Cologne Things to Do Tips by stiab3

River Boat Cruise

We took a roundtrip boat cruise on the Rhine. It laste about an hour and a half.

It was a great litlle trip but it was a bit cold and windy on the deck. But we had a cup of coffee in the bar and we were alright.

You can take other cruises on the Rhine . . . even go to Bonn for a day or something.

Neumarkt Christmas Markets Review

The Neumarkt, or 'new-market' has actually been there since the middle ages, and was originally where weapons and livestock were sold. There is a legend that once it was a meeting ground for witches, and in later years it was a place of high society, but it has always been a place where many people have gathered.

Now it's full of food and drinks stalls and other stalls selling everything from model taxis, to flowers and headstones for graves.

Heinzelmännchenbrunnen

An old legend of Cologne says: `Cologners never have to work. Whatever it is that they have to do, it is done quietly and secretly during the night by the "Heinzel- männchen". A secret until one day, when a curious taylor´s wife scattered peas on the stairs, making the "Heinzel-männchen" fall, so that she could see them the next morning. As you can imagine, after this the "Heinzelmännchen" stopped their secret job and the Cologners had to do their work themselves from this day on.

Sculpture Park Parks and Gardens Review

This small area close to the Cologne zoo contains a beautiful collection of modern sculpture. It is definately worth a visit, not only because it is free! Enter the park from "An der Schanz".

The photo is of my favourite sculpture in the park. It's not the most aesthetically pleasing but it's useful in a thunder storm.

Gothic Cathedral Cologne Cathedral/ Kölner Dom Review

You can't not mention the Dom Cathedral. It's the most famous landmark of the city and it's most recognised symbol.

Begun in 1248 and completed in 1880, Cologne Cathedral is a celebration of the finest aspects of Gothic architecture, with its intricate detail and elaborate decoration. Although Romanesque architecture was more in vogue in the rest of Germany at the time, the Gothic style was chosen to reflect the importance of Cologne’s status as a major centre of the Holy Roman Empire.

Its twin towers stand 157m (515ft) above the city, on the left bank of the Rhine, and made the cathedral the tallest structure in the world until the Eiffel Tower was built in 1889.

The interior is equally impressive, with 14th-century stained glass, a resplendent choir, and a large gold shrine, considered a masterpiece of medieval goldwork.

Remarkably the cathedral survived a total of 14 bomb raids during World War II and today visitors can climb the tower for superb views over Cologne and the Rhineland.

City Gates and Walls City gates and walls Review

One of the walking tours I went on seemed to focus quite a deal on the various city gates and walls. This tour can be done quite easily in half a day.

These gates and walls include-: Bayen-tower, Bottmühle, Severins-gate, Ulrepforte / Kartäuserwall, Gereonsmühlentower, and Eigelsteingate.

Hohenzollernbridge Bridges of Cologne Review

As early as 1859, Cologne had a fixed bridge. The bridge as you now see it was built between 1907 and 1911 and rebuilt after WWII when it was completely destroyed. On each side you will find on the left and right, statues of Friedrich Wilhelm IV., Wilhelm I (on the Deutz side) and Friedrich III. and Wilhelm II (on the centre side).

It's nice to walk across this bridge by foot. There is also a strange sculpture of a stick man.

Beautiful churches Churches Review

Cologne has many beautiful churches. To see them all I recommend you do one of the walking tours. You can get brochures from the tourist information.

The oldest church in Cologne is Sankt Maria im Kapitol; it was consecrated in 1065. Other important churches in the city are those of Sankt Gereon (pictured - begun 11th century), Sankt Kunibert (13th century), and the Jesuits' Church (17th century). Also worth mentioning are Gross St. Martin, St. Pantaleon and of course the Cathedral!

Bastei Alte Bastei Review

This former bastion is now a restaurant with a nice view over the river Rhine.

Unfortunately, it is now closed. I took the photo as I went past it on a river boat cruise. But I also included it on one of the walking tours I took.

4711 Eau de Cologne 4711 House Review

If you've ever heard about Eau de Cologne, here is its' origin. The most famous brand got its name when one of Napoleon's soldier was ordered to count every house (this was number 4711) during Napoleon's occupation of Cologne.

So if you need a gift for your mother get a small bottle of this refreshing perfume which is sold in the shop (as are other brands).

Enjoy the Glockenspiel (above the shop) with characters of Napoleon´s soldiers appearing hourly.