Exploring Cologne, Germany In June: A Travel Guide

Things to do in Cologne, Germany in June

Cologne, Germany is a city with a rich history and culture, offering a wide range of attractions for visitors. Here is a list of things to do when visiting Cologne in June:

- Visit the Cologne Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece and one of the most popular landmarks in Germany.

- Explore the Old Town (Altstadt), with its charming cobblestone streets, medieval architecture, and lively atmosphere.

- Take a stroll through the Cologne Botanical Garden and admire the vibrant flowers and lush greenery.

- Go on a boat tour on the Rhine River and enjoy stunning views of the city skyline and historic landmarks.

- Check out the Cologne Zoo, home to a variety of animal species from around the world.

- Visit the Museum Ludwig, which houses a significant collection of modern and contemporary art, including works by Picasso, Warhol, and Lichtenstein.

- Discover the history of perfume at the Duftmuseum im Farina Haus, the birthplace of Eau de Cologne.

- Indulge in some retail therapy at the Historic Old Town, known for its colorful buildings and diverse shopping options.

- Cross the Hohenzollern Bridge, adorned with love locks, and enjoy scenic views of the Rhine River.

- Learn about Germany's past at the NS Documentation Centre of the City of Cologne, a museum near the train station that provides an insightful look into World War II.

- Take a break and enjoy the local cuisine and a refreshing Kölsch beer at one of the many pubs and restaurants in the city.

Cologne Cathedral

The cathedral is 157 metres tall, and its towers give it the largest façade of any church in the world. It is built from different types of rock, including trachyte and sandstone, and many sculptures and canopies are made of limestone. The black patina of the cathedral is due to weathering, soot, and biofouling.

The cathedral's colourful glass windows are especially impressive, with more than 10,000 square metres of windows in total. The South Transept Window by Gerhard Richter, inaugurated in 2007, sparked both enthusiasm and criticism. It features 11,263 colour squares in 72 colours, randomly arranged to create an abstract tapestry of colour that changes continuously depending on the incidence of light.

The rafters of the cathedral's roof are made of iron, which saved the cathedral from serious damage during World War II. This iron truss was the largest steel structure in the world in 1860—30 years before the completion of the Eiffel Tower.

Practical Information

Cologne Old Town

Cologne's Old Town, or Altstadt, is a charming and picturesque area to explore, with its narrow cobblestone streets, medieval architecture, and lively atmosphere. Here are some things to do when visiting:

• Wander through the quaint alleyways and admire the iconic Cologne Cathedral.
• Discover hidden gems such as traditional beer halls, artisan shops, and cosy cafes.
• Visit the many cultural attractions, including museums, galleries, and theatres.
• Take a relaxing cruise along the Rhine River and enjoy stunning views of the city skyline and historic landmarks.
• Sample the local brew, Kölsch, a pale, hoppy, and slightly sweet beer.
• Visit the Jan von Werth Fountain in the Alter Markt, one of the squares of Cologne's historic centre.
• Explore the historic square, Heumarkt, which hosts a famous Christmas market.
• Check out the Old Town's City Hall, with its Renaissance porch being the sole historic survivor of the 1945 bombings.

Cologne Botanical Garden

• The garden is located in the Riehl district of Cologne and is easily accessible by public transport.
• It spans approximately 5.5 hectares (11.5 hectares including the adjacent Cologne Zoo) and features various themed gardens, including an Italian Renaissance garden, a French Baroque garden, and an English landscape garden.
• The garden was designed by Peter Joseph Lenné, a renowned 19th-century landscape gardener, and opened to the public in 1864.
• The centerpiece of the garden is the glass palace, or Palais in the Park, which was renovated and reopened in 2014. It now houses a restaurant and is a popular venue for weddings and other events.
• The garden features a variety of plant species, including exotic and native trees, flowers, and shrubs. Some of the trees are over 100 years old and have been designated as natural monuments.
• The garden is free to enter and is open daily from 8 am until dusk. The greenhouses are open from 10 am to 4 pm in the winter and from 10 am to 6 pm in the summer.
• The garden has a café, benches, and a playground, making it an ideal spot for relaxation and family outings.
• The garden is wheelchair accessible, with most paths suitable for visitors with limited mobility.

Boat tour on the Rhine River

A boat tour on the Rhine River is a great way to explore Cologne from a different perspective. You can relax on the deck of a boat and enjoy stunning views of the city skyline, historic landmarks, and picturesque countryside as you glide along the river. Some boat tours even offer live music, dinner cruises, and wine tastings.

• Romantic evening cruise: Admire the Cologne Cathedral lit up in green and the sparkling city lights reflected in the gentle rhythm of the swirling water.
• Panoramic cruise: Enjoy panoramic views of Cologne's sights and learn interesting facts about the city's history and its people.
• Musical or event tour: Enjoy live music or attend events on the boat.
• Round trip to the Crane Houses: Cruise past the Chocolate Museum and other attractions.
• Day trip to neighbouring towns: Explore small towns and the picturesque Siebengebirge hills.

Cologne Zoo

The zoo boasts an impressive collection of wildlife from all around the world, including reptiles and insects. The whole zoo is really well organized and pleasant to take a walk through. Easy to reach with public transport, it is definitely a place worth visiting while in Cologne.

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