Cologne is one of the most populous cities in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, with more than one million inhabitants living here. This city offers a wealth of sights, but is also a center for carnival and many trade fairs. Furthermore, Cologne fascinates with its 2000-year history, its cultural and architectural heritage, and is often the venue for many international events. Many media companies with numerous television stations, music producers, and publishing houses have settled in Cologne. The carnival stronghold possesses economic and cultural metropolis of international importance and is one of the leading centers for the global art trade. During a visit, the following sights should definitely be seen:
Cologne Cathedral
The landmark of Cologne is the second-tallest building in Cologne and has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1966. The correct name of the cathedral is Cathedral Church of St. Peter and Maryand is the most famous sacred building and the largest cathedral in Germany. The masterpiece of Gothic cathedral architecture was only completed after 632 years of construction and has countless art-historical highlights to offer. The highlight is clearly the Shrine of the Three Kings, which contains the relics of the city's patron saints and several saints. The fame of this reliquary sarcophagus is unique. The so-called King's Windows are almost completely in their original condition, and the cathedral's bell, the "Dicker Pitter," is the second-largest free-swinging bell in the world. On the south tower, after 509 steps, a magnificent panoramic view awaits, which reaches as far as the Siebengebirge in good weather. Definitely also visit the Cathedral Treasury; the historical vaulted chamber with remains of the Roman city wall together with the cathedral treasure leave a lasting impression.
4711 House in Glockengasse
This fragrance made the name of the city of Cologne known all over the world. It all started in 1792, when the young Wilhelm Mülhens and his bride were gifted a recipe for a mysterious 'aqua mirabilis' on their wedding day. The soldiers sent this fragrance to their homeland under the name 'Eau de Cologne'. The perfume also owes its brand name to the French, because according to legend, a soldier was commissioned to number the houses starting with the cathedral, and so 4711 was written in chalk on the house in Glockengasse. In 1810, the remedy was converted into a fragrance because the French occupation government demanded the release of all recipes for pharmaceutical products.
Gürzenich
The 'Good Parlor of Cologne' was built from 1441 to 1447 on the Gürzenich family's property as a municipal festival hall. In this festive hall on the upper floor, celebrations were held by emperors, princes, and citizens back then. The Reichstag, coronation ceremonies, and court days were also held here. Unfortunately, it was completely destroyed in the Second World War and only restored in 1955. The 'Gürzenich Orchestra' is known abroad, and the most popular festivity is, then as now, the carnival event.
Heinzelmännchen Fountain
The Silesian folk poet August Kopisch was inspired by the legend of the industrious helpers, who took a piece of annoying work off every citizen of the city at night, to write the poem: "The Heinzelmännchen of Cologne". For the 100th birthday of August Kopisch, the Heinzelmännchen Fountain was donated by the "Cologne Beautification Association" in 1899. The design of the fountain was undertaken by Edmund and Heinrich Renard.
Cologne Old Town
A large part of Cologne's old town was destroyed in World War II and rebuilt over years of work. Only a fraction of the original buildings has been preserved, which is of course a great pity from a historical point of view, but does not detract from the flair.
Cologne's old town captivates with a unique mix of inns, breweries, and shops right on the Rhine. A unique atmosphere prevails here, with old houses, small alleys with historical flair, and numerous cultural offerings. The specialty shops in the old town offer a mixed range, from women's and men's clothing, goldsmiths, and shoes to shops for musical instruments, antiques, or sports. Plenty of breweries and restaurants have also settled here, which convey a relaxed holiday flair near the Rhine. In Cologne, a shopping trip can be wonderfully combined with a walk.
Right around Cologne Cathedral, culture lovers will also find several places worth visiting. The Museum Ludwig, the Roman-Germanic Museum, the Wallraf-Richartz-Museum, and of course the Chocolate Museum located directly on the Rhine. Right next to it is the Sports and Olympics Museum, the Farina House, where the history of Eau de Cologne can be experienced in the Fragrance Museum, and the Mustard Museum with a historical mustard mill from 1810.
Also worth seeing is the striking equestrian statue of the Prussian King Frederick William III on the Heumarkt. It is the last work of sculptor Gustav Blaeser and was inaugurated in 1878. The Jan-von-Werth fountain is located on the Alter Markt; it was erected in 1884.
Cologne's old town is very popular, especially during carnival and Christmas time, and you should book in good time.
Rheinpark and Cable Car
The Cologne Cable Car offers a wonderful panoramic view of the cathedral city. For 55 years, 44 gondolas have been commuting daily between the Rheinpark on the right side of the river and the zoo on the left side of the river. The cable car is open between March and November and offers tourists a great opportunity to end their zoo visit with a leisurely walk along the Rhine. For children, there is a really nice and large playground in the Rheinpark where they can really let off steam.
All year round, there are always special trips where the gondolas run until after midnight. Halloween, long zoo nights, or even Midsummer Night offer the opportunity to float through the city in the dark. Anyone looking for an original wedding can get married in a golden wedding gondola.
Chocolate Museum
The Chocolate Museum directly on the Rhine is now one of the ten most visited museums in Germany. Its extraordinary architecture, chocolate vending machines, photos, and old praline boxes make this museum a highlight.
Hans Imhoff, the founder of the museum in 1993, lovingly organized and designed the museum with a historian. The majority of the exhibited pieces mainly deal with the history of the Stollwerck factory, but general cultural-historical elements on the subject of chocolate are also presented.
A highlight for chocolate fans is certainly the large chocolate fountain, where fine chocolate can be tasted.
Rhine Cruise
An absolute highlight for tourists is being able to view the cathedral city from the Rhine. On the banks of the Rhine, there are several piers for larger ships where a round trip can be comfortably completed. In good weather, definitely choose a seat on the outer deck; the view is particularly beautiful here.
Whether it's 'just' a small panoramic cruise or a full-day trip to the Siebengebirge, it should definitely not be missed.
Roman-Germanic Museum
In this museum, you can immerse yourself in the past of the city of Cologne. You will be transported to ancient Cologne, where you can experience the life of that time based on over 3 million finds from prehistory to the Merovingian period. The museum is built on Roman ruins and houses extensive collections of Roman and early medieval jewelry. This museum delights every age group and is a highlight for a trip to Cologne.
Cologne Zoo
Cologne Zoo was founded in 1860 and is the third oldest zoo in Germany, although you wouldn't know it to look at it. It is one of the most modern and beautiful and provides a nice excursion for young and old. Here, over 500 animal species from all continents can be admired. In the large jungle house, orangutans and gorillas can be observed from close range through glass panes. A huge elephant park, a rainforest like in the jungles of Southeast Asia, and an aquarium with over 70 tanks up to a size of 77,000 liters complete the highlights of the zoo. For children, there is also a large playground, and restaurants are also provided for physical well-being.
Botanical Garden
Anyone who still feels like a walk should also visit the Botanical Garden/Flora right next door. In the four display greenhouses, around 5000 tropical and subtropical plant species and orchids are presented. In the outdoor area, a farm and utility plant garden, an alpinum, and a medicinal herb garden can be examined. The so-called 'Glass Palace' is the center of the facility.
Photos by Sabine, meinhaushalt.at
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