Exploring Cologne: Is It Worth The Trip?

Cologne is a two-thousand-year-old city in Germany with stunning Gothic architecture, a thriving culinary scene, and a rich history. Located on the Rhine River, it is easily accessible from other major cities in Germany and Europe. The city boasts several iconic landmarks, including the Cologne Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With its impressive spires, the cathedral offers panoramic views of the city from its South Tower. Beyond the cathedral, Cologne's Old Town, with its colourful historic streets, quaint houses, and picturesque spots near St Martin's Church, is a delight to explore. The city also has a lively cultural scene, with galleries, museums, and a growing cocktail scene. For foodies, Cologne offers a diverse range of dining options, from cheap and hip restaurants to street food and traditional German cuisine. So, if you're considering a trip to Germany, here are some reasons why Cologne should be on your radar.

The city's unique beer culture

Cologne's beer culture is unique, even by Germany's standards. The city is the birthplace of Kölsch, a clear, light, and crisp lager that is warm-fermented with top-fermenting yeast, then conditioned at cold temperatures. It is the only beer in Germany with a special protected geographical status, similar to Champagne in France.

Kölsch is served in small, cylindrical 20cl glasses known as "Stangen" or "Stange". The smaller size ensures the beer stays cold and fresh. The glasses are made of thinner glass, and it is customary to clink glasses from the bottom rather than the top.

In traditional Cologne breweries, the beer is served by waiters called "Köbes", who wear a blue knitted jacket with a high collar, black trousers, a blue apron, and a leather pouch. Their manner is typically gruff, and they are known for their no-nonsense approach to service, rushing around with their trays of Kölsch and quickly replacing empty glasses with full ones.

The Köbes keeps track of how many beers each customer has consumed by marking tallies on beer mats, and the beers keep coming until the customer indicates they've had enough by placing the beer mat on top of their glass.

The city has numerous breweries that produce Kölsch, including Früh, Gaffel, Reissdorf, and Sünner, each with its own unique recipe and brewing process.

Cologne's beer culture is so integral to the city that the local saying goes, "Kölsch is the only culture that you can drink." It is deeply ingrained in the local customs and traditions, often enjoyed during social gatherings, festivals, and the city's famous carnival celebrations.

If you're visiting Cologne, trying a glass of Kölsch is a must. It's an essential part of the city's vibrant and unique culture.

The Rhine River and its views

The Rhine River is the longest river in Germany, and Cologne sits right on its banks. The river has been a strategic location for military and business purposes throughout history, and today, it's one of the busiest waterways in Europe.

The Rhine offers fantastic views of Cologne's architecture and bridges. One of the best ways to experience the river and take in these views is by boat. There are many river cruises to choose from, including romantic dinner cruises and relaxing afternoon cruises. If you'd prefer to stay on land, you can walk or cycle along the riverbanks, taking in the sights from the shore.

From the river, you can see Cologne's Old Town, the Cologne Cathedral, and wonderful bridges such as the Hohenzollern Bridge and the Deutzer Brücke. The Rhine River is also a great way to get a different perspective of the city and see it from a new angle.

So, if you're planning a trip to Cologne, be sure to check out the Rhine River and enjoy the beautiful views it has to offer!

The Cologne Cathedral

The construction of the cathedral began in 1248 but was halted around 1560 and left unfinished. Attempts to resume construction began around 1814, but the project did not receive proper funding until the 1840s. The edifice was finally completed according to its original medieval plan in 1880, almost 800 years after construction first started. The towers of its two huge spires give the cathedral the largest façade of any church in the world.

The cathedral houses the Shrine of the Three Kings, which is believed to contain the remains of the Three Kings. The presence of this shrine made the cathedral a popular pilgrimage site in the Middle Ages. The cathedral also features several artistic masterpieces, including the Gero Crucifix, a large oak crucifix carved in the 10th century, and the altarpiece of St. Clare, which dates back to the 14th or 15th century.

The Belgian Quarter

At the heart of the Belgian Quarter is Brüsseler Platz, where people gather to sip milchkaffe at cafes, play ping pong, or enjoy the nightlife. The area is known for its diverse culinary offerings, ranging from currywurst stands to gourmet restaurants.

For those seeking a more relaxed atmosphere, the Stadtgarten offers a unique park setting with a beer garden, restaurant, and concert venue. It is a versatile space, serving as a leafy retreat for morning joggers and sunbathers, as well as a lively location for musical events and Christmas markets.

The city's LGBT+ scene

Cologne is a hub of diverse and vibrant LGBTQ+ culture, with a rich history as a centre of queer activism. The city's queer scene dates back to the 19th century, when the world's first gay rights organisation, the Scientific-Humanitarian Committee, was established in 1897. Throughout the 20th century, Cologne remained a vital hub for LGBTQ+ activism and culture, playing a key role in the fight against HIV/AIDS in the 1980s and 90s. Today, the city continues to be a beacon of LGBTQ+ visibility and inclusivity, hosting one of the largest annual pride festivals in Europe, the Cologne Pride.

The city's LGBTQ+ community is well-established and thriving, with a wide range of bars, clubs, and events catering to queer people of all ages and backgrounds. The famous "Bermuda Triangle" in the Old Town is home to several popular gay bars, and the annual Cologne Carnival sees the entire city come together in a massive celebration of diversity and inclusion.

Bars and Clubs

The city's LGBTQ+ nightlife scene is centred around the "Bermuda Triangle" area near Rudolfplatz, where you'll find a high concentration of gay venues ranging from bustling bars to intimate clubs. Exile, on Schaafenstraße, is one of the big players in the area, known for its neat and non-kitsch décor, rotating DJs, and friendly bartenders. For those looking for a more laid-back bar setting, Kattewinkel in up-and-coming Eigelstein is a tiny, neighbourhood bar that hosts regular bingo nights and drag shows.

If you're looking for a dance club, Phoenix is particularly notable for its large facilities and themed events, providing a welcoming atmosphere for the community. Mumu is another option if you're looking for a crazy night out, with regular karaoke nights, drag parties, and a mind-boggling number of other themed evenings and dance parties.

For women and their friends, Iron Cocktail Lounge is one of the few bars in the city geared towards lesbians. It was renovated a few years ago and is now a super-chill cocktail bar serving interesting drinks.

Events

Cologne Pride, also known as Christopher Street Day (CSD), is a vibrant and inclusive celebration of LGBTQ+ culture that takes place every July. The festival includes a diverse range of events, including parties, cultural performances, and political demonstrations, culminating in a colourful parade that draws tens of thousands of people from all over the world.

The Cologne Carnival is another massive celebration of diversity and inclusion, with the entire city coming together in a week-long festival that includes parties, cultural performances, and political demonstrations.

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