Exploring Germany: Where Is The City Of Köln?

Cologne, or 'Köln' in German, is a city in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. It is the fourth-largest city in the country, with a population of about 1 million people. Cologne is situated on the Rhine River, about 25 miles southeast of Düsseldorf and 21 miles northwest of Bonn. The city is known for its joyous attitude and party spirit, with the world-famous Cologne Carnival taking place between New Year and Ash Wednesday. Cologne is also recognised for its Gothic cathedral, which is the city's major landmark and unofficial symbol.

Cologne's location

Cologne, or Köln in German, is a city in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. It is the fourth-largest city in Germany and the largest in North Rhine-Westphalia, with a population of over 1 million people.

Cologne is located on the Rhine River in the southwestern part of North Rhine-Westphalia, in central-western Germany. The city is situated about 25 miles (40 km) southeast of Düsseldorf and 21 miles (34 km) northwest of Bonn. It lies 210 feet (65 metres) above sea level, just below the point where the Rhine enters the North German Plain. The Rhine at this point is navigable to seagoing vessels.

The city's location at the intersection of the Rhine River and major land routes for trade between western and eastern Europe has long contributed to its commercial importance. In the Middle Ages, it also became a significant ecclesiastical, artistic, and educational centre.

Cologne is divided into 85 districts, spread across nine Bezirke (city areas). Most of the city lies on the left (west) bank of the Rhine, but it also includes a cluster of suburbs on the right bank, some of which were annexed in 1975. The city covers an area of approximately 156 square miles (405 square kilometres).

The focal point of Cologne is its Inner City (Innenstadt), which was originally encircled by a defensive wall completed around 1200. This wall formed a semicircle, with the flat side along the Rhine. In the 1880s, the medieval fortifications were replaced by a chain of ring roads, the Ringstrassen. Today, despite spreading far beyond these confines, Cologne's main shopping streets, historic buildings, and several bridges spanning the Rhine remain within or close to the Ringstrassen.

A large proportion of Cologne comprises parkland, woods, lakes, sports facilities, and open spaces. The city has two major park systems that follow concentric patterns around the Innenstadt, including the Outer Greenbelt, a wooded area with recreation grounds and the Müngersdorfer Stadium.

Transport in Cologne

Cologne is a well-connected city with a comprehensive transport system. The city boasts an efficient public transport network, an extensive road system, and convenient options for travelling by bike.

Public Transport

The public transport system in Cologne is called KVB and includes trains, trams, subways, buses, and the suburban railway. The trains are called "U-Bahn" (or "Hochbahn") and "S-Bahn", with the latter being faster and stopping at the main train stations. The U-Bahn and Hochbahn lines are indicated with a "U", while the S-Bahn lines are indicated with an "S" and a two-tone colour code. All S-Bahns run via the main station, but not all U-Bahns do. The public transport system is foreigner-friendly, with English being standard across the network.

The KVB operates at a high frequency, with trains and buses running at least every 20 minutes until late at night and thinning out to 30 to 40 minutes. During rush hours, trains run every 5 minutes and buses every 10 minutes. Tickets can be purchased at ticket machines, in KVB customer centres, private sales offices, and on buses and trains. The ticket system is organised by distance, with zones distinguished by bright colour codes.

Roads

Cologne possesses one of the most comprehensive urban ring road systems in Germany. The beltways were designed by architects and urban designers in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and continue to be extended today. The arterial roads east of the Rhine originate in Deutz and include Pfälzischer, Bergischer, and Clevischer Ring, while the arterial roads west of the Rhine mostly start at the Cologne Inner Ring.

Cycling

Cycling is a popular mode of transport in Cologne, thanks to its good bicycle lanes and the convenience it offers for getting around the city. Bicycles can be hired from various companies, including Radstation, which is located near the central station and offers city, trekking, and tandem bikes from 5 Euros for three hours. Another option is the KVB-bicycles, operated by Nextbike, which can be found throughout the city and unlocked using a code obtained after free online registration.

Other Modes of Transport

In addition to public transport, roads, and cycling, Cologne also offers car-sharing services such as Share Now, which provides access to electric cars. For those looking to travel by air, the city is served by Cologne Bonn Airport, which is a regional hub and the sixth-largest airport in Germany.

Cologne's history

Cologne, Germany, is a city steeped in history, with its roots stretching back to the 1st century CE. Here is a brief overview of the city's rich historical journey:

Ancient Times to Middle Ages:

• In 38 BCE, the first urban settlement, Oppidum Ubiorum, was founded by the Ubii tribe on the west bank of the Rhine River.
• In 50 CE, the Romans established Colonia Claudia Ara Agrippinensium (Cologne) and it became the provincial capital of Germania Inferior in 85 CE.
• The Romans constructed a bridge over the Rhine in 310 CE, further enhancing the city's strategic importance.
• In the early Middle Ages, Cologne flourished as a key trade hub, benefiting from its location on major trade routes between eastern and western Europe.
• During this period, it also became an important ecclesiastical centre and a prominent member of the Hanseatic League, a powerful trading network.

Medieval Period to Early Modern Era:

• In the 12th and 13th centuries, Cologne was a thriving centre of art and learning, with scholars such as Albertus Magnus and Thomas Aquinas teaching there.
• In 1288, the Battle of Worringen marked a significant event, as Cologne gained independence from archiepiscopal rule and became a Free Imperial City, leading to a period of splendour and self-governance.
• The city's growth continued, and by the 15th century, it was the largest city in the Holy Roman Empire, with a population of around 40,000.
• The construction of the Gothic Cologne Cathedral began in 1248 and was completed in 1880, becoming a symbol of the city.

19th Century to World War II:

• In the 19th century, Cologne's history took a turn with French occupation in 1794, and it became part of Prussia in 1815.
• The city's development stalled after the Thirty Years' War, but it regained prosperity with the onset of industrialisation, becoming an important railway centre.
• During World War II, Cologne was heavily bombed, resulting in the destruction of a large portion of its historic centre and a significant reduction in its population.

Post-World War II to Present:

• Post-war Cologne underwent a lengthy reconstruction process, restoring many historic landmarks while also embracing modern architectural styles.
• The city regained its population and continued to develop, becoming a cultural and economic hub in northwestern Germany.
• Today, Cologne is the fourth-largest city in Germany, known for its vibrant events like the Cologne Carnival and its status as a media centre, housing major broadcasting companies.

Cologne's culture

Cologne, Germany, is a cultural hub, boasting a rich history and a diverse array of attractions. Here is an overview of the city's vibrant culture:

Historical and Architectural Landmarks

Cologne's history spans over 2,000 years, leaving behind a wealth of cultural and architectural landmarks. The city's medieval Cologne Cathedral, or "Kölner Dom", is a globally recognised monument and one of the most visited sites in Europe. It was the world's tallest building from 1880 to 1890 and remains the tallest cathedral in the world. The city's skyline is further accentuated by the Twelve Romanesque churches, including St. Gereon, Great St. Martin, and St. Maria im Kapitol.

Beyond religious architecture, Cologne offers a mix of old and new. The Cologne City Hall, founded in the 12th century, is the oldest in Germany and features a Renaissance-style loggia and tower. The Gürzenich event hall, Haus Saaleck, and the Overstolzenhaus are other notable historical buildings. The city also has four remaining city gates from the original twelve, including the Eigelsteintorburg and Hahnentor.

Art and Museums

Cologne is an art lover's paradise, with a dense network of galleries and a thriving art scene. The Museum Ludwig is one of the most important art museums in Europe, housing a significant collection of modern art. The city also boasts the Museum Schnütgen of religious art, the Roman-Germanic Museum, and the Museum of Applied Art, showcasing 800 years of European craftsmanship.

For street art enthusiasts, Cologne is one of Germany's hotspots. The Ehrenfeld and Belgian Quarter neighbourhoods, as well as the city centre, are adorned with captivating urban art. The biennial CityLeaks urban art festival has been a notable addition to the city's cultural calendar since 2011.

Performing Arts and Entertainment

Cologne caters to a wide range of entertainment preferences. The city offers intimate theatres and venues for cultural events, bringing artists from literature, music, theatre, and comedy up close to the audience. The Stunksitzung, for instance, is a satirical review and a counterbalance to the traditional Carnival stage show.

The city also hosts the Cologne Comedy Festival, one of the largest in Europe, and the C/o pop festival. It is also known for its vibrant nightlife, with several nightlife centres like the Kwartier Latäng and the nightclub-studded areas around Hohenzollernring.

Festivals and Traditions

Cologne is famous for its Carnival, one of the largest street festivals in Europe. The Carnival season officially starts on November 11 and continues until Ash Wednesday, with the "crazy days" of street celebrations, costumes, and revelry.

The city also has a rich literary tradition, hosting the annual lit.COLOGNE literary festival, which attracts regional and international authors.

Food and Beverage

Cologne's culinary scene is renowned, offering both traditional Rhenish cuisine and modern dining experiences. The city is also famous for its beer, Kölsch, which shares its name with the local dialect. Cologne is also the birthplace of Eau de Cologne, a perfume created by Italian expatriate Johann Maria Farina in the 18th century.

Cologne's food and drink

Cologne is known for its unique Kölsch beer, which is brewed in a manner specific to the region. The beer is served in tiny 0.2-litre tumblers, and there are around 13 breweries in the city that produce it. The most famous breweries include Früh, Gaffel, and Reissdorf.

The city also has its own brand of Brauhaus cuisine, including dishes like Halve Hahn (a rye bread roll with butter, a thick slice of mature Dutch cheese, raw onion, and mustard) and Himmel un Ääd (a combination of black pudding, fried onions, mashed potato, and apple sauce, also known as 'Heaven and Earth'). Other traditional dishes include Rhenish Sauerbraten (vinegar-soaked beef served with a sweet lingonberry and raisin gravy, potato pancakes, and apple sauce), bratwurst, and schnitzel.

For those with a sweet tooth, Cologne offers apple strudel (apfelstrudel), a traditional Austrian dessert that is also popular throughout Germany. The dessert consists of an unleavened dough casing filled with grated apple and brown sugar, lemon, cinnamon, and nuts.

When it comes to dining establishments, Cologne offers a range of options. Peters Brauhaus is a traditional German beer house that serves local beer and food, including Himmel un Ääd, Schweinshaxe (pork knuckle), Halve Hahn, and schnitzel. Bei Oma Kleinmann is a casual restaurant known for its huge pork and veal schnitzels with various toppings and sides. For those seeking a more modern dining experience, Mad Dogs in the Belgian Quarter serves some of the city's best hot dogs in a cool and chilled-out vibe.

Frequently asked questions