Cologne
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Introduction
Cologne (Köln in German), built along the Rhein river, is Germany's 4th largest city with a population of approximately 1 million. Famous for the Cologne Cathedral and other historic monuments and sights, you might be led into believing there isn't more to the city than "old". You would be wrong. Cologne is known, yes renowned even, for it's lively nightlife. Germany's party city and "gay capital" has plenty of pubs, cafés and restaurants to attract younger travellers every year. Especially in the midst of one of Cologne's famous carnival celebrations, the city comes alive and this is a perfect time to visit.
Neighbourhoods
Cologne is split in half by the Rhein river. The left or West side is known to locals as Links-Rhein (left Rhein) and was where the city was originally founded by the Romans. It's also today's centre and densely populated. It's built up in rings surrounding the Old City (Altstadt).
The right side (Rechts-Rhein) does not have a centre and Cologners often refer to it as the "wrong side" (Schäl Sick).
Sights and Activities
Cathedral
The Cathedral of Colgone (in German der Kölner Dom) is a gothic building of which the build was started in 1248, and finished in the 1880, when the build of the towers was completed. The two towers of the Cathedral have a height of 157 meter. (the North tower is 7 centimeters higher than the South tower). Until 1883, so only very briefly, it was the highest manmade building on the planet. In the second World War the cathedral was hit and damaged by bombs, but most of the church survived, mainly because the towers were an orientation point by the pilots flying over this part of Germany
The main part of the building is 144 meter, and 43,5 meter high hall. The plan of the cathedral is shaped like a cross, which is common in gothic churches. Inside the Cathedral there many chapels, graves, relics, treasures and works of art to be found. Also pay attention to the decorated colorful windows.
Entrance to the cathedral is free, but if you want to climb the 509 stairs to the top of the Northtower you have to pay a small fee. Climbing the tower takes a while, but the great view of the city is worth the effort. The cathedral can be found across the square from the trainstation, so even if you pass Cologne it is worth to get out in Cologne, visit the cathedral and continue your journey.
Rhine by boat
Take a boat trip down the Rhine. You can go as far as Strasbourg, France, but the most scenic part of this route is between St. Goar and Rudesheim.
The Chocolate Museum
The Chocolate Museum is well worth a visit. You can read about the history of cocoa, how chocolate is produced, and watch it being made. You can even sample some newly made chocolate as it is still made on the premises. It's by the river; allow a couple of hours to look around.
Events and Festivals
- Cologne (Winter) Carnival - Cologne turns into a huge street party each February.
- Christopher Street Day - an international festival for lesbians, gays and transvestites
- Christmas Market
Weather
Similar to most of western Europe, the hottest time to visit Cologne is in it's summer, July usually being the hottest month. There is rarely snow in Cologne, but February is generally the coldest month of the year. On average June has the highest rainfall.
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This is version 7. Last edited at 6:10 on May 15, 08 by GeoBot (+56). 6 articles link to this page.
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