Explore Cologne's Best Walking Routes And Locations

Cologne, Germany, is a cultural and economic hub with a diverse landscape of modern buildings and restored historical sites. The city offers a range of walking routes that showcase its rich history, architecture, and natural beauty. From self-guided tours to expert-led excursions, there are options for all interests and fitness levels.

For those interested in historical churches, the Cologne Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece and Germany's most visited landmark, is a must-see. The Great St. Martin Church, with its distinctive tower, is another Romanesque highlight. The Historic Old Town, with its colourful buildings and cobbled lanes, offers a glimpse into the past.

For nature enthusiasts, the Botanical Gardens Flora provide a tranquil escape with global flora and serene picnic spots. The Cologne Botanical Garden is also worth exploring, with 12,000 plant species across 5.5 hectares.

Cologne also boasts impressive museums, including the Chocolate Museum, the Ludwig Museum, with its extensive collection of modern art, and the NS Documentation Centre, offering insight into Germany's past.

The city further entices hikers with its scenic trails along the Rhine River and through forests and parks, such as the Königsforst loop and the Wildpark Dünnwald loop.

Cologne's Old Town

The Historic Old Town Hall is Germany's oldest, dating back to the 11th century. The building features a Gothic-style tower constructed between 1407 and 1414. The tower stands at 61 metres (200 feet) tall and was Cologne's first secular high-rise. It features 130 stone statues and, like many buildings in the Old Town, was damaged during World War II but has since been restored.

Cologne's twelve Romanesque Catholic churches are also a notable feature of the Old Town. The Great St. Martin Church, built between 1150 and 1250, is particularly noteworthy. The church's distinctive tower has shaped the Old Town's skyline for centuries. During Roman times, the site was an island in the Rhine River, and the Romans built a chapel there. The church was destroyed by fire in 1150 and subsequently rebuilt. It was damaged once more during World War II but has since been restored and remains an integral part of the Old Town's landscape.

In addition to its religious sites, the Old Town offers a variety of dining and shopping options. The Hay Market, one of Central Europe's oldest markets, is a lively place popular with tourists and locals alike. The square features several pubs, breweries, restaurants, and cafes with outdoor seating. The Old Market, once connected to the Hay Market, is another popular destination, featuring Renaissance buildings, an attractive fountain, and a Christmas market.

The Rhine

One of the best walks in Cologne is along the banks of the Rhine in Sürth, where you can enjoy the beautiful scenery and explore the surrounding area. The Rhine is also home to the KölnTriangle, a 103-meter-tall building with a unique shape featuring three convex arched sides around a round centre. The observation deck on the top floor offers panoramic views of the city, including the Cologne Cathedral.

Another notable attraction on the Rhine is the Hohenzollern Bridge, a railway and pedestrian bridge that provides scenic views of the river and the cityscape. The bridge is adorned with half a million love locks, making it a popular spot for romantic strolls and cityscape photography.

In addition to its cultural and historical significance, the Rhine offers recreational activities such as hiking and biking trails. The river is surrounded by forests and natural areas, making it an ideal spot for those who want to explore the outdoors while taking in the beautiful views.

Whether you're interested in history, culture, or simply enjoying nature, a walk along the Rhine is a must when visiting Cologne. The river has something for everyone and is a great way to experience the city's unique charm and beauty.

The city's Roman history

Cologne was founded as a Roman settlement on the Rhine in the first century, then known as the Colonia Claudia Ara Agrippinensium. The name came from Agrippina the Younger, wife of Roman Emperor Claudius. She came from the area and petitioned the emperor to raise the status of her home to a Colonia—a city under Roman law. During the Roman period, it became the capital of the Lower Germany region.

In 50 AD the Cologne-born Agrippina the Younger, wife of the Emperor Claudius, asked for her home village to be raised to the status of a colonia — a city under Roman law. It was then renamed Colonia Claudia Ara Agrippinensis (colony of Claudius and the altar of Agrippina), shortened to Colonia Agrippina (Colony of Agrippina). In 80 AD the Eifel Aqueduct was built. It was one of the longest aqueducts of the Roman Empire, delivering 20,000 cubic metres of water to the city every day. Ten years later, the colonia became the capital of the Roman province of Lower Germany, Germania Inferior, with a total population of 45,000 people occupying 96.8 hectares.

In 39 BC the Germanic tribe of the Ubii entered into an agreement with the forces of the Roman General Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa and settled on the left bank of the Rhine. Their headquarters was Oppidum Ubiorum (settlement of the Ubii) and at the same time an important Roman military base.

In 260 AD Postumus made Cologne the capital of the Gallic Empire, which included the Gallic provinces, the German provinces to the left of the Rhine, Britannia, and the provinces of Hispania. The Gallic Empire lasted only fourteen years.

By the 3rd century, only some 20,000 people lived in and around the town. In 310 AD, Emperor Constantine I had a bridge constructed over the Rhine, guarded by the castellum Divitia. Divitia later became a part of Cologne with the name Deutz.

The presence of Jews in Cologne was documented in AD 321. When exactly the first Jews arrived in the Rhineland area cannot now be established, but the Cologne community claims to be the oldest north of the Alps. As early as 321 AD, an edict by the Emperor Constantine allowed Jews to be elected to the City Council.

Colonia was pillaged several times by the Franks in the 4th century. Two lavish burial sites located near the Cathedral date from this period. In 355 AD the Alemanni tribes besieged the town for 10 months, finally taking and plundering it. At the time, the garrison of Colonia Agrippina was under the generalship of Marcus Vitellus. The Romans re-occupied the city several months afterwards by Julian. The city finally fell to the Ripuarian Franks in 462 AD.

Cologne Cathedral and other churches

Cologne is home to twelve Romanesque Catholic churches, including the iconic Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom). The city's long history as a religious centre is reflected in its stunning array of churches, which have drawn pilgrims from all over Europe for centuries.

The construction of Cologne Cathedral began in 1248 and was finally completed in 1880. It is Germany's most visited landmark, attracting around 20,000 visitors per day. The cathedral is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, with a towering facade that gives it the largest facade of any church in the world. Inside, the nave soars under vaulted ceilings, while stained glass windows fill the space with colour. Don't miss the 'Richter-Fenster' in the southern transept, a modern stained glass masterpiece composed of 11,500 hand-blown glass panels in 72 different colours.

Cologne Cathedral is also home to a number of important artworks, including the Gero Crucifix, one of the oldest examples of a large free-standing crucifix, dating from the 10th century. The wooden Milan Madonna dates from around 1290, and an interior wall features a pair of stone tablets from the 13th century that legalized the presence of Cologne's Jewish residents. The cathedral also houses the Shrine of the Three Kings, which holds the relics of the Three Wise Men.

In addition to the cathedral, Cologne is home to several other notable churches. The Great St. Martin Church, built between 1150 and 1250, features a distinctive tower that has shaped the Old Town's skyline for centuries. The church was damaged during World War II and extensively restored between 1948 and 1985. Another important church is the Atoniterkirche, Cologne's oldest Protestant church, located on the Schildergasse Shopping Street.

Cologne's museums

Cologne is a cultural hotspot, boasting hundreds of galleries and over 30 museums. Here are some of the city's top museums:

Museum Ludwig

Housing one of Europe's largest collections of Picasso's works, Museum Ludwig is a must-visit for art enthusiasts. The museum also features pieces by Roy Lichtenstein and Andy Warhol. Located in the same building as the Cologne Philharmonic Orchestra, it is one of the city's cultural hubs.

Wallraf-Richartz Museum

This museum boasts an extensive collection of paintings spanning from the medieval period to the early 20th century. Visitors can admire works by masters such as Breugel and Monet.

NS Documentation Centre

This museum, located in the former headquarters of the Gestapo, offers a sobering look into the descent of Nazi Germany. It includes a memorial and exhibitions detailing the Nazi power structure, propaganda, racism, and the genocide of Cologne's Jews.

Fragrance Museum (Farina House)

The Fragrance Museum, one of the oldest factories for fine perfumes in the world, takes visitors through the history of perfume and the iconic Eau de Cologne.

German Sports and Olympic Museum

An interactive and informative museum, the German Sports and Olympic Museum showcases the history of sports and has plenty of interesting memorabilia on display.

Chocolate Museum (Imhoff-Schokoladenmuseum)

A sweet treat for chocolate lovers, this museum offers a glimpse into the 5,000-year history of chocolate. Visitors can learn about the process of making chocolate, from the humble jungle pod to the final product.

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