cologne's Christmas markets, it is recommended to wear warm clothes, carry cash, and bring a camera to capture the festive moments. The markets are easily walkable, and Cologne is also accessible by train from nearby cities such as Amsterdam, Brussels, and Frankfurt.

The city's museums and attractions

Cologne is a city that combines both modern and historic features. The city has a lot to offer, from the impressive Cologne Cathedral to the many museums and outdoor spaces along the river.

At the heart of the city is the stunning Cologne Cathedral, which highlights High Gothic architecture and is one of the largest cathedrals in Europe. The intricate exterior is imposing and beautiful, and the interior is just as breathtaking. The cathedral is also right next door to the Roman Museum and an excellent art museum.

Other famous sights around the city include Cologne City Hall, the Wallraf-Richartz & Ludwig Museums, and Hohenzollern Bridge.

Cologne is also home to the Lindt Chocolate Museum, where you can indulge in some delicious treats.

The city is known for its German Christmas Markets, which are considered some of the best in the country. These markets offer ice skating, curling, warm drinks, and local dishes, as well as locally made gifts and Christmas decorations.

For those interested in history, Cologne was founded in Roman times and has a long and interesting history through Classical antiquity, the Middle Ages, and modern times, including World War II. While the city was mostly destroyed during the war, there are still some interesting remnants of its past, such as the tiny house with a giant turret attached that can be spotted on a walk along the river.

In addition to its museums and historical attractions, Cologne also offers a variety of shopping options, with major European chains, souvenir shops, and local markets. Schildergasse is a major shopping street, and there are also several shopping malls to choose from.

The food and drink

When it comes to food and drink, Cologne has a lot to offer. The city's food scene consists mostly of brewpubs and pubs, where you can sample local cuisine, such as "Rheinischer Sauerbraten" (Rhinish marinated pot roast) or "Himmel un Äd" (slang for Sky and Earth). Other local dishes include Halve Hahn (an open-face sandwich), Hämmche (pork with sauerkraut or potatoes), and Mettbrütche (minced pork bread roll).

For those with a sweet tooth, there is no shortage of donut shops with decadent toppings, and of course, the Lindt Chocolate Museum.

If you're looking for a place to eat, it is recommended to stay away from the area close to the main station as it's filled with expensive tourist traps and low-quality food. Instead, head to the area around Rudolfplatz, where you'll find lots of good cafes, bars, and restaurants.

Cologne also has its own beer, "Kölsch", which you can try at one of the city's breweries. Some popular places for nightlife include Ona Mor, Pepe, and Engel & Weiss.

Day trips to nearby towns and cities

Cologne is a great base for day trips to other towns and cities. The city has a fantastic transport system, with a very popular train station right in the heart of the town.

Aachen is a quick 30-minute train ride away and is a great option for those interested in history and charming cities. The Aachen Cathedral is beautiful, and the town has a lovely, relaxed vibe. The Granus tower, which dates back to the 8th century, is one of the few remaining pieces of Charlemagne's palace.

If you're looking for stunning scenery, take a train south from Cologne towards Koblenz or Ruedesheim and pick up a boat down the Rhine Gorge. This area, also known as the Upper Middle Rhine Valley, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Think medieval castles, vineyards, hiking, old-world towns, and chairlift rides to lookouts.

The town of Bonn is also just south of Cologne and is worth a visit, especially if there are any exhibitions on at the time.

For those looking for a day of leisure, take a train to the town of Linz, which is a nice place to spend the day. You can also take a boat from Bonn to Linz, which takes around 1.5 hours.

Other recommended day trips from Cologne include Düsseldorf, Wuppertal, and Monschau.

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