The Location Of Koeln, Germany: A Travel Guide

Koeln, or Cologne in English, is a city in western Germany. It is the fourth-largest city in the country and the largest in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. Cologne is situated on the banks of the Rhine River, about 25km northwest of Bonn and 45km southeast of Düsseldorf. The city is known for its rich history, cultural landmarks, and economic importance. Its Gothic cathedral, the Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom), is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a symbol of the city.

Cologne's location and geography

Cologne is a city in Germany, located on the River Rhine in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. It is the fourth-largest city in Germany by population, with nearly 1.1 million inhabitants in the city proper and over 3.1 million in the Cologne-Bonn urban region. Cologne is centred on the west bank of the Rhine, about 35km southeast of the state capital, Düsseldorf, and 25km northwest of Bonn, the former capital of West Germany.

Cologne is one of the oldest cities in Germany, founded by the Romans in 38 BCE as Oppidum Ubiorum, and granted the status of a Roman colony in 50 CE. It was named Colonia Claudia Ara Agrippinensium in honour of the wife of Emperor Claudius, and became the capital of the Roman province of Germania Inferior in 85 CE. The city's location on the Rhine, a major trade route, was the basis of its growth.

Cologne is located in the Rhine-Ruhr area, one of the warmest regions in Germany. It has a temperate-oceanic climate, with cool winters and warm summers. The city covers an area of about 405 square kilometres and has an elevation of 65 metres above sea level.

Its history as a Roman city

Cologne, or Koeln in German, is a city in Germany with a rich history that dates back to the Roman Empire. In the 1st century CE, the Romans founded Colonia Agrippina in Germanic Ubii territory, which would later become the city of Cologne. The city was established as a Roman colony in 50 AD and was named Colonia Claudia Ara Agrippinensium (CCAA). It served as the capital of the Roman province of Germania Inferior and was a significant military headquarters in the region.

During the Roman era, Cologne was a thriving settlement with monumental stone buildings, temples, a proconsul's palace, and public baths. The Romans constructed paved streets with underground channels and an aqueduct, showcasing their advanced infrastructure. The city was also protected by mighty walls, gates, and towers.

Cologne flourished as a trade centre due to its strategic location at the intersection of the Rhine River and major land routes connecting western and eastern Europe. It became an important economic hub, with crafts and trade prospering within its boundaries. The Romans built impressive roads, such as the Cologne-Boulogne sur Mer and Cologne-Lyon routes, which contributed to the city's commercial success.

The Romans left a significant mark on Cologne's cultural and religious landscape as well. The remains of Roman-era churches, such as St. Gereon, St. Severin, and St. Martin, can still be found in the city. Additionally, the discovery of Roman sarcophagi and graves provides valuable insights into the religious practices of the time.

Cologne's Roman heritage is not just limited to archaeological findings. The Romano-Germanic Museum, built in 1974, showcases the city's archaeological heritage from the Palaeolithic period to the early Middle Ages. It houses an extensive collection of Roman artefacts, including the world's largest collection of Roman glass vessels.

Even the city's name, Cologne, is derived from its Roman roots, with "Colonia" becoming the name of the city and "Agrippina" being dropped except in Latin.

Cologne Cathedral and other landmarks

Cologne Cathedral is a Gothic cathedral in Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. It is Germany's most visited landmark, attracting an average of 6 million people a year. The cathedral is the tallest twin-spired church in the world, the second-tallest church in Europe after Ulm Minster, and the third-tallest church of any kind in the world.

The construction of the cathedral began in 1248 but was halted in the years around 1560, leaving it 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 towers for its two huge spires give the cathedral the largest façade of any church in the world.

Cologne's medieval builders had planned a grand structure to house the Shrine of the Three Kings, which is considered one of the most sophisticated goldsmith's works of the Middle Ages. The shrine was placed in the centre of the Old Cathedral.

Cologne Cathedral is a renowned monument of German Catholicism and Gothic architecture and was declared a World Heritage Site in 1996. It is a Catholic Church and the seat of the Archbishop of Cologne and of the administration of the Archdiocese of Cologne.

Cologne is also famous for Eau de Cologne, which has been produced in the city since 1709. "Cologne" has since become a generic term for this type of fragrance.

Other landmarks in Cologne include the Twelve Romanesque Churches, the Great St. Martin Church, the Basilica of St. Severin, the Church of the Assumption, the Cologne City Hall, the Gürzenich, Haus Saaleck, and the Overstolzenhaus.

Transport and infrastructure

Cologne (Köln in German) is a major European transport centre, with an extensive network of rail, motorway, air, and water routes. The city is located in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, and is the largest city in the state and the fourth-largest in the country. It is the central hub for the entire region, with a population of over 1 million.

Cologne has a well-developed public transport system, including buses, trains, and bicycles. The city has 60 lines, 380 trams, and 320 buses, connecting all parts of the city. The S-Bahn (suburban commuter rail) connects the airport to the main station, and from there, underground trains and buses serve the different neighbourhoods. The public transport system operates every ten minutes, making it easy to get around the city.

Cologne's cycling infrastructure is also impressive, with well-developed cycle paths that make cycling the fastest way to get around the city centre. The city offers a public bicycle programme, with white and red bikes available for use by both locals and expats.

Cologne is served by three international airports: Cologne/Bonn, Düsseldorf, and Frankfurt, all within an hour's reach. Cologne/Bonn Airport is one of the few major German airports that do not have a ban on night flights for cargo aircraft, making it a 24/7 cargo hub. It is the third-largest airport in Germany and the eighth-largest in Europe for cargo.

The city is also home to the Trimodal Freight Centre Cologne Eifeltor, Germany's largest and most efficient reloading site for combined freight transportation. It also boasts the second-largest domestic port in the country, with direct connections to the largest seaports in Rotterdam, Netherlands.

When it comes to road infrastructure, Cologne is a central highway hub in Western Europe. Ten highways depart from the city in all directions, connecting it to the wider region. Additionally, Cologne is the continent's busiest railway junction, with international high-speed routes connecting the city to Amsterdam, Brussels, and Paris in record time.

The logistics and wholesale industry is one of the strongest sectors in Cologne, with a dense network of competitive logistics companies providing services for industry and commerce. The city is home to 5,000 local logistics and trading companies, employing 72,000 people. The industry has seen significant growth, with an 18% increase in employment between 2008 and 2020. Major international logistics providers such as Deutsche Post DHL, DB Schenker, and Dachser have a presence in the city.

Cologne's ideal geographical location and excellent transport infrastructure have made it a major hub for trade and commerce, connecting customers and business partners worldwide.

Culture, including museums, galleries, and nightlife

Cologne, Germany is known for its joyous attitude and party spirit. The city is a cultural hub, boasting a thriving music and art scene, and a plethora of museums and galleries.

Museums

Cologne is a city of museums, attracting visitors from all over the world. The Wallraf Richartz Museum and the Ludwig Museum are highlights, featuring works by Picasso, Warhol, and Lichtenstein. The Museum Ludwig showcases modern art, while the Museum Schnütgen displays medieval art. The city also has a unique Romanic Baroque department, a sports and Olympic museum, and the Schokoladenmuseum, dedicated to the history of chocolate. Other museums include the Abenteuermuseum ODYSSEUM, the Römisch-Germanisches Museum, and the Museum für Angewandte Kunst (MAKK).

Galleries

Cologne is home to countless galleries, including the LUMAS gallery in the lively Mittelstrasse quarter. Opened in 2006, the gallery displays contemporary art across four floors, featuring works from over 250 artists.

Nightlife

Cologne's nightlife is centred around its pubs, bars, and clubs. The city's signature beer, Kölsch, can be found in many rustic pubs and bars, particularly around Alter Markt and Heumarkt squares. The Corkonian Irish Pub, located on Alter Markt, is a popular spot, while Papa Joe's Jazz Lokal has been named the best bar in Germany. For those seeking cocktails, Little Link and Toddy Tapper are unique bars worth visiting. The Copper Pot, an Irish pub set over two floors, is another favourite, known for its Guinness and cosy atmosphere.

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