Exploring Cologne, Germany: Local Recommendations And Secrets

Cologne, Germany, is a city of contrasts. With its towering Gothic cathedral, this cultural urban oasis is a stone's throw from Dusseldorf yet feels a world apart. The city blends the few Medieval structures that survived heavy bombing during World War II with reconstructed areas designed to look as they did before the war, as well as modern architecture. Here are some of the top things to do and see in Cologne.

Visit the Cologne Cathedral, Germany's most-visited tourist attraction

The Cologne Cathedral is a must-see when visiting Cologne, Germany. This Gothic cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage site and an absolute marvel to behold. Standing at 157 metres tall, it is the tallest twin-spired church in the world and the second tallest church in Europe. With its construction beginning in 1248, it took 632 years to complete, with the final stone being placed in the 19th century. The cathedral is an architectural masterpiece, featuring intricate stained glass, challenging tower climbs, and breathtaking views from the top.

When visiting the cathedral, be sure to admire both the exterior and interior. The exterior showcases the impressive twin spires and the largest façade of any church in the world. Inside, you will find beautiful architecture, carvings, statues, and breathtaking stained glass windows. The stained glass windows cast a colourful light inside the cathedral, creating a serene and rich historical atmosphere.

For a small fee, you can climb the 533 steps to the viewing platform, which offers a panoramic view of the city and the River Rhine. This climb is definitely worth the effort, providing a unique perspective of the city.

The cathedral is also home to several important artworks and relics. The Shrine of the Three Kings, which contains the relics of the Magi, is a notable highlight. Additionally, the cathedral's underground treasure chamber houses the 4th-century St. Peter's Staff, numerous reliquaries, liturgical utensils, vestments, and manuscripts.

The Cologne Cathedral is an essential stop on any trip to Cologne, offering a blend of religious, historical, and cultural experiences that will leave a lasting impression.

Practical Information:

• Address: Cologne Cathedral, Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany.
• Opening Hours: The cathedral is usually open from 6 am to 8 pm. However, it is important to check their website for the most up-to-date information, as opening times may vary.
• Admission: Entry to the cathedral is free. However, there is a fee for climbing the tower and accessing the treasury, typically around €6 per adult.
• Dress Code: It is important to adhere to the dress code when visiting the cathedral. The cathedral sacristans will inform you of any necessary adjustments at the entrance.

Explore the Historic Old Town, with its cobblestone streets and colourful buildings

Explore the Historic Old Town

Cologne's Historic Old Town is a must-see for anyone visiting the city. With its cobblestone streets, colourful buildings, and small squares, it offers a glimpse into the past and is a great place to spend an evening strolling through the narrow, winding alleys.

The Old Town is home to many attractions, including the Great St. Martin Church, the Heinzelmännchen Fountain, and the legendary characters from the Hänneschen Puppet Theatre. It's also where you'll find the famous Eau de Cologne, with its interesting history and Italian twist.

The Alter Markt, or Old Market, is considered Cologne's most traditional square, covering an area of almost 5,500 square metres. It's a great place to sit at one of the cosy pubs or outdoor spaces, especially in the summer. In the winter, you can visit the popular Heinzelmännchen Christmas Market.

The Old Town also boasts charming cafes, unique shops, and quaint restaurants and breweries like Früh, serving traditional German food and Kölsch beer.

So, whether you're interested in history, architecture, food, or just a pleasant evening stroll, a visit to Cologne's Historic Old Town is sure to delight your senses and offer an unforgettable experience.

Learn about the history of Eau de Cologne at the Farina Fragrance Museum

The Farina Fragrance Museum, located near Cologne City Hall, is one of the oldest factories for fine perfumes in the world, founded in 1709. The museum offers a detailed insight into the production methods of perfume, with a focus on Eau de Cologne.

• Begin your visit by learning about the history of the museum and its founder, John Maria Farina. Farina founded the fragrance factory in 1709, and it has been operating continuously ever since. The building across from Jülichs Place has been the registered office since 1723 and is the eldest fragrance factory still standing.
• As you move through the museum, you will discover the complex process of creating a signature scent. Over several floors, the museum showcases the different production methods and equipment used throughout the years. You will see distillation apparatus and other technical devices that were once used in perfume-making.
• Pay attention to the displays of pictures and documents that illustrate the evolution of perfume production. These visual aids help trace the history of fragrance and its cultural significance.
• Learn about the challenges of protecting intellectual property in the perfume industry before the existence of copyright. Eau de Cologne was often imitated and forged, and the museum presents some of these counterfeit products alongside the original.
• Observe the exhibits detailing the changes in the manufacturing of Farina Eau de Cologne over time. The production methods and formulas may have evolved, but the brand has maintained its reputation and quality.
• If you are visiting with a group, consider booking a private historical guided tour. An actor will play the role of perfumer Farina, bringing the history to life in an engaging way.
• Before or after your visit, browse the historical shop located within the museum. This is the only place where photography is allowed, so take some memorable snapshots to commemorate your trip.

Remember to reserve your tickets in advance, as the museum can only be visited through a guided tour. Also, note that the museum is located in a historic building without a guest bathroom and is not barrier-free.

Sample the local beer, Kölsch, in one of the city's traditional brewpubs

Sampling the local beer, Kölsch, in one of Cologne's traditional brewpubs is a must-do when visiting the city. Here is some information to help you do just that:

Kölsch is a light-bodied, golden ale with a very subtle hint of fruity complexity. It is made with German malts, hops, and a special type of top-fermenting yeast. It is similar to many Continental pilsners but sets itself apart with its fruity notes.

The Kölsch Convention

In 1985, the German government and 24 breweries from the Cologne region published the 'Kölsch Convention', which states that a beer may only be called Kölsch if it is brewed in the Cologne metropolitan area and has a 'vollbier' of 11-14% plato.

Where to Drink Kölsch in Cologne

There are many traditional brewpubs and brewery restaurants in Cologne where you can sample Kölsch. Here are some options:

• Gaffel pub - Located near the Dom cathedral, this pub offers a well-known example of Kölsch with a nice hop flavor and bitterness.
• Fruh am Dom - A large, cavernous pub near the Dom cathedral. Head to the gorgeous cellar for a big plate of pork and several glasses of their light, fruity Kölsch.
• Brauerei Zur MalzMuhle - Located a bit further from the central Altstadt, this old tavern serves a complex Kölsch with a slightly higher level of estery notes. The furniture and items inside appear to be 100 years old or more.
• Paffgen - This brewpub has a main dining and drinking area up front, leading to a pleasant courtyard/beer garden. Check out the lovely bar and stained glass as you sip your golden Kölsch.
• Peters Brauhaus - An ornate, high-end Kölsch house that produces tasty, traditional regional food. Their Kölsch is now brewed at the Kolner plant just outside of central Cologne.
• Reissdorf Brauhaus - Locals pack into this brewpub for the famous Reissdorf Kölsch. There is a non-smoking room and a bowling alley in the basement.
• Sion - An extremely light version of Kölsch that is quite popular with locals and visitors.
• Brauhaus Sion - Cologne's oldest brewery, first opened in 1511.
• Cölner Hofbräu P. Josef Früh am Dom - One of Cologne's oldest breweries, located near the Cathedral.
• Brauerei Päffgen - Offers "clearly formulated prototypical Rhineland cuisine" and brews its brand of Cologne's favourite beverage in its own cellar, bringing it directly to your table.

Brewery Tours and More

You can also take a brewery tour or visit a beer museum to learn more about the history and brewing process of Kölsch. The Legendary Kölsch Brewery Tour and the Guided Brewhouse Walking Tour in Cologne are popular options. Additionally, the Beer Museum (Bier Museum) in the Altstadt-Nord neighbourhood stocks a range of international brews.

Take a walk along the Rhine and see the Hohenzollern Bridge, adorned with half a million love locks

Hohenzollern Bridge is a must-see when visiting Cologne, Germany. Adorned with half a million love locks, the bridge offers a romantic stroll and beautiful cityscape views. Here's a detailed guide to enhance your experience:

The Love Locks

The love locks on Hohenzollern Bridge are more than just symbols of love. Each lock holds a story, a promise, or a memory. You'll find locks engraved with names, initials, and heartfelt messages. Some locks even have photographs or other motifs. As you walk along the bridge, take a moment to read the inscriptions and appreciate the stories of love, friendship, and gratitude immortalized on these locks. You might spot the vibrant red heart-shaped padlock with the names "Sophia" and "Felix," a testament to their enduring love.

The Bridge's History

Hohenzollern Bridge has a rich history dating back to its construction in 1907. Initially consisting of three parallel parts with transverse arches, it was inaugurated by German Emperor Wilhelm II in 1911. Unfortunately, the bridge was destroyed during World War II, and it was rebuilt with a different architecture from 1948 to 1959, retaining only the railway tracks and sidewalks. Today, the bridge stands at about 400 meters in length and is crossed by over 1,200 trains daily, making it one of the most used railway bridges in Europe.

A Scenic Stroll

Taking a walk along the Rhine River and across Hohenzollern Bridge is a delightful experience. You'll be treated to scenic views of the river and the city, including the majestic Cologne Cathedral in the background. The bridge is easily accessible, just a few minutes' walk from the main railway station. As you stroll, admire the colourful array of locks and the inscriptions that adorn them. You can also spot the four statues of troopers, representing Prussian Kings and Emperors of the Hohenzollern family, at each end of the bridge.

The Rhine Panorama

The Rhine River itself is a captivating sight. As you walk along the southern footpath of the bridge, you'll notice that it is almost entirely covered with love locks, except for the last third opposite the Cologne Cathedral. The northern footpath still offers plenty of space for those looking to attach their own love locks. From the bridge, you can enjoy panoramic views of the city centre and the Rhine, especially on sunny days. It's the perfect spot for photography enthusiasts to capture the beauty of the river and the city skyline.

A Symbol of Love

The tradition of attaching love locks to bridges began in Italy and has spread worldwide. Lovers engrave their names or initials on the locks and throw the keys into the river below, symbolizing the indestructibility of their love. Hohenzollern Bridge, with its thousands of love locks, has become a symbol of Cologne's romantic side. It's a place where you can feel the collective hopes and dreams of lovers from all over the world. If you're feeling nostalgic or want to leave your own mark, bring a padlock and add it to the ever-growing mosaic of affection.

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