Springtime In Cologne: Sights And Activities In April

Cologne, Germany, is a cultural hub with a plethora of attractions for visitors of all ages and interests. Here are some of the best things to do when visiting this vibrant city in April:

- Explore the stunning Cologne Cathedral, adorned with beautiful floral decorations during the Easter season, and witness the special Easter services and events.

- Partake in the Cologne International Film Festival, an annual event featuring a diverse selection of international films, workshops, and panel discussions.

- Take a boat tour on the Rhine River during cherry blossom season and admire the breathtaking sight of the trees in full bloom.

- Visit the Lindt Chocolate Museum and discover the history of chocolate, from the Aztecs to the present, complete with interactive exhibits and chocolate tastings.

- Stroll through the Historic Old Town, soaking in the resilient post-war ambiance and admiring the colorful buildings and cobblestone lanes.

- Discover the fascinating history of perfume at the Fragrance Museum (Farina House), the oldest intact perfume factory in the world, dating back to the 18th century.

- Enjoy a relaxing day at the Botanical Gardens Flora, with its diverse array of global flora, serene picnic spots, and a charming outdoor café.

- Climb the KölnTriangle skyscraper for panoramic views of the city, including the Cologne Cathedral and the Rhine River.

- Cross the Hohenzollern Bridge, adorned with half a million love locks, and take in the scenic views of the river and the bustling railway.

- Immerse yourself in the NS Documentation Centre, a former Gestapo headquarters turned museum, and learn about Germany's sobering past during World War II.

Visit the Cologne Cathedral

The Cologne Cathedral is a stunning Gothic masterpiece and a must-see when visiting the city. Here's everything you need to know to make the most of your visit.

History of the Cathedral

Cologne Cathedral, or Kölner Dom, has a long and fascinating history that dates back to the 12th century. The construction of the cathedral began in 1248, but it wasn't completed until 1880, spanning over seven centuries. The site itself is believed to be one of the first places where Christian worship was practised in the city. The current cathedral replaced an older church that was constructed in the 9th century.

What to See and Do

The cathedral is home to many important works of art and religious relics. Here are some of the highlights:

• The Shrine of the Three Kings: This golden reliquary is believed to hold the relics of the biblical Magi and is one of the most significant pieces in the cathedral.
• St. Peter's Staff: A 4th-century staff that can be found in the cathedral's underground treasure chamber, along with other reliquaries, liturgical utensils, vestments, and manuscripts.
• Medieval Windows: The medieval stained glass windows are a true masterpiece, with some dating back to the 14th century. The famous Bible Window is located in the central chapel of the ambulatory.
• Gerhard Richter Window: This modern addition to the cathedral, inaugurated in 2007, features 11,263 colour squares in 72 colours, creating an abstract tapestry of colour.
• The South Tower: Home to the largest swinging bell in the world, the Saint Peter bell. Visitors can climb the 533 steps to the top for a small fee and enjoy breathtaking views of the city.

Practical Information

The cathedral is generally open daily from 6 am to 8 pm, with specific hours for tourists to visit: 10 am to 5 pm on weekdays and 1 pm to 4 pm on Sundays. There is no entry fee, but there is a small charge for climbing the tower. Luggage storage is available nearby for a fee. It is recommended to plan your visit during the morning or mid-week to avoid the largest crowds, as the cathedral welcomes around 20,000 visitors per day.

Take a boat tour on the Rhine River

Taking a boat tour on the Rhine River is a great way to experience Cologne from a unique perspective. The river offers a different view of the city, with the Cologne Cathedral lighting up green in the evening and the sparkling lights reflecting on the water. There are various boat tours available, from romantic evening cruises to panoramic cruises that provide interesting facts about the city's history. You can also take a round trip to the Crane Houses, the Chocolate Museum, or even day trips to neighbouring towns and the picturesque Siebengebirge hills.

Köln-Düsseldorfer (KD) is the largest operator of day cruises and pleasure boats on the Rhine River, offering many roundtrip panorama cruises. Their cruises are available from April to October, with the high season being from late April to early October. Tickets for one-hour panorama cruises are around €17, and you can easily buy them from ticket kiosks or when boarding.

During the cherry blossom season in April, the Rhine River is in full bloom, creating a breathtaking sight. Taking a boat tour allows you to enjoy the tranquil beauty of the river and appreciate the cherry blossoms from a unique perspective. So, if you're in Cologne in April, a boat tour on the Rhine River is definitely worth considering!

Explore the Flora and Botanical Garden

Cologne's Flora and Botanical Garden is a lush, serene, and diverse park with free entry. It features about 12,000 plant species from across the world, including a remarkable camellia collection with some plants over 100 years old. The garden is home to a variety of styles, such as English landscape, Italian Renaissance, and French Baroque.

The garden is based on the designs of Peter Joseph Lenné, one of the most influential landscape gardeners of the 19th century. It was opened to the public in 1864 and has been a popular spot for strolling and celebrations ever since.

• Take a leisurely stroll along the shaded arcades, past waterfalls, ponds, springs, and a fountain.
• Explore the alpine plantings, the iris garden, and the lily garden.
• Visit the greenhouses to discover exotic and tropical plants.
• Check out the "Floral Magic from the Far East" exhibition, held annually from January to April, showcasing the garden's camellia collection.
• Relax at the garden café, "Dank Augusta," which offers picnic treats and beverages on the terrace during the warmer months.
• If you're planning an event like a wedding or a gala, consider the garden's restaurant, located in the old "glass palace" that has been renovated and offers a variety of halls and salons.
• If you're travelling with kids, there's an excellent playground for them to enjoy.
• The garden is easily accessible by public transport, with tram lines and bus stops nearby.

Discover the Duftmuseum im Farina House

Cologne, Germany, is a city with a rich history and a diverse range of attractions. One of the must-visit places in the city is the Duftmuseum im Farina House, a fragrance museum that offers a unique and captivating experience. Here is a detailed guide to help you discover and explore this fascinating destination:

History and Background

The Duftmuseum im Farina House is located in the heart of Cologne and is dedicated to the world of perfumes. The museum is housed in the birthplace of Eau de Cologne, the original production rooms dating back to the 18th century. Founded in 1709, it is the oldest existing perfume factory in the world. The museum showcases the production methods and equipment used since the early days of perfume-making, offering a fascinating insight into the art of perfumery.

Exhibits and Collections

The Duftmuseum im Farina House takes visitors on a journey through three centuries of fragrance history, starting from the Rococo era. The exhibits include flacons, paintings, and art objects that testify to the evolution of perfume and its cultural significance. Visitors can learn about the production methods, such as the use of distillation apparatus, and explore the history of the Farina family, who played a pivotal role in the world of perfumery. The museum also displays documents, images, and information about plagiarism attempts, as the product lacked legal trademark protection in its early days.

Guided Tours

The Duftmuseum im Farina House offers guided tours as the only way to explore the museum. These tours are available in multiple languages, including English, and reservations are required for both individuals and groups. During the tour, visitors can expect an immersive and interactive experience. They will have the opportunity to learn about perfume essences and smell different ingredients, and discover the secrets of top and base notes. The enthusiastic and knowledgeable tour guides bring the history to life, making it a captivating experience.

Practical Information

The Duftmuseum im Farina House is open Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 7 pm, and on Sundays from 11 am to 5 pm. It is recommended to book tickets in advance, and they can be purchased online. The museum is located near the Cologne Cathedral and the Wallraf-Richartz Museum, making it easily accessible. The address is Obenmarspforten 21, 50667 Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany.

Reviews and Testimonials

The Duftmuseum im Farina House has received excellent reviews from visitors, who praise the informative and entertaining tours. Many highlight the passion and knowledge of the tour guides, as well as the interactive elements that engage the senses. Visitors also appreciate the opportunity to learn about the history of perfume and the Farina company without any sales pressure. The beautiful historic building and the chance to receive a small bottle of perfume as a souvenir further enhance the experience.

Check out the Hohenzollern Bridge

The Hohenzollern Bridge is a must-see when visiting Cologne. Stretching over 400 metres across the Rhine, the bridge is a mighty steel structure comprising six individual bridge decks that accommodate rail and pedestrian traffic. It is the busiest railway bridge in Germany, with around 1,500 to 1,200 train crossings per day.

The bridge's construction began in 1907 and was completed in 1911, with Emperor Wilhelm II inaugurating it. The Hohenzollern Bridge features three wave-like arches and is adorned with thousands of love locks, symbolising commitment and love. It is illuminated in the evenings, making it one of the city's most iconic photo motifs, especially with Cologne Cathedral in the background.

A stroll across the bridge offers panoramic views of Cologne's city centre and Old Town. You can begin your walk from behind the Museum Ludwig and the Philharmonic Hall, and enjoy the scenery as you pass by the love locks. On the Deutz side, you'll find the historical tracks embedded in the cobblestones, dating back to when the bridge allowed road and tram traffic.

The Hohenzollern Bridge is an impressive structure that has withstood the test of time, offering a unique blend of history, romance, and modern functionality.

Frequently asked questions