Exploring Cologne, Germany: Sights And Activities

Cologne, or Köln, is a German city with a rich history, impressive architecture, and a thriving cultural scene. Here are some of the best things to see and do during your visit:

- Explore the historic Old Town: Wander through cobblestone alleyways, admire colourful buildings, and discover ancient walls.

- Visit Cologne Cathedral: This Gothic cathedral is a UNESCO site and Germany's most visited landmark. It houses the shrine of the Three Kings and features stunning stained glass windows and intricate artwork.

- Take a boat trip on the Rhine: Enjoy a panoramic cruise along the river, taking in the sights of the city, including the Old Town and the Hohenzollern Bridge.

- Indulge at the Chocolate Museum: Learn about the history of chocolate, watch live demonstrations, and indulge in chocolate treats at the cafe.

- Discover the Belgian Quarter: Explore a trendy, cosmopolitan neighbourhood known for its boutiques, galleries, cafes, and bars.

- Climb the KölnTriangle: Take in panoramic views of the city from the observation deck of this skyscraper.

- Sample Kölsch and traditional cuisine: Try the local Kölsch beer and traditional dishes like Halve Hahn (rye bread and gouda cheese) and Koteletten (pork with fries or potato salad).

- Stroll through the Botanical Garden: Relax in this tranquil oasis in the heart of the city, home to over 10,000 plant species.

- Visit the Romano-Germanic Museum: Uncover Roman artefacts and learn about the city's Roman past.

- Take a cable car ride over the Rhine: Enjoy stunning views as you cross the river on the Kölner Seilbahn cable car.

Explore the Old Town

Cologne's Old Town (Altstadt) is a must-see on any trip to the city. The historic centre is full of character, with its cobbled streets and colourful buildings. Most of Cologne's main attractions, hotels, and restaurants are located in or around the Old Town, so it's impossible to miss this neighbourhood.

A good place to start your exploration of the Old Town is the magnificent Cologne Cathedral. This Gothic masterpiece is Germany's most visited tourist attraction and is truly awe-inspiring. The cathedral is also a UNESCO World Heritage site and is known for its stunning stained glass windows and twin spires.

From the cathedral, head to the riverfront, where you can see the Hohenzollern Bridge, a busy railway bridge adorned with half a million love locks. It's a great spot for romantic strolls and offers fabulous views of the cathedral.

Back on dry land, make your way to the Fischmarkt, one of the squares of Cologne's historic centre. Although the buildings here look medieval, they are much younger, having been rebuilt in the early 20th century. Nearby is the Alter Markt (Old Market Square), which features a 19th-century fountain commemorating Jan von Werth, a victorious army general.

The Old Town is also home to several museums, including the Roman-Germanic Museum, which showcases Roman life in Cologne, and the Farina Fragrance Museum, which tells the story of Eau de Cologne.

For food and drink, the Old Town has plenty of options, from traditional German brewpubs to trendy bars and restaurants. Sample the local brew, Kölsch, and try some hearty German dishes like Himmel un Äd (Sky and Earth) and Kassler (smoked and boiled pork).

The Old Town is easily explored on foot, and there are also hop-on hop-off bus tours available.

Visit the Romano-Germanic Museum

The Romano-Germanic Museum in Cologne is dedicated to preserving the Roman cultural heritage of the city. The museum was built in the 1970s around a 3rd-century Roman villa that was discovered during World War II when a bomb shelter was being constructed. The museum's collection includes:

• The world's largest collection of locally produced Roman glass from the Roman period
• An array of Roman and medieval jewellery
• Portraits, including those of Roman emperor Augustus and his wife, Livia Drusilla
• Roman inscriptions
• Pottery
• Architectural fragments
• Everyday objects such as containers, coins and toys

The museum is also an archaeological site, protecting the original location of the Roman town villa, including a large Dionysus mosaic that remains in its original place in the basement. The inner courtyards of the museum mimic the layout of the ancient villa.

The Romano-Germanic Museum is located near the Cologne Cathedral, with the walk from the Neumarkt stop to the Belgian House taking about two minutes. The exhibition is open daily and costs €6.00 for adults and €3.00 for reduced tickets.

Wander over Love Lock Bridge

The Hohenzollern Bridge is a sight to behold, with its three wave-like arches and steel structure stretching over 400 metres across the Rhine. But what makes this bridge truly special are the thousands of love locks attached to its railings by couples wanting to symbolise their everlasting love.

A Symbol of Love

The love lock tradition is said to have started in the late summer of 2008, with the number of locks increasing rapidly since then. Lovers attach padlocks to the bridge, often engraving their names or initials, and throw the key into the river below as a symbol of their indestructible love. It is believed that the tradition originated in Italy, the country of Amore and the tragic love story of Romeo and Juliet. Another version of the story leads to the spa city of Vrnjačka Banja in Serbia. According to legend, a teacher named Nada fell in love with an officer named Relja, who left to serve in World War One and found a new love, leaving Nada heartbroken. To prevent a similar fate, the women of Vrnjačka Banja started engraving their lover's names on padlocks and attaching them to the railing of the Most Ljubavi Bridge, where the couple had once met.

A Popular Attraction

The Hohenzollern Bridge is one of the most important railway bridges in Germany, with around 1,500 train crossings per day. It is also a well-known tourist attraction and photo motif, especially in the evening when it is illuminated against the backdrop of Cologne Cathedral. The bridge offers panoramic views of the city, including the cathedral, the Old Town, and the river Rhine.

A Heavy Burden

While the love locks add a romantic touch to the bridge, they have also added to its weight, with an estimated 340,000 padlocks totalling over two tons. This has raised concerns among local officials about the long-term structural integrity of the bridge. Despite this, the love locks remain a beloved tradition for couples visiting the bridge, creating a colourful mosaic of locks that tell their own unique stories of love and affection.

Admire the Cologne Cathedral

Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom) 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. The cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and host to the Shrine of the Three Kings, making it one of the oldest and most important pilgrimage sites in Northern Europe.

The construction of the cathedral began in 1248 but was halted around 1560 and left 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. The towers of its two huge spires give the cathedral the largest façade of any church in the world.

The cathedral is a Gothic five-aisled basilica with a projecting transept and a tower façade. The nave is 43.58m high, and the side aisles are 19.80m. The western section, nave and transept, which began in 1330, changes in style, but this is not perceptible in the overall building. The 19th-century work follows the medieval forms and techniques faithfully.

The original liturgical appointments of the choir are still largely intact. These include the high altar, which is constructed of black marble with a solid slab 15ft long forming the top; the carved oak choir stalls from 1308-11; the painted choir screens from 1332-40; the fourteen statues on the pillars in the choir from c.1300; and the great cycle of stained-glass windows, the largest cycle of early 14th-century windows in Europe.

Of the many works of art in the cathedral, special mention should go to the Gero Crucifix, which is the oldest large crucifix north of the Alps and the earliest known large free-standing Northern sculpture of the medieval period; and the Shrine of the Magi, which is the largest reliquary shrine in Europe.

The cathedral is open daily from 6 am to 8 pm. Visitors can climb the 533 steps to the viewing platform, which is about 100m above the ground. The platform offers a scenic view over the Rhine.

Indulge at the Chocolate Museum

The Chocolate Museum in Cologne is a must-visit for chocolate lovers. The museum offers a comprehensive exhibition of the history of cocoa, covering 5,000 years of its cultivation. Here's what you can indulge in during your visit:

The Exhibition

The museum showcases the transformation of cocoa beans into chocolate, featuring a miniature production line and opportunities to taste various chocolate treats. It also has a greenhouse, an 18th-century chocolate fountain, a collection of historic porcelain and silver, and exhibits on the pre-Columbian cultures of Central America.

The Cafe

The museum's cafe, Chocolat Grand Cafe, offers delicious chocolate specialties and a magnificent view of the Rhine River. Indulge in a chocolate fondue, drinking chocolates, chocolate cakes, fresh waffles, and more while taking in the scenic surroundings.

Events and Activities

The museum hosts various events and activities, including weddings, gala dinners, corporate meetings, and guided tours for school classes. They also offer chocolate courses for children and adults, making it an ideal spot for families.

The Shop

Don't forget to visit the museum shop, where you can purchase different varieties of Lindt chocolates and customized chocolates. You can also find a range of souvenirs and gifts related to chocolate.

Practical Information

The Chocolate Museum is located in the Rheinauhafen district of Cologne. It is open daily, but the opening hours may vary on Sundays and during the Carnival season. The museum offers online tickets and time slots to better manage visitor flow during busy periods.

Frequently asked questions