Cologne (Köln - Kölle) Vacations, Germany

Cologne is the oldest city of Germany dating back to the times of the Romans and even got its name, Colonia, from them since it was a colony of Rome in 50 A.D. The Romans also brought christianity to Cologne and had been a residence to several bishops. Nowadays, you can still find some remains of Roman fortifications, churches and buildings all over the city like the Roman North Gate, the City Hall, the Roman tower and the City Gates. Though populated by several Roman churches like the Great St. Martin and St. Gereon churches, Cologne is more famous for its landmark, the Cathedral of Cologne, world heritage site since 1998. The gothic Cathedral was built in 1248 and finally completed in 1880. It houses the Relics of the Magi since the 13th century that made the city one of the famous pilgrim destinations.

Cologne's old town, though destroyed during the war, is something worth to visit for its old and colorful houses, historical buildings and churches and narrow streets which give one the perfect nostalgia of the old Cologne. But not only that, most old houses or buildings have been used nowadays as restaurants, hotels and bars so you can roam around your way not getting hungry or thirsty. Especially, not thirsty because Cologne has its Koelsch - the Cologne beer. So for beer lovers, have fun!

There are so many things you can do in Cologne. Since it is the center of art in the country, you can visit several museums to your liking. A roundtrip boat tour on the Rhine is also something not to miss. Or a ride on the Rheinseilbahn, a hanging cable cars going across the river giving you an opportunity to see the beautiful panorama of Cologne from the top. There are also trolleys which are trying to look like trains bringing you to the Cologne Zoo or the Chocolate Museum. Though the zoo is not that far from the cathedral's area, it's a very nice experience especially for the children to have this ride. You can normally find these trolleys in front of the southern transept of the cathedral called Roncalliplatz.

Adjacent to the zoo are the Flora and the Botanical Garden. These beautifully landscaped gardens are homes to different species of plants, trees, flowers from different continents. Perfect time to visit is during spring, the color is just so beautiful. Another green area in Cologne is the Rheinpark. From the city center, you cross the river and walk to the left side of the bank. The park is well maintained, very clean and is perfect for family picnic. It even has a playground for kids so even the little ones won't get bored. Close to the park is the Tanzbrunnen, it's a fountain with a dancing area in the center thus the name Tanzbrunnen, fountain for dancing. This is used as an open-air stage and event hall for concerts.

Shopping in Cologne is something you don't want to miss. The Hohe Strasse is the most famous street for shopping in the region and probably in the whole country. This is always full of shoppers no matter what the weather is. But there are also malls, shopping arcades and promenades if you don't want to be outside all the time. Don't forget to get yourself the famous souvenir, the Koelnischwasser - the original Eau-de-Cologne. Its formula has been produced in the place since 1709 and used by legendary people like Napoleon. Aside from the regular shopping, Cologne is also famous for the Christmas Markets. People tour here during cold season just for these markets. You'll have an array of choices, from decorations to delicacies, plus a taste of gluehwein, a warm wine normally served in christmas mugs, to keep you warm.

Annual famous events in Cologne would include the Carnival - a very festive and colorful celebration which is normally held in February. Main highlight is the parade, people and even celebrities in colorful costumes and floats. Another famous event is the Koelner Lichter - Cologne Lights, a spectacular show of fireworks on the Rhine. This event is attracting up to more than 1 million visitors per year. Koelner Lichter is normally in summer, often in July.

So if you're planning to visit Cologne, it's ideal of course to visit in summer when you have more probability of having a nice weather. Have fun and enjoy your visit!

About the Author:

Manfred Richter

View Cologne Picture Gallery at Capturedplaces.com.

Top Attractions in Cologne

Author: Gagan Makin

The Cologne Gothic Cathedral which has been given the status of UNESCO world heritage site took over 600 years to build and is a chief attraction for tourists to this city. Tourists can view the treasures placed in the historic vaulted chamber. Most tourists prefer to get a good view of Cologne by climbing the 509 steps to the observation platform. While in Cologne Germany, you can also visit the house of 4711, the Original Eau-de-Cologne. Another chief Cologne tourist attraction is Glockengasse, located in the city centre, just opposite the opera house.

Tourists are generally happy to have a drink of beer at a pub in the Altstadt (old town). The local beer called ‘Kolcsh’ is a pale fermented beer that has been brewed in the Cologne Metropolitan area. An attraction worth a look is the Roman-German Museum. Here you can see some Roman antiquities belonging to the first through to the fourth century. Most visitors to the museum are quite fascinated by the 230 foot long mosaic showing Dionysus, the Roman God of wine.

The Cologne Carnival is famous world wide for its colorful, joyous celebration and attracts nearly one million visitors. Known as The Three Mad Days it marks the end and climax of Cologne Carnival. Merrymaking begins on the streets at Alter Markt on the preceding Thursday before the beginning of Lent. Huge processions pass through the streets the next Sunday, watched by thousands of people. The main highlight is on Monday known as the Rose Monday (Rosenmontag). This is the day of the big Carnival procession with the three chief Carnival figures – Prince, Peasant and Maiden.

About the Author:

Gagan Makin

http://www.stayresgermany.com/cologne-cities.html

http://www.stayresgermany.com/cologne-hotels.html

Things To Do and See in Cologne

Cologne Cathedral (Dom), Cologne
This giant Gothic cathedral, which until its completion in 1880 had been

under construction for over 500 years, is perhaps Germany's most famous

religious structure and includes two huge towers that serve as the defining

symbol of Cologne's skyline.
Attraction type: Architectural building; Religious site; Historic site

Imhoff-Stollwerck Museum (Chocolate Museum), Cologne
Located above the city's famous chocolate factory, this museum includes a

diverse collection of chocolate art creations and chocolate-wrapper artwork.
Attraction type: Specialty museum

Museum Ludwig, Cologne
This art museum houses a diverse collection that includes everything from

Dali to Warhol to one of the world's largest Picasso collections.
Attraction type: Art museum

Museum of Applied Art

(Museum fur Angewandte Kunst), Cologne
Attraction type: Art museum

Wallraf-Richartz Museum, Cologne
This impressive museum houses artwork covering every genre from the

13th century through the 19th century.
Attraction type: Art museum