Viking River Cruise Docks In Cologne: Where And When

Cologne, Germany is a city with a rich history and beautiful architecture. The city is located on the banks of the Rhine River and offers a range of attractions for visitors, including the famous Cologne Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its Gothic artistry and stunning stained glass windows. River cruise ships, including those from Viking River Cruises, often dock in the heart of the city, providing easy access to Cologne's many attractions. With its charming cobblestone streets, historic buildings, vibrant nightlife, and unique experiences, Cologne is a must-visit destination for travellers interested in culture, history, and entertainment.

The dock is located in the heart of Cologne, with the city just steps away

The Viking river cruise ship docks in the heart of Cologne, with the city just steps away. The city is located on both sides of the Rhine River, and the dock is right in the middle of the town. This is very convenient for cruisers, as they can easily walk to many major attractions in the city centre. However, when there are many cruise ships in port, some may have to dock a little out of town, which is about a 10-minute bus ride into the centre.

Cologne is a vibrant and historic city renowned for its stunning architecture, including the famous Cologne Cathedral, or Kölner Dom, which is the city's most recognisable landmark. Visitors can also explore the medieval Old Town, with its charming cobblestone streets and historic buildings, as well as museums and galleries showcasing the city's art and history.

The city also boasts a vibrant nightlife, with a variety of bars, clubs, and pubs, and is home to numerous festivals and events throughout the year, including the world-famous Cologne Carnival. For shoppers, Cologne offers everything from high-end boutiques to traditional German markets.

Cologne has beautiful parks and green spaces, and walking paths that make it a pleasure to explore. The city has a rich history, with Roman roots dating back 2,000 years, and some ruins that are still visible underneath the modern city. Medieval structures that survived heavy bombing during World War II blend with reconstructed areas designed to look as they did before the war, creating a unique blend of old and new.

The Rhine River, which flows through the city, is a scenic attraction in itself, with famous castles and vineyards along its banks. Cologne is also known for its beer, called Kölsch, which can be sampled in the many traditional pubs and breweries in the city.

Viking River Cruises offers a morning walking tour of Cologne's Old Town

The walking tour begins near the Viking ship dock, which is located just across the Hohenzollernbrücke bridge on the opposite riverbank to the Old Town. The tour takes guests through the Old Town, past colourful tall houses, through small squares, and in front of the town hall with its tall clock tower. Guests can also sample the two famous Eau de Colognes produced in the town. The tour ends in front of the Cathedral, with guests having free time to explore it and the rest of the Old Town at their leisure.

The Old Town is also home to the Great St. Martin Church, which is smaller than the nearby cathedral but features a tall central spire and four smaller ones at each corner. The interior is simple, with little decoration beyond remnants of paintings on the columns and some mosaic floor tiles.

Cologne's Old Town is a great place to spend the day, with plenty of sights, rich history, and unique experiences to discover.

Cologne's stunning 14th-century Gothic cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Viking River Cruises in Cologne, Germany, dock along the Rhine River, right in the middle of the town. The city offers a pleasant array of notable sights, a rich history, and unique experiences. Many of Cologne's major attractions are located in the city centre and are within walking distance of each other.

Cologne's stunning 14th-century Gothic cathedral, officially known as Hohe Domkirche Sankt Petrus (Cathedral Church of Saint Peter), is a renowned monument of German Catholicism and Gothic architecture. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996 and is Germany's most visited landmark, attracting around 6 million people annually.

The construction of this Gothic masterpiece began in 1248, but it was not completed until 1880, taking several stages over centuries. The cathedral's imposing twin spires are visible for miles and its interior is filled with brilliant coloured light from its stained-glass windows. Its steps lead to a platform offering astounding views of the city.

The cathedral is the tallest twin-spired church in the world, standing at 157 metres (515 feet) tall. It is the second tallest church in Europe after Ulm Minster and the third tallest church globally. The towers of its two huge spires give it the largest façade of any church in the world.

Cologne's medieval builders planned a grand structure to house the Shrine of the Three Kings, a large reliquary in the shape of a basilican church, and to serve as a place of worship for the Holy Roman Emperor. The cathedral is a powerful symbol of the enduring strength of European Christianity and a testament to the persistence of Christian belief through the centuries.

The city is known for its beer, called Kölsch, served in traditional brewpubs

River cruise ships in Cologne, Germany, dock right in the heart of the city, along the Rhine River. This beautiful city is just steps away, and areas further out are easily accessible by public transportation.

Cologne is known for its beer, called Kölsch, served in traditional brewpubs. In and around Cologne, Kölsch is ubiquitous. It is a clear, light, and crisp lager that is warm-fermented with top-fermenting yeast, then conditioned at cold temperatures like a lager. It is a quintessential beer.

Kölners are extra proud of Kölsch because it is the only beer in Germany to have a special protected geographical status, similar to Bourbon from Kentucky or Champagne in France. In order to be properly called a Kölsch, German regulations stipulate that brewers must brew the beer according to the Kölsch Konvention put forth by the members of the Köln Brewery Association. Kölsch must also be brewed according to the Reinheitsgebot, or German purity law. The brewery must be within 30 miles (50 kilometres) of the city.

Kölsch is traditionally served in a tall, thin, cylindrical 200-millilitre glass called a Stange. The server, called a Köbes, carries eleven or twelve Stangen in a Kranz, a circular tray resembling a crown or wreath. Instead of waiting for the drinker to order a refill, the Köbes immediately replaces an empty Stange with a full one, marking a tick on the coaster under the Stange. If the drinker does not want another refill, they place the coaster on top of the empty Stange and pay for the number of beers marked on the coaster.

Some of the most popular breweries in Cologne include Früh, Reissdorf, Gaffel, Brauerei Pfaffen, Peter's Brauhaus, and Brauerei zur Malzmühle.

Cologne is also famous for its vibrant nightlife, with bars, clubs, and pubs

Viking River Cruises dock along the Rhine River, in the heart of Cologne. The city is known for its vibrant nightlife, with a variety of bars, clubs, and pubs offering something for everyone. Here is a glimpse of what to expect:

Bars

Cologne has a thriving bar scene, ranging from intimate cocktail lounges to traditional German pubs. Some notable spots include:

• Papa Joe's Jazz Lokal: A jazz bar offering live jazz performances and an intimate atmosphere.
• Monkeys Cocktail Culture: A popular bar known for its unique cocktails and lively ambiance.
• The Corkonian Irish Pub: A traditional Irish pub located in the heart of the city, offering a range of drinks and a lively atmosphere.
• Ona Mor: A cocktail bar that uses premium ingredients to create expert mixology.
• Pepe: A quirky bar in the Belgian quarter serving cocktails and a range of whiskies and brandies.
• Seiberts: One of the top 10 most influential bars in Europe, known for its classic cocktails and chic setting.
• Spirits: A modern and trendy bar serving delicious food and cocktails, a local favourite.

Clubs

Cologne's club scene is diverse and vibrant, with over 70 clubs offering different music genres and atmospheres. Some popular clubs include:

• Bootshaus: An old techno club that hosts live concerts and international DJs.
• Odonien: An art centre, concert venue, cultural centre, and beer garden created by Odo Rumpf.
• Sonic Ballroom: A mix of graffiti, rock music, and cool cocktails.
• Six Pack bar: A local hangout serving a variety of beer from around the world.
• Blue Shell: A large club with a diverse music offering, from international acts to house and dance music.
• Trash Island: A retro pop party held twice a month in an "abandoned warehouse" setting.
• Das Ding: A student gathering spot for over 40 years, located near the university.
• Klapsmühle: A club dedicated to playing cheesy carnival music all year round.

Pubs

Cologne is known for its beer, and you'll find many pubs serving the local Kölsch beer. These pubs offer a true party atmosphere, with waiters wandering around to ensure your glass is always full. Some popular pubs include:

• Koelner Kickerfabrik: A unique pub offering a range of drinks and entertainment such as table football.
• The Copper Pot: A friendly bar with a good selection of drinks, located just off the Heumarkt.
• Valhalla Metal Pub: A highly recommended spot for metalheads, with live music performances.

Whether you're looking for a quiet drink, a lively dance floor, or a traditional German pub experience, Cologne's nightlife has something for everyone. The city's vibrant and diverse entertainment scene is sure to keep you entertained throughout your stay.

Frequently asked questions