Exploring Cologne's Must-See Attractions In A Day

Cologne, Germany, is a city steeped in history, with Roman ruins lying beneath its modern architecture. With its striking Gothic cathedral, colourful Old Town, and scenic river views, Cologne offers a wealth of attractions that can be explored in a day. Here is an itinerary to make the most of your 24 hours in this vibrant city.

Start your day by visiting the awe-inspiring Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom). This UNESCO World Heritage site is an architectural marvel and Germany's largest Gothic cathedral. Admire the exterior and climb the tower for a panoramic view of the city. Next, explore the Museum Ludwig, located adjacent to the cathedral, which houses modern and contemporary artworks by renowned artists such as Picasso and Warhol.

After a morning of sightseeing, indulge in some local cuisine. Try the traditional Kölsch beer, Himmel un Ääd (a blend of mashed potatoes, stewed apples, and sausages), or the local snack Halver Hahn (rye bread with gouda cheese, pickles, and onions). Spend the afternoon wandering through the cobblestone alleyways of the Old Town (Altstadt), admiring the colourful buildings and stopping by landmarks such as the Grob St Martin Church and the Cologne City Hall.

As the day turns to evening, make your way to the Hohenzollern Bridge, famous for its love locks. Enjoy the views of the Rhine River and the cathedral in the background. Cross the bridge to the Cologne Triangle (Köln Triangle), an iconic skyscraper offering a breathtaking panorama of the city from its observation deck. Finish your day with a visit to the Lindt Chocolate Museum, where you can learn about the history of chocolate and indulge in some sweet treats.

If you have more time in Cologne, consider a river cruise, a brewery tour, or a visit to the Wallraf-Richartz Museum, which boasts an extensive collection of art from the Middle Ages to modern times.

Cologne Cathedral

The cathedral is a renowned monument of German Catholicism and Gothic architecture and was declared a World Heritage Site in 1996. It attracts an average of 6 million visitors a year. The cathedral is dedicated to St. Peter and is the seat of the Archbishop of Cologne and the administration of the Archdiocese of Cologne.

The construction of Cologne Cathedral began in 1248 but was halted around 1560 and left unfinished. Attempts to complete the construction began around 1814, but the project was not properly funded until the 1840s. The edifice was completed to its original medieval plan in 1880.

The cathedral is known for its Shrine of the Three Kings, which is said to hold the bones of the Three Wise Men. It is a triple sarcophagus decorated with 12th-century reliefs depicting episodes from the life of Christ, prophets, and apostles, all by Nicholas of Verdun. The cathedral also houses a 10th-century Gero-Kreuz crucifix and a black marble high altar from the 1300s, carved with niches featuring images from the Coronation of the Virgin.

The cathedral's tower is open to the public and offers panoramic views of the city from a height of about 100 metres. Visitors can climb 533 steps to reach the viewing platform. The cathedral is generally open daily from 6:00 to 20:00, with varying hours for tourists and worshippers.

Museum Ludwig

Located near the Cologne Cathedral, the Museum Ludwig is a must-visit for art enthusiasts. The museum is home to a vast collection of modern art, including Pop Art, Abstract and Surrealism. Founded in 1976, it houses one of the largest collections of Picasso's works in Europe, with around 900 pieces by the artist. The collection also includes many works by renowned artists such as Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein.

The Museum Ludwig showcases the main positions and trends in modern and contemporary art from the 20th century to the present. The permanent collection represents significant modern trends from the beginning of the 20th century, with a particular focus on photography. The museum has one of the largest and most significant collections of 19th and 20th-century photography in Europe.

In addition to its extensive permanent collection, the Museum Ludwig also features temporary exhibitions that highlight specific artists or themes. For example, the exhibition "Fluxus and Beyond" focuses on two peripheral artists of the Fluxus movement, Ursula Burghardt and Benjamin Patterson, whose works are not widely known today. Another exhibition, "Schultze Projects #4," showcases a site-specific work by Zimbabwean artist Kresi'ah Mukwazhi, created for the large front wall of the main stairway.

The Museum Ludwig is also committed to sustainability and social responsibility. It recognises the pressing need for ecological conservation, especially in light of the climate crisis, and aims to protect people and nature for future generations.

The museum offers a panoramic tour, allowing visitors to discover highlights from the collection virtually. The art library, Kunst- und Museumsbibliothek, is one of the largest public libraries for modern art and photography worldwide.

With its diverse collection and commitment to sustainability, the Museum Ludwig is an essential destination for anyone interested in modern and contemporary art.

Old Town

Cologne's Old Town, or Altstadt, is a must-see for anyone visiting the city. This historic neighbourhood is known for its colourful buildings, cobblestone streets, and quaint alleyways. Here are some highlights and things to do in the Old Town:

• Grob St Martin Church: This Romanesque church stands out in the district with its striking spires. Step inside to admire the grand architecture and stunning stained glass windows.
• St Maria im Kapitol Church: Known for its beautiful frescoes and impressive architecture, this church is another must-see in the Old Town.
• Cologne's City Hall (Kölner Rathaus): Located between Rathausplatz and Alter Markt, this impressive building is the oldest public building in Germany. Look out for the mooning statue on one of the towers.
• Cologne's Old Town Hall: This is the oldest public building in Germany, and it's worth taking a look at the mooning statue on one of the towers.
• Roman Ruins: Beneath the modern city lie the remains of ancient Roman ruins. Some of these can be seen at the Romano-Germanic Museum, which is built around a Roman villa discovered during World War II.
• Shopping and Dining: The Old Town is filled with pubs, cafes, boutiques, and galleries. It's a great place to find unique gifts and enjoy local cuisine.
• Rheinauhafen: This new district, located south of the Old Town, is home to the Crane Houses, reflecting the area's history as a dock. It's a great blend of old and new architecture.

Hohenzollern Bridge

The Hohenzollern Bridge is the second most popular tourist attraction in Cologne, Germany. It is one of seven bridges that cross the River Rhine, and is the closest to the city's cathedral. The bridge separates the industrial area from the historical area of the city.

The bridge was constructed between 1907 and 1911, after the demolition of the Cathedral Bridge, which could no longer handle the increasing rail traffic. The new bridge was named after the House of Hohenzollern, the rulers of Prussia and German Emperors. The Hohenzollern Bridge was inaugurated by Kaiser Wilhelm II on 22 May 1911.

The bridge consists of six individual bridge decks, with four railway lanes and two car lanes, framed by two iron archways. At each end of the bridge are large towers, decorated with equestrian statues of German emperors and kings. The bridge is 409.19 metres long and is the most heavily used railway bridge in Germany, with over 1,200 trains crossing it daily.

During World War II, the bridge was one of the most important in Germany. On 6 March 1945, German military engineers blew up the bridge as Allied troops began their assault on Cologne. After Germany surrendered, the bridge was initially made operational on a makeshift basis, and by 8 May 1948, pedestrians could use it again. The bridge was fully reconstructed by 1959.

In the 1980s, the bridge was renovated, and the southern road traffic decks were removed, leaving only the railway and pedestrian walkways. The Hohenzollern Bridge is now adorned with thousands of 'love locks', placed on the fence by couples as a sign of love and commitment. The tradition began in 2008, and it is estimated that there are now over 500,000 locks on the bridge, adding more than two tons of weight.

Cologne Triangle

If you're spending a day in Cologne, Germany, one place to visit is the KölnTriangle (formerly known as the LVR-Turm). This 103-metre-tall building is a prominent landmark in the city, offering panoramic views of Cologne and beyond.

The KölnTriangle was built between 2004 and 2006 by the architects Gatermann + Schossig. The building's three sides curve outward, forming a Reuleaux triangle, a shape named after the German mechanical engineer Franz Reuleaux. The ground plan is symmetrical, and the building's height ensures that it doesn't detract from the view of the nearby Cologne Cathedral, a UNESCO site and Germany's most-visited landmark.

The observation deck on the top floor and roof is publicly accessible via an elevator and a short stairway. From here, you can see the Cologne Cathedral, the Hohenzollern Bridge, the Museum Ludwig, and Cologne's Old Town. On a clear day, you might even spot the Siebengebirge hills and the Bergisches Land region. The platform is completely enclosed by glass for safety, and there are graphics on the windows to help you identify the landmarks.

The KölnTriangle also houses offices and restaurants, including KölnSky on the 27th floor, which features floor-to-ceiling windows, and the Mongolian barbecue restaurant Mongo's on the ground floor.

Entry to the building is free, but access to the viewing platform costs €3-€5. It's open from October 1st to April 30th from noon to 6 pm on weekdays and from 10 am on weekends. From May to September, it stays open until 10 pm.

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