Exploring Cologne Airport: Things To Do And See

Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN) is located about 7-15km southeast of Cologne and is one of Germany's few 24-hour airports. The airport has two terminals, with a small selection of shops, cafes, and restaurants. If you're looking for something to do while waiting for your flight, there is a rooftop observation deck in Terminal 1, and the Wahner Heide nature reserve surrounds the airport. If you have a long layover, you can take a day trip to Cologne or Bonn, as transportation into either city is fast and inexpensive. Back at the airport, there are several options for food and drink, including fast food, casual dining, bakeries, Starbucks, and Burger King. For travellers who want to do some last-minute shopping, the airport has limited options, including international brands such as Esprit and Marc O'Polo, a Haribo store, a bookshop, a toy store, and duty-free shopping.

Eat at the airport's fast-food and casual dining spots, including Starbucks, Burger King, and a supermarket with ready-to-eat meals

If you're looking for a quick bite to eat at Cologne Bonn Airport, there are several fast-food and casual dining options to choose from. For coffee lovers and those with a sweet tooth, there's a Starbucks located in the airport. If you're craving a burger, head over to Burger King, which has a presence in both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.

In addition to these familiar options, the airport also features a supermarket with a variety of ready-to-eat meals. This is a convenient choice if you're looking for something quick and easy to grab before your flight. The supermarket is located in Terminal 1 and is open 24 hours, making it an ideal option for travellers with early departures or late arrivals.

For those seeking a more substantial meal, there are also a few snack bars in Terminal 2 that are open around the clock. So, whether you're in the mood for coffee and a pastry, a burger, or something more substantial, Cologne Bonn Airport has dining options to suit your needs.

Shop at international brands like Esprit and Marc O'Polo, or a Haribo store

Cologne Bonn Airport has a small selection of shops, including international brands like Esprit and Marc O'Polo, as well as a Haribo store. Here's more information about these shopping options:

Esprit: The Esprit store at Cologne Bonn Airport offers a range of fashion and lifestyle products. Located in Terminal 1, in the public area of the B and C Departures, Esprit provides a convenient option for travellers looking to update their wardrobe or purchase gifts. The store's operating hours are not readily available, but as it is located in the public area, it is likely accessible outside of secured areas.

Marc O'Polo: This store offers a range of women's and men's clothing, handbags, shoes, and accessories. You can find it in Terminal 1, in the public area of the C Departures. The store is open daily from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm, making it a convenient option for travellers passing through the airport at various times.

Haribo: While I could not find specific information about a Haribo store at Cologne Bonn Airport, the airport does host a variety of shops, and Haribo is a popular German brand. It is possible that the airport's confectionery shops or duty-free stores may offer Haribo products.

In addition to these stores, the airport also features duty-free shops in both terminals, providing an opportunity for travellers to purchase a range of tax-free items, including spirits, cosmetics, and confectionery.

Visit the observation deck in Terminal 1

If you're looking for something to do in Cologne Airport, why not visit the observation deck in Terminal 1? Located at Stern C, the visitors' terrace offers a thrilling vantage point to witness the blast of the turbines and watch aircraft take off and land. It's an ideal spot for technology enthusiasts and families alike. The observation deck is open daily from 6:30 am to 10:00 pm, and entry is completely free of charge.

To reach the observation deck, you can take the elevator near Staircase 4, which provides barrier-free access to the terrace for visitors with limited mobility. The terrace has a maximum capacity of 60 people and requires visitors to wear masks and maintain a safe distance of 1.50m from each other. It's important to note that the terrace may be closed due to bad weather, storms, or black ice, so check the local conditions before planning your visit.

The observation deck provides a unique perspective of the airport's operations, offering views of the main runways, aprons, cargo areas, and even the military section. If you're an aviation enthusiast, this is the perfect place to indulge your passion and get up close and personal with the action on the airfield.

The observation deck also serves as a great spot to relax and pass the time during a layover or while waiting for your flight. You can capture some memorable photographs or simply enjoy the dynamic atmosphere of an international airport. The deck is conveniently located within the terminal, providing easy access for travellers passing through.

In addition to the observation deck, Cologne Airport also offers guided tours that provide a behind-the-scenes look at airport operations. These tours are a great way to enhance your experience and learn more about the inner workings of an airport.

Explore the Wahner Heide nature reserve surrounding the airport

The Wahner Heide nature reserve is a great place to connect with nature, right next to the airport. It is one of the largest nature reserves in North Rhine-Westphalia, with a vast biodiversity. The reserve is home to around 700 endangered plant and animal species, which are native to the area.

The reserve offers beautiful walks, with marshes, ponds, dunes, wet and dry meadows, streams and forests to explore. There are many walking trails to choose from, with varying levels of difficulty. The reserve is easily accessible by foot or bicycle, and there is plenty of parking available. It is recommended to visit the visitor centre on Flughafenstr. 16 in Troisdorf to start your exploration. From here, you can embark on a 6km circular walk that takes you through the reserve.

Birdwatching is a popular activity in the reserve, with over 100 bird species breeding in the area. Some of the birds you might spot include the Eurasian Bullfinch, Red-backed Shrike, Black Woodpecker, European Honey-buzzard, and Red Kite. Spring is the best time to visit for birdwatching, but the reserve is worth visiting all year round.

The Wahner Heide nature reserve is a peaceful and scenic escape, just a stone's throw from the airport, making it an ideal spot to relax and unwind during a layover or before your flight.

Take a day trip to Cologne or Bonn

Cologne Bonn Airport is located in the district of Porz, about 7 miles southeast of Cologne and 10 miles northeast of Bonn. It is one of Germany's few 24-hour airports, with destinations in nearly 40 countries. The airport has two passenger terminals joined by a connecting hall.

If you're looking to take a day trip to Cologne or Bonn, there are several transport options available. The airport has a large underground station with four platforms located between the two terminals, with direct connections to Cologne and Troisdorf via the city transport of S-Bahn on lines S13 and S19. Trains depart every 10-15 minutes from the airport train station and the journey to Cologne takes around 15 minutes, with tickets costing around €3.00. Alternatively, you can take the express airport bus SB60, which runs between the airport and Bonn Hauptbahnhof (central railway station). This journey takes less than 15 minutes and costs €2.80. Another option is bus line 161, which departs from the airport to Porz Markt in Cologne city centre every 30-60 minutes. From there, you can connect to other local bus lines and the Metro.

Cologne is known for its excellent museums, charming old town, and the Cologne Cathedral, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is also famous for its vibrant nightlife, with plenty of bars and pubs serving local beer.

Bonn, on the other hand, offers a more relaxed atmosphere with its picturesque old town, beautiful parks, and historic buildings. It is known for being the birthplace of Ludwig van Beethoven and has several museums dedicated to his life and work.

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