Exploring Cologne's Old Town: A Historical And Cultural Journey

Cologne's Old Town, or Altstadt, is a must-see for anyone visiting the city. Located west of the Rhine River, it is easily accessible from the central train station, Koln Hauptbahnhof, and is characterised by its mix of Gothic German architecture and modern buildings. The area boasts many attractions, including the world-famous Cologne Cathedral, or Kölner Dom, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Old Town has a variety of restaurants, bars, and breweries, as well as quaint cobblestone alleys and traditional houses. Visitors can also explore museums such as the Roman-Germanic Museum, the Fragrance Museum, and the Wallraf-Richartz Museum. For those interested in the city's history, there are city tours available, as well as a variety of accommodation options within walking distance of the main attractions.

Visit the Cathedral

The Cologne Cathedral is a must-see when visiting Cologne's Old Town. It is one of the world's largest Gothic cathedrals and is considered the "perfect cathedral". It is located in the heart of the Old Town and is a registered UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its construction began in 1248 and ended in 1880, and it is one of the most visited sites in the republic.

The Cathedral is home to the exquisite 10th-century Gero-Crucifix and the Madonna of Milan, a wooden sculpture believed to possess miraculous powers. The bones of the Three Kings are also housed in a lavishly gilded reliquary here.

The Cathedral offers guided tours in English, which you can check on their official website. Entrance to the cathedral is free, but there is a small fee if you wish to climb the 533 steps up the South Tower or visit the Cathedral Treasury.

The Cologne Cathedral is a true masterpiece of medieval architecture and an important part of German history, making it a must-see destination when visiting Cologne's Old Town.

Explore the Roman-Germanic Museum

The Roman-Germanic Museum (Römisch-Germanisches Museum) is one of the prime archaeological museums in Germany. Located next to the Cologne Cathedral (Dom), it is responsible for preserving the city's Roman heritage. The museum's collection of Roman glass from funerals and burials is a highlight, along with everyday items like furniture, toys, and jewellery that provide insight into what daily life was like during Roman times.

One of the most fascinating exhibits is the tomb of a Roman officer, Lucius Poblicius, and the 3rd-century Dionysus mosaic, also known as the Greek God of wine. The Dionysus mosaic was originally at the Roman street level and was once part of the dining room of a merchant, depicting scenes from the life of Dionysus. A restored 90-yard stretch of the Roman harbour road takes up the southern side of the museum.

The Roman-Germanic Museum is also a research centre, with archives relating to the archaeology of the city, documentation on historical monuments, and a specialist library containing 30,000 volumes. The museum's collections are drawn from the archaeological heritage of the city and its surroundings, from prehistory to the early Middle Ages. In addition to the Roman glass and jewellery collections, the museum also displays prehistoric artefacts from the Stone, Bronze, and Iron Ages that were found in Cologne, the Rhineland, and other selected European sites.

The Roman-Germanic Museum is typically open from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, and visitors usually spend around two hours exploring the exhibits. The museum is within walking distance of the Hauptbahnhof subway station.

Walk over Hohenzollern Bridge

Hohenzollern Bridge (Hohenzollernbrücke) is a must-see when visiting Cologne's Old Town. The bridge is an iconic landmark and an integral part of Germany's rail network, with over 1,200 trains passing through daily. It is also known for its thousands of love locks, where couples inscribe their names and the date on a padlock, chain it to the bridge railing, and throw the key into the Rhine River as a symbol of their everlasting devotion.

The footpath for a stroll across the bridge begins directly behind the Museum Ludwig and the Philharmonic Hall. From the other side, from Deutz, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Cologne's city centre and a view of the Old Town to the left. The bridge is illuminated in the evening, making it one of the city's best-known photo motifs, especially with Cologne Cathedral in the background.

The bridge is named after the House of Hohenzollern, which ruled Prussia and unified Germany into an empire in 1871. Construction began in 1907, and it was officially opened to the public in 1911 by Emperor Wilhelm II. The original design consisted of three iron arches spanning the Rhine, each measuring about 200 metres long, for a total length of nearly half a kilometre (409 metres). The bridge has a total weight of 24,000 tonnes.

The Hohenzollern Bridge is the only bridge in Cologne that was not destroyed by bombs during World War II. However, on 6 March 1945, German troops blew up the bridge to delay the advancing Allied forces. After the war, reconstruction efforts began, and by 1959, the bridge was transformed into a pedestrian and rail bridge.

Today, the Hohenzollern Bridge is a six-track railway bridge with pedestrian walkways on either side, offering stunning views of the Rhine River and Cologne's skyline, including the iconic Cathedral. It is an especially popular spot for tourists wanting to take memorable photos during their visit to Cologne.

Visit the Chocolate Museum

If you're a chocolate lover, a visit to the Chocolate Museum in Cologne is a must. The museum, located on the riverfront, offers a fascinating insight into the 5,000-year cultural history of chocolate and cocoa. With over 4,000 square metres of exhibition space, it is the most comprehensive exhibition of its kind in the world.

The museum traces the journey of cocoa, from harvest to the final product, showcasing the industrial process of chocolate-making. Visitors can learn about the natural history of cocoa, with exhibits on the pre-Columbian cultures of Central America and the famous chocolate fountain, containing 200 kilograms of chocolate. The diverse collection includes historic items, an 18th-century porcelain and silver collection, and various industrial machines.

The museum also offers a unique sensory experience with its glass-walled production facility and chocolate workshop. Here, you can witness the art of crafting chocolate, both manually and through mechanised processes. The museum provides an educational and interactive experience for all ages, with treats along the way.

For an additional fee, you can book a "Fine Tasting" session, where you can savour selected chocolates. You can also create your own chocolate bar by choosing up to four ingredients, from Smarties to gummy bears. This takes around 45 minutes, and costs less than €5.

The museum has a café, the Chocolat Grand Café, where you can indulge in chocolate specialities and cakes while enjoying views of the Rhine.

The Chocolate Museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10 am to 6 pm. Online tickets are available, which can help you avoid waiting times. The museum is located at Am Schokoladenmuseum 1A, 50678 Cologne, and can be easily reached via public transport, with the nearest stop being Heumarkt (Tram: 1, 5, 7, 9).

Explore the Old Town's squares

The Old Town of Cologne is a great place to explore, with its mix of Gothic German architecture and modern buildings. The Old Town has many squares, each with its own unique character and attractions. Here are some of the squares you can visit and what you can find there:

Alter Markt

Alter Markt is considered Cologne's most traditional square, spanning almost 5,500 square metres. It is a hub of activity, with cosy pubs and outdoor seating, especially in the summer months. In the winter, it transforms into a magical Christmas market, with stalls selling festive treats and decorations. At the centre of the square is a 19th-century fountain commemorating Jan von Werth, a victorious army general who served in the Thirty Years' War. The reliefs on the fountain depict the story of his unrequited love for Griet, a woman who rejected him due to his lack of wealth. Alter Markt is also home to the Old Town's City Hall, with its Renaissance porch being the only part of the building to survive the 1945 bombings intact.

Heumarkt

Heumarkt is another lively square in the Old Town, known for its vibrant atmosphere and variety of dining options. It is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike, with many restaurants, cafes, and pubs to choose from. Heumarkt also has a Christmas market during the festive season, where you can enjoy a cup of mulled wine and browse the festive stalls.

Fischmarkt

Fischmarkt is a small but charming square in the historic centre of Cologne. The buildings surrounding the square have a medieval appearance, but they were actually built in the early 20th century by the Nazis, who rebuilt the Old Town in their preferred stone-and-stucco style. Today, Fischmarkt is a pleasant spot to relax and soak in the atmosphere, with some unique bars and restaurants nearby.

Neumarkt

Neumarkt is another impressive square in the Old Town, with amazing architecture and a lively atmosphere. It is a great place to spend a summer evening, with plenty of bars and restaurants to choose from.

Frequently asked questions