You will want to add Cologne Germany to your bucket list of travel. It is a must-see destination for anyone looking to experience Europe.
This beautiful historic city has something to offer everyone. Whether you want to experience its rich history, enjoy stunning views, or delight in some delicious cuisine, Cologne, Germany might be for you.
Cologne sits right on the banks of the River Rhine, which is why, taking a river cruise is one of the best ways to experience this historic city.
On your Rhine getaway cruise, you will have the opportunity to visit, not just Cologne Germany but also some other great cities and countries.
Brief History Of Cologne Germany.
Many words can describe Cologne Germany, but in just a few words, this City can be described as a mix of ancient and modern. It is a blend of colorful, and friendly with a mix of Gothic mainly because of the famous Cologne Cathedral.
Cologne Germany was founded by the Romans in 50AD. During that time, the city was ideal for trade because it was situated along the river Rhine.
It was well known as Colonia Claudia Ara Agrippinensium, back then. In the Middle Ages, the Cologne Cathedral was built and it still stands strong today, 700+ years later.
The fascinating thing about this beautiful city is that it is a symbol of great resilience.
After it was destroyed during World War 2, it was rebuilt and it has grown into the vibrant and bustling city that it is today.
What Makes This Beautiful City So Unique, and Is It Worth Visiting?
- The city is a fusion of architectural styles, from Roman influences and modern style architecture.
- It holds different cultural events and festivals. There are usually a lot of events that take place in the city, and they are very close to each other, so you don't have to go far to enjoy them. You can find festivals, exhibitions, and many other events when you visit Cologne Germany. A great example is the famous Cologne Carnival.
- You can also enjoy diverse shopping options on your next visit to Cologne Germany.
- Transport in Cologne is super easy with buses, trams and trains.
- Most of the locals in Germany speak English.
- Cologne Germany is considered generally safe for tourists, but always remember to keep a close eye on your belongings.
- There is so much to see and do in Cologne, e.g. The Cologne Cathedral, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-visit landmark.
Things To See And Do In Cologne Germany.
One of the best ways to experience Cologne is by taking a river cruise along the Rhine. That way you will spend most of your time relaxing and not think about your next step.
It is also safe and convenient with your meals included and some amazing cruise lines offer all-inclusive fares with excursions.
Some of the things you will Want to experience during your shore excursions in Cologne Germany are:
Visit The Famous Landmark, The Cologne Cathedral.
Cologne, Germany, is a city with a lot of history and cool stuff to see.
One really famous thing is the Cologne Cathedral – it's this amazing old building that looks super cool with lots of details. You can climb up to the roof, but it's a bit of a workout with 509 steps.
Once you make it to the top, though, you get this awesome view of the whole city. You can see the River Rhine, the Hohenzollern Bridge, and the Museum Ludwig.
The roof of the cathedral is not just for the view. It's also covered in fancy stone designs and carvings that are impressive. And there are these cool statues called gargoyles that have been up there for ages, looking over the city.
Whether you like history, and buildings, or just want to see a great view, going up to the roof of the Cologne Cathedral is something you should do if you're in Cologne. It's a chance to see all the cool things and learn about the history of this awesome city.
Brief History Of The Gothic Cologne Cathedral.
Archbishop Rainald von Dassel brought the relics of the biblical three wise men from Milan, Italy, to Cologne in the 12th century, around the year 1164.
The relics were intended to be housed in a magnificent place of worship, which eventually led to the construction of the Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom).
It was completed in 1880 after the project was halted for a very long time. The structure is enormous, built over 700 years ago, to worship the bones of the three wise men.
The architecture is a blend of Roman and French. This cathedral, among other cathedrals in Germany, stands as a testament to before the 16th century when humanity focused on the heavenly.
This cathedral miraculously survived the bombings of World War 2, and it stands today as a sign of the resilience of this beautiful city Cologne Germany.
Experience Cologne's Beer Culture.
Cologne, Germany, is really famous for its tasty beer, and this tradition goes way back to a long time ago.
The city has lots of special breweries, and each one has its kind of beer with a unique taste. Whether you like a light and refreshing Kölsch or a darker, maltier Alt, you'll find a beer you like.
If you want to get the full experience of Cologne's beer scene, you should check out the brewpubs in the city.
These places are cozy and have a cool vibe with wooden tables and dim lights. Plus, they have lots of different kinds of beer. Many of these places also serve classic German food which goes perfectly with your beer for dinner.
All in all, Cologne's beer culture is something special and unforgettable, especially if you love good beer and good food.
Fragrance Museum In Cologne Germany.
Cologne, Germany, is a really old city, and one of the coolest places there is the oldest perfume house in the world, called Farina gegenüber. A man named Giovanni Maria Farina started it in 1709, and they've been making amazing smells for more than 300 years.
When you go to Farina gegenüber, it feels like you're going back in time. The store is in a really pretty old building on a famous street called Obenmarspforten. Inside, they made everything look just like it did in the 18th century.
When you visit Farina gegenüber, you can take a tour to see how they've been making perfume for a really long time. You can learn about the old ways they used to make these awesome smells. And if you want, you can buy a bottle of their special perfume called Eau de Cologne.
Going to Farina gegenüber is a must if you like the history of perfume and how they make these incredible smells. It's not just interesting; it's also fun, and the smells you find there will stay with you forever.
Enjoy A Bike Ride Like The Locals.
Cologne, Germany, is awesome for bike rides! The city has nice paths for bikes, and it's really flat, so it's easy to pedal around. Riding a bike in Cologne is not only super fun and good for your health, but it's also good for the environment.
A cool bike adventure is along the Rhine River. You'll see the river and the city from the bike path, and you can stop to check out famous places like the Cologne Cathedral or the Hohenzollern Bridge.
Cologne Germany is also known for street art. You can enjoy different public art forms, together with your guide, which have different messages.
Take A Glimpse Of Cologne's Old Town.
Walk through Cologne's old town and see colorful houses by the Rhine River, close to the big cathedral.
The streets are made of bumpy stones, and the paths twist and turn. Imagine how Cologne looked a long time ago in the Middle Ages.
Even though many buildings were built again, you can still feel the old-time feeling. The old town has cool stuff like restaurants, pubs, and places where they make beer.
There are also spots where people dig up old things, showing us history. You'll find the Farina fragrance museum, the world's oldest perfume place, and other museums. There's a lot to enjoy here!
Have A Merry Christmas In Cologne Germany.
The Cologne Christmas Market is a super special holiday place near the big Cologne Cathedral. It's one of Germany's oldest and most famous Christmas markets.
The air smells like yummy gingerbread, chestnuts, and warm spiced wine. There are lots of stalls with more than 150 wooden houses, all lit up with twinkling lights.
You can buy cool handmade decorations and gifts for Christmas. There's singing too, with people singing happy songs. And, oh, the food is so good! Try tasty bratwurst, almonds, pastries, and gingerbread cookies. Don't forget the special warm spiced wine!
This market is not just for shopping and eating; it's also super fun! There are shows, rides, and things for kids, like meeting Santa and riding a merry-go-round.
The best part is the huge Christmas Tree with lots of lights in front of the big cathedral. It's a must-visit place that brings everyone together to celebrate the happy holiday season.
If you want to feel the Christmas magic, go and enjoy the festive decorations, yummy food, and all the fun at the Cologne Christmas Market!
Visit The Chocolate Museum.
The Chocolate Museum in Cologne, Germany is a must-visit destination for all chocolate lovers. The museum showcases the history and production of chocolate, from the cocoa bean to the final product.
Visitors can explore the museum's interactive exhibits, watch chocolate being made in the mini-factory, and even taste-test different varieties of chocolate.
The Chocolate Museum in Cologne is a fun and educational experience for all ages.
Conclusion.
Taking a river cruise along the Rhine River is so much fun, and you can make it even more awesome by trying out the shore excursions we talked about in this article.
Exploring the cool places along the river adds extra excitement to your adventure. So, next time you're on a Rhine River cruise, don't forget to check out these awesome things on land for a truly exhilarating experience!