Exploring Cologne, Germany In October: A Travel Guide

Cologne, Germany, comes alive in October with a plethora of events and activities. The weather is usually moderately chilly, making it an ideal time to explore the city. One of the highlights of the month is the Cologne International Film Festival, showcasing a diverse range of international films. The Old Town's beer gardens are a must-visit, offering a relaxed atmosphere to enjoy local beers and live music. For those with a sweet tooth, the Cologne Chocolate Museum is a treat, providing an interactive journey through the history of chocolate. The iconic Cologne Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is even more breathtaking at night, with its intricate facade illuminated. A boat tour on the Rhine River is a perfect way to admire the autumn colours and historic castles along the river. Explore the city's parks, such as the Cologne Botanical Garden, and don't miss out on the vibrant Cologne Carnival, a city-wide celebration with beer and good spirits. With its rich history, cultural attractions, and festive atmosphere, Cologne has something for everyone in October.

Explore the Old Town's beer gardens

Cologne's Old Town is a great place to explore, with its cobblestone alleys and squares, including Heumarkt and Altermarkt. The old-world atmosphere shines through, even with the newer concrete constructions from the post-war period. Along Am Hof, you can find the Heinzelmännchenbrunnen, a fountain from 1899, featuring gnomes who, according to legend, used to do the city's work at night so that the citizens could relax.

One of the best ways to explore the Old Town is through its beer gardens. From April to October, a community-run beer garden sets up in Rathenauplatz square, just a minute away from the nightlife district on Zülpicher Strasse. Here, you can sip on a cold glass of Hellers Kölsch and enjoy food from the Stadtgarten restaurant. Every Sunday afternoon, a jazz band plays, adding to the lively atmosphere.

Another option is the beer garden at Hellers am Volksgarten, located right next to the pond in Volksgarten park, the most popular green space in the south of Cologne. Here, you can relax in the sun, rent a paddleboat, and indulge in seasonal dishes, schnitzel, steaks, and pasta, paired with their organic beer.

For a unique setting, head to Odonien, an artist's workshop, nightclub, and concert venue that also boasts a beer garden surrounded by green plants and rusty metal sculptures. Fire up one of the available BBQs and cook some raw meat and sausages, or order tarte flambée, salads, and hamburgers from the menu. Wash it all down with a glass of Sion Kölsch.

If you're looking for a spacious option, Herbrand's offers one of the largest beer gardens in Cologne, with 1,000 seats. The cosy atmosphere is enhanced by green plants dotted throughout the copious outside area. You can order various snacks, pizzas, pastas, burgers, and steaks from the bar, along with a selection of cocktails if you fancy a break from beer. Their Kölsch of choice is Gaffel.

Visit the Cologne Cathedral at night

Cologne Cathedral is a must-see when visiting the city. It is Germany's most visited tourist attraction, with 20,000 visitors daily. The Gothic cathedral is 157 metres tall, with the second-tallest structures in the city being its 19th-century towers. It is also the world's third-largest Gothic cathedral, with 10,000 square metres of windows.

The cathedral is open from 6 am to 8 pm, with tourists usually admitted on working days between 10 am and 5 pm, and on Sundays between 1 pm and 4 pm. However, do note that Masses take priority, so opening hours may change. The cathedral's tower is open from 9 am to 6 pm from March to October, and from 9 am to 4 pm from November to February. The tower remains closed on certain holidays and the dates vary from year to year, so be sure to check before your visit.

Now, here are some details on why visiting the Cologne Cathedral at night can be a wonderful experience:

The Cologne Cathedral is a stunning sight at night, with its impressive facade and spires illuminated against the evening sky. The lighting showcases the intricate details and majestic architecture of the cathedral, creating a captivating and romantic atmosphere. The lighting design was carefully planned to highlight the cathedral's best features, and it truly comes alive after dark.

As you approach the cathedral, you'll be greeted by the soft glow of the illuminated stone, creating a warm and inviting ambiance. The lights are designed to accentuate the cathedral's verticality, drawing your gaze upwards to the towering spires. The lighting is not overly bright, but rather subtle and elegant, creating a sense of mystery and intrigue.

Once inside, you'll be treated to a different kind of lighting experience. The vast interior is bathed in a soft glow, with the vaulted ceilings andstained glass windows creating a magical ambiance. The stained glass windows, featuring biblical stories, are particularly enchanting at night, as the colours appear more vibrant and intense. The "Richter-Fenster" window in the southern transept is a must-see. It is composed of 11,000 hand-blown glass panels in 72 different colours, resulting in an abstract tapestry of colour that continuously changes with the incidence of light.

If you're visiting on a Sunday, you can attend the evening Mass, which takes place at 6:30 pm. The cathedral's interior takes on a different atmosphere during the service, with a sense of solemnity and reverence. The soft lighting and hushed tones of the congregation create a peaceful and reflective environment.

After exploring the interior, you can climb the 533 steps to the viewing platform in the south tower. This climb is well worth the effort, as you'll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the city at night. The illuminated skyline will spread out before you, with the twinkling lights of the old town and the majestic silhouette of the cathedral itself.

The Cologne Cathedral at night offers a unique perspective on the city's history and cultural heritage. It is a place of tranquility and beauty, providing a respite from the bustling city streets. Whether you are a history enthusiast, an art lover, or simply seeking a moment of peace, a visit to the Cologne Cathedral after dark will leave you with unforgettable memories.

Take a boat tour on the Rhine River

Taking a boat tour on the Rhine River is a great way to explore Cologne and its surroundings. Here is a detailed guide on how to make the most of this experience:

Boat Tour Options:

There are several companies offering boat tours on the Rhine River, including KölnTourist, KölnDüsseldorfer (KD), and Colonia. These companies provide panoramic tours, romantic evening cruises, and event tours. You can also choose between different types of boats, ranging from larger vessels to smaller, more intimate options.

Booking and Tickets:

You can book your boat tour directly with the tourist board or through the individual companies. Tickets for one-hour panorama cruises typically cost around €17, while two-hour cruises are approximately €25. Special event cruises, such as those during the Christmas market Advent season, are very popular and usually require advance reservations.

Tour Route:

The most common route for boat tours in Cologne is south from the Hohenzollern Bridge and the Old Town to the old fishing community of Rodenkirchen. This cruise offers stunning views of the Cologne Cathedral, the spires of the old town, and the new Rheinauhaufen district. Along the way, you will pass under four bridges, each with its own interesting history and trivia.

What to See:

As you sail along the Rhine River, keep an eye out for the beautiful Cologne Cathedral, which is Germany's most-visited tourist attraction. Admire its towering twin spires and the largest facade of any church in the world. You will also get to see the charming Old Town, with its cobblestone alleys and historic buildings.

When to Go:

The boat tour season on the Rhine River typically runs from April to October, with the high season being from late April to early October. However, winter cruises are also available, especially during the Christmas market season. The best time to take a boat tour is in the evening when the city lights up, offering a romantic and enchanting atmosphere.

So, whether you are looking for a panoramic view of the city, a romantic evening cruise, or an insightful tour of Cologne's history, a boat tour on the Rhine River is a perfect way to experience the beauty and charm of this cultural capital.

Visit the Lindt Chocolate Museum

If you're a chocolate lover, the Schokoladenmuseum (Chocolate Museum) in Cologne is a must-visit. The museum offers a comprehensive and unique insight into the 5,000-year cultural history of chocolate and its main ingredient, cocoa. Here's a detailed guide to help you plan your visit:

Getting There and Opening Hours:

The Chocolate Museum is located at Am Schokoladenmuseum 1A, 50678 Cologne, and it's easily accessible by public transport. The closest tram stop is Heumarkt (lines 1, 5, 7, and 9), which is just an 8-minute walk away.

The museum is open from Tuesday to Friday, from 10:00 to 18:00. On Saturdays and Sundays, the opening hours are the same, but it's closed on Mondays from January to March and in November.

Tickets and Pricing:

It's recommended to book your tickets online in advance to avoid waiting times, especially during weekends and peak seasons. The ticket prices vary, with adult tickets typically costing around €13.50, and children's tickets are usually €8.50. There are also family tickets and combo tickets available, which include other attractions like the nearby Ferris wheel.

What to Expect:

The Chocolate Museum takes you on a journey through the history and cultural significance of chocolate. Here are some key highlights:

• The Exhibition Space: The museum covers over 4,000 square meters and includes diverse exhibits that showcase the transformation of cocoa beans into chocolate. You'll learn about the natural history of cocoa, with exhibits on the pre-Columbian cultures of Central America and the natural history of cocoa.
• The Chocolate Fountain: One of the museum's star attractions is the famous chocolate fountain. This 3-meter-high fountain features 200 kilograms of flowing chocolate cascading down from a metal cocoa tree. It's a sight to behold and offers a unique opportunity to taste molten chocolate straight from the fountain onto a wafer.
• The Greenhouse and Tropical House: As part of the exhibition, you'll get to explore a walk-through greenhouse and a 10-meter-high tropical house. This area showcases the journey of cocoa from harvest to its place on global stock exchanges and its eventual transformation into chocolate.
• Historical Artifacts and Machinery: The museum displays an impressive collection of historical artifacts, including baroque porcelain and silver from the 18th and 19th centuries. Additionally, you'll find various types of industrial machinery from the period of industrialization, giving you a glimpse into the evolution of chocolate-making processes.
• Chocolate Tastings and Treats: Throughout the museum, you'll have plenty of opportunities to indulge your sweet tooth. There are tastings, treats, and even a chocolate-themed café, where you can relax and enjoy delicious chocolate specialties with a magnificent view of the Rhine River.
• Interactive and Educational Activities: The Chocolate Museum offers interactive displays and games that are both fun and educational. These activities are great for both adults and children, making it an ideal destination for families.
• Guided Tours and Events: The museum also offers guided tours, including the popular "Fine Tasting" tour in English. Additionally, the museum hosts various events, such as chocolate courses for children and adults, weddings, gala dinners, and corporate meetings.

Tips and Recommendations:

• The museum can get quite busy, especially on weekends and holidays. If you're visiting during these times, consider booking your tickets in advance and allowing extra time to navigate the crowds.
• If you're planning to visit the café or the shop, be prepared for potential queues, especially if you're visiting during peak hours.
• If you want to create your own customized chocolate bar, place your order as soon as you arrive, as the general waiting time is around 1-2 hours.
• Take advantage of the online booking system to secure your preferred time slots and avoid disappointment during busy periods.

The Chocolate Museum in Cologne is a delightful destination for anyone with a sweet tooth and an interest in the history and culture of chocolate. With its interactive exhibits, tastings, and educational activities, it offers a unique and indulgent experience for visitors of all ages.

Explore the Flora und Botanischer Garten

The Flora und Botanischer Garten is a lush 11.5-hectare botanical garden in Cologne, Germany. It is a unique combination of a historic garden monument and a botanical garden with plant showhouses. The garden offers a relaxing escape for over a million visitors annually, along with educational insights into garden art and culture, botany, and the preservation of biological resources. With 12,000 cultivated plant species from around the world, the garden invites visitors to embark on a sensory journey through diverse landscapes and gardening styles.

History

The Flora und Botanischer Garten has a rich history dating back to the 19th century. The original garden, known as the "Flora," was designed by Peter-Joseph Lenné in 1864 and showcased a mix of German, Baroque, Renaissance, and English landscape styles. In 1914, the Botanischer Lehrgarten (Botanical Teaching Garden) was established adjacent to the Flora, featuring plants from various climatic zones. In 1920, these two gardens were united, creating the current Flora und Botanischer Garten.

Garden Features

The garden boasts a variety of themed areas, including:

• English landscape gardens
• Italian Renaissance-style gardens with pergolas, cascades, and a stone vase
• French Baroque-style gardens featuring a fountain and seasonal blooms
• A Mediterranean garden with a pond
• A Subtropical House and a Cactus House
• An Alpine garden, an Iris garden, and a Lily garden
• A garden for the blind and sighted, featuring fragrant plants

Special Collections

The botanical garden is renowned for its exceptional plant collections, including:

• Over 300 winter-hardy varieties of Camellias, known as the "Queen of Winter Blossoms"
• A wide range of exotic and special woody plants in the Arboretum
• A collection of Magnolias, Rhododendrons, conifers, Maples, and Witch Hazel species
• A healing herb garden that showcases the historical and modern uses of medicinal plants
• A fruit tree meadow with berry bushes and beehives that support pollination

Events and Amenities

The Flora und Botanischer Garten also hosts various events and offers amenities to enhance the visitor experience:

• The "Dank Augusta" garden café provides refreshments and light snacks, allowing visitors to relax and enjoy the surroundings.
• The historic glass palace, known as the Palais im Park, has been restored and serves as a venue for weddings, galas, and other events.
• The garden features poetry banners displaying autumn-inspired poems by various poets, including those with connections to Cologne and the region.
• Special exhibitions, such as the internationally acclaimed "Fernöstlicher Blütenzauber" (Far Eastern Magic of Flowers), attract tens of thousands of visitors each year.

The Flora und Botanischer Garten in Cologne, Germany, is a lush oasis that combines botanical diversity, historical significance, and cultural experiences. With its array of plant species, themed gardens, and special events, it offers a delightful escape for locals and visitors alike.

Frequently asked questions