Things To Do in Cologne
Cologne Cathedral
When you think of wow moments, this building is right at the top of the list. Wherever you go in Cologne, the twin spires are a sight that is almost impossible to escape. At 157 m in height, the cathedral is the tallest twin-spired church in the world. The sheer enormity of the cathedral can only truly be appreciated when you are standing in front of the entrance doors. Taking over 600 years to build and surviving 14 direct hits during the allied bombing of the city in WWII, the Kölner Dom is certainly an experience.
Museums/Memorials
German Sports and Olympic Museum
If sport is your thing, then this is the place for you. The museum is housed in a building on the Rhine dating back to 1896. On entering, you will be taken through a sporting experience from the ancient Greeks through to the present day. The museum exhibits on the Olympics, especially 1936-1972, & history of national & international sport. If you can force your way past the Lindt Museum, you’ll find the site contains a range of interesting exhibits.
Remains of the Romans
Littered throughout the city are reminders of the Roman civilisation that helped to establish the city. Be it doors, walls or the remaining elements of protective gates, the reminders of the past are very much evident in the streets of Cologne. The Römerbrunnen is a fountain built in the 20th century with Romanesque friezes that very much keeps the link to ancient times alive.
Victims of National Socialism
As in all cities throughout Germany, memorials exist to the victims of the National Socialism. The most prominent memorial is the NS Documentation Centre which can be found at the former headquarters of the Gestapo in Cologne. Other reminders such as the Gertrude Stein memorial, Stolpersteine’s and the Remembrance Trail are constant reminders of the terror that Germany was subjected to from 1933-45.
For more on the Documentation Centre, access the German Memorial page (see the link)
The Cologne Triangle
If you are like me, when you visit a city you are are always on the lookout for the best vantage point. In Bruges the bell tower, Paris the Arc de Triomphe and in Cologne, it’s the Köln Triangle. Found on the opposite side of the Rhine River to the Cathedral, the building will provide you with panoramic views that are unrivalled in the city. The day I was there it was a little on the chilly side (mind you it was early January) so remember to wear something warm if you are visiting over Xmas time. Check the link for details relating to the site, the view is definitely worth it.
Other sites to visit
- COLOGNE CHOCOLATE MUSEUM – It doesn’t take much encouragement to head on down to this museum. Click on the link and when you stopped salivating, allow your eyes to feast on what the museum serves up.
- ROMANO-GERMANIC MUSEUM – The collections are drawn from the archaeological heritage of the city from the prehistory period through to the middle ages.
- MUSEUM LUDWIG – Modern art musuem which includes works from a variety of artists across a range of styles including Pop Art, Abstract and Surrealism. The site houses one of the largest Picasso collections in Europe.as well as works from Warhol & Lichtenstein.
Cologne Xmas Markets
If you visit Cologne during December or even in January, the Xmas markets are a great way to spend a late afternoon or early evening. The smell of Glühwein or sausages cooking over a fire is something that brings a smile to even the gloomiest of faces. There is nothing quite like melted raclette cheese being scrapped onto fresh bread to test out Pavlov’s theory. Your first visit to a German Xmas market is an experience that makes total sense of what Bing Crosby was singing about all those years ago.
