Köln, Germany (Cologne)

It was a city trip of about 2 full days. I had received a Bongo Bon (a gift certificate where you can choose a city with an accommodation and sometimes a treat like a free drink at arrival). Because it was so short a trip, the decision was made to only go visit the main attractions, but not necessarily go on tours.

So we set out to Cologne by bus (you can go by train too, but it was a budget choice then) and arrived at about 10 AM so we’d get the most out of visiting the city.

What can you see here?

The main attraction when going to Cologne is of course the cathedral or Dom. From afar it looks a bit ugly, but when you get closer and see the amount of detail there is on this building, you cannot but be impressed by it. It holds your attention like a sunflower to the sun. The sculpting is so detailed. They have started cleaning the stones of the exterior. So one day – and I admire the daredevils that do the job – this big black Dom will shine in the sun in its white splendour! Its patron saint is Saint Ursula. It took 600 years to build. They started in 1248 and continued building on and off till 1880.

I did walk the 509 steps all the way up to the Southern Tower, where you get a view over the city. The turning staircase is not for the weak-hearted. And with people going down while you go up, it is not an easy task when fighting off the exhaustion of the climb and the nausea of the turning and turning and turning. But it is very much worth it.

If you need to catch your breath, you can take a short stop at the bell room. There you will find one of the world’s biggest bells: the Saint Peter’s Bell, weighing about 800kg. How they got that it all the way up there is still a mystery to me.

Just before stepping out on the tower ledge to view the city from above, do take a minute to look straight up inside the tower. I have inserted a picture of what you can look forward to. It’s beautiful when the sun just hits it.

You can visit the Treasury. I didn’t because of lack of time . But if you like to it’ll cost you about €5.

If you like walking, as I do, you can wander the streets and find many things to look at. Though I did not visit the museums (rain check on those), there are plentiful to visit. They even have a Chocolate Museum (Lindt chocolates).

Köln has an area called the Old Town or the Alter Markt. It was said at the Tourismus it is known for its Medieval houses. Having been to Bruges in Belgium, it did not have the same feel. To be honest, we walked through it several times looking for the place, without knowing we were in it. Many modern houses have been put in-between it. To me it was not very recognisable as old, but still beautiful streets to walk through.

Walking along the Rhine, a river you just cannot miss, you’ll find several bridges going over it. We went over the Deutzer Brücke and the Hohenzollern Brücke, where the trains go over as well. Gives a trembling feet sensation every time they pass. Because we had such a sunny Monday, we decided to visit the Rhine park (Rheinpark). It is on the other side of the Rhine, away from the city centre and tourist places, but it was just so nice to lay in the grass with the sun on our faces and resting our aching feet.

What to eat?

The city has many restaurants and if you can get hold of a Nocturne map or Nocturne brochure, you can go where your heart desires: Mexican food? Asian food? Irish pub? Or typical German pubs? All to be found in there. I believe hotels hand them out for free. I did. Otherwise, the brochure will cost €3.

Whould I recommend it?

At first glance, it might not look like the most exiting destination, but it was definitely a great city trip destination and fun 2 days for me. But then again, it all depends on how you approach your trip, what you make of it, and who you spend it with.

Cologne is known for its Christmas market, which turns the city in just a beautiful winter wonderland. I must admit I would like to see it at Christmas time. My friends all say it’s the best time to visit!