Cologne

Trip preparation

Cologne is located in North Rhine-Westphalia. With a population of almost one million inhabitants, it is the fourth largest city in Germany. It is the largest city in the federal state of North Rhine-Westphalia. The city is particularly famous for the Hohen Dom zu Köln and its carnival. Colonge is divided into 9 municipalities.

Traditions and Culture

As an economic and cultural metropolis, Cologne plays an important role internationally and is a leading city in international trade, including the works of art. Cologne is characterized by its Carnival, and so it's a city with that special atmosphere. The inhabitants are proud of their city, their language and beer (Kölsch). The Colonge people are calm and tolerant. The Rhine River separates the city into two parts. The left side is the old town and from the viewpoint of the colonists the true side and the right side is known as the wrong side ("Sick Schäl" in the dialect of Cologne). Therefore, most attractions are located to the left of the river Rhine

Religion

Most inhabitants are Roman Catholic. The rest are Protestants, Muslims and followers of other religions.

By bus

The largest train station in Cologne is the central station, it is located in the city center just a few meters from the Cathedral. Below the main train station is also the metro station. In addition, Cologne has an international bus station, which is located at the "Breslauer Platz". The Euroline bus lines reported this season: From the old town of Cologne you can take a ferry leaving Deutz near Cologne Cathedral and Messe / Rheinpark.

By plane

Cologne has an international airport Cologne / Bonn. It is well connected by fast trains (S-Bahn in German) and regional express trains from the central train station and the Cologne train station Colonia-Messe/Deutz. From both train stations have links to the tram lines and metro. Thanks to good communication with ICE trains, you can also easily reach Frankfurt Airport and Airport Düsseldorf. Via the A59 Autobahn you can reach the Cologne airport by car.

Sights

In Cologne, there are many places of interest that should be seen. First: the Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom), which is easily accessible from the main train station. Admission is free, however, when paying additional expenditures you have access to one of the two towers where you can enjoy a wonderful view of the city of Cologne. The comfortable and traditional bars in Cologne around the "Alter Markt" and "Heumarkt" and breweries contribute to the atmosphere of Cologne. The beer you drink in Cologne is called Kölsch. Apart of the Cologne Cathedral, there are other churches that are worth visiting, such as the Romanesque church of Santa Maria del Capitolio. The largest and most famous museums in Cologne are: "Römisch-Germanisches Museum (Roman-Germanic Museum) which is located right next to the Cathedral. The "Museum Ludwig" with a wide selection of twentieth century art and contemporary art The "Imhoff-Schokoladenmuseum" (chocolate museum) where you can get an idea of the history of chocolate and its methods of production. One of the biggest parks in Cologne is the "Rheinpark." The viewpoint from the 'Cologne Triangle' probably has the most wonderful view of the old town of Cologne and the Cathedral. This viewpoint was opened in 2006. In addition, visiting the zoo in Cologne is also recommended. The zoo was built in 1860; the third oldest zoo in Germany. He was also named the most beautiful zoo in Germany in 2004. You can also take guided tours of Cologne.

Events

The "Kölner Karneval" is one of the largest and most popular carnivals in Germany. People dress up, sing and dance. Cologne Carnival takes place from Thursday until Tuesday in February. Shrove Monday (Rosenmontag) takes place with a big parade.

Food

Worth visiting, are one of the Kölsch breweries, for example, "Früh am Dom", the "Malzmühle" or the "Gaffel-Haus." A typical dish from the region of North Rhine-Westphalia is "Himmel un Aad" (meaning "heaven and earth"), which is mashed potatoes and apple sauce often served with sausages such as Blutwurst (blood sausage), bacon and fried onions. Another dish is "Halver Hahn", a bun made of rye flour, served with cheese.