Cologne Dom (Cathedral) (c) Michael T. Schumacher

Key Points about Cologne
Cologne's tourist highlights are conveniently located within blocks of the main train station.

Much of Cologne's city center was destroyed during World War II. Reconstruction was not entirely kind, and the city today features modern monoliths without much character. However, the city maintains an impressively rebuilt Altstadt with pedestrian zones and a thriving shopping area. Besides the old town center, key sights include the Dom (Cathedral), some Roman ruins, the Hohestrasse shopping district, the Rathaus (City Hall), and several museums discussed below. 

Cologne, as a large metropolis, has many amenities that you might want to enjoy, such as an opera house, philharmonic, art galleries, and other cultural facilities. It also has outstanding public transportation networks and plenty of overnight accommodations. Check with the tourist office for details. 

Cologne residents speak Plattdeutsch, aka Kölsch, so don't be surprised if your German seems to sound foreign to the locals.

Rhinelanders consider themselves the friendliest Germans, and Cologne residents believe their city has more and better beers than Munich and none of the surly wait staff. Judge for yourself!

Cologne: A Short History
The Romans founded Colonia in 33 BC, and it soon became a thriving trading destination. By the 5th century AD, the Roman Empire had collapsed and the German tribe of the Franks took over the city. In the Middle Ages, Cologne grew to become an archbishopric and the largest city in Germany, boasting over 150 churches, including the Dom (Cathedral). A medieval wall once surrounded the city, now replaced by a semi-ring boulevard, although you can still see several remaining city gates. Severe bombing during World War II decimated the population from 800,000 to 40,000. Today, city residents number over 1 million. 

Cologne is a busy industrial center with ancient roots (c) Michael T. Schumacher

Main Sights

Dom. The Dom is Cologne's best known landmark, with two spires visible from around the city. No matter how you travel to Cologne, by ship, car, or train, you'll see the Dom impressively rising above the city's roofs. Construction began in 1248 and continued until the 1500s. Then, no work was done for 300 years until 1842. Construction was completed in 1880, and today it is known as one of Europe's top Gothic cathedrals.  

Conveniently located by the main train station, you can visit the Dom with a one-hour English language guided tour. The enormous vaulted nave is stunning with its stained glass windows. 

 

Stained glass windows of the Cologne Cathedral (c) Michael T. Schumacher

In the north-west corner of the Cathedral Square is a Roman gate, from 50 AD. A Roman temple once stood in the Cathedral's spot. 

Römisch-Germanisches Museum. This museum was built around a beautiful Roman mosaic showing the life of Dionysus. You can see it from a window outside the museum. Unfortunately, the museum has no English information, but it contains some of Germany's best Roman exhibits. 

Rathaus. The city hall in Alter Markt (Old Square) dates from 1330 but has a tower from the 15th century and a Renaissance facade from the 16th century. In the basement, you can see an excavation of the Praetorium, the residence of the Roman governor. 

Hohestrasse. This main shopping street that you can access from the Cathedral Square has been attracting shoppers for centuries.

Alter Markt. The Old Market Square is south of the Dom. Here you can see the homes of medieval merchants. 

Rhine River View. Head east toward the Rhine River, and cross the Hohenzollernbrücke (Hohenzollern Bridge) for a wonderful panoramic view of the old city center and all the church towers. 

Medieval Gates. On the boundaries of the old city center are three remaining gates from the Middle Ages. They are Eigelsteintor on the north side, Hahnentor on the west, and Severintor on the south. 

Major Events 

Karneval. Cologne is best known for its Carnival (Karneval), the city-wide festival that starts officially on November 11 at 11:11 am in the Alter Markt (Old Market) and ends only on Ash Wednesday. The Monday before Ash Wednesday is known as Rosenmontag, and is especially frenetic, marked by a parade of floats, people in outrageous costumes, giant puppets, thousands of revelers, and lots of music and boozing. 

Kristkindlmarkt. Cologne actually has four Christmas market locations: Dom square, Old Market, New Market, and Rudolfsplatz. They begin the last week of November. Enjoy warm spiced wine (Glühwein) and buy Christmas ornaments, crafts or tasty candy apples. 

Musikfest am Ring. You and two million of your closest friends can take part in a large open-air music festival in the pedestrian zones of the Altstadt. The festival takes place in August. 

Christopher Street Day. This is an international festival for lesbians, gays, and transvestites, typically occurring in July. Over 500,000 people come to this parade and street party.

Regional Specialties 
While you are in Cologne, sample some of the many Kölsch beers, which are light, top-fermented beers typically served in the small glasses that drive other guzzling Germans crazy. 

Also try Rheinisch Sauerbraten, a marinated roast beef, or Rievkooche, which are potato pancakes. Kölscher Kaviar is a black pudding with raw onions, and the strangely named Halver Hahn (half a chicken) is really rye bread with cheese and mustard.

Eau de Cologne originated here. In the early 1700s, an Italian chemist used blossoms to produce scented water, known locally as Kölnisch Wasser.

Staying Overnight
Cologne has many places for overnight accommodations that are located near the train station and city center. With over 230 facilities, from guest houses to top international hotels, you'll find a room to fit your budget. Be aware that Cologne attracts many conventions, so find out early what the room situation will be when you arrive.

Tourist Information
For sightseeing, dining, and accommodations information, visit the Web site of the Cologne Tourist Office. The Tourist Information office is conveniently located near the main train station and the Cathedral entrance.

Click here for a map of the Cologne public transportation map.

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