The cathedral city of Cologne
From historic landmarks to Christmas markets and a colourful carnival, Brenda Watkinson discovers the group appeal of this German city.
Famous for its magnificent twin-spired cathedral, the city of Cologne is Germany’s fourth largest city after Berlin, Hamburg and Munich. It is located in the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia, along the River Rhine between Dusseldorf and Bonn. With its varied cultural attractions, Cologne makes a popular group destination throughout the year.
A religious slant
Cologne’s Cathedral is at the heart of the city. Dominating the skyline, the cathedral’s two spires tower 157 metres high each, making the cathedral the second highest building in Cologne after the telecommunications tower. The Cathedral has been the city’s most famous landmark for centuries and is one of Germany’s major attractions. It took over 632 years to build and survived the Second World War in spite of extensive bombing, although it was badly damaged. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In 2000, the Cathedral’s treasures were placed in the Treasure Chamber, a historic vaulted chamber at the site. Guided tours of both the Cathedral and the Treasure Chamber can be arranged.
For energetic groups, it is possible to climb to a viewing platform on the Cathedral’s south tower for panoramic views across the city and the River Rhine. However, there are 509 steps to the top, so it is imperative that your members are fit enough to undertake this climb. There is a small admission charge with discounts for groups of 10 or more.
With around 250 churches, Cologne is probably the city with the highest density of churches north of the Alps. There are 165 Catholic and 82 Evangelical churches as well as numerous places of worship for other faiths. Of particular interest, 12 Romanesque churches are located within the boundaries of the mediaeval city wall and are ranked among the most important in Western Europe. They are the churches of Groß St. Martin, St. Maria Lyskirchen, St. Severin, St. Kunibert, St. Gereon, St. Pantaleon, St. Maria im Kapitol, St. Aposteln, St. Andreas, St. Ursula, St. Cäcilia and St. Georg. The churches were more or less destroyed during the Second World War but are now fully restored to their original glory. Guided tours of the Romanesque churches can be arranged throughout the year.
Cultural callings
Cologne boasts a vibrant art scene with 36 museums and over 100 galleries. They are extremely varied, so you should have no difficulty finding one to interest your group. All the museums have special exhibitions alongside their permanent collections. Guided tours can usually be organised by prior arrangement and group discounts are normally available. It should be noted that most museums in Cologne are closed to the general public on Mondays.
To discover the history of Cologne from the Middle Ages to the present day, the City Museum of Cologne provides an insight into the political history of the city, its economy and its religious life. It also highlights special features of Cologne such as the famous ‘Eau-de-Cologne’ and the Cologne Carnival. With more than 5,000 exhibits including a large-scale model of the city and many precious objects spanning its thirteen centuries, this is an important collection.
To learn more about the original Eau-de-Cologne, a visit to the Fragrance Museum in the Farina Haus will reveal how this scent called Aqua Mirabilis was created by perfumer Johann Maria Farina in 1709. It became known as Eau-de-Cologne and gave the city its worldwide renown as a perfume centre as early as the 18th century.
Meanwhile, the Cologne Carnival Museum offers a comprehensive insight into the different facets of carnival in the Rhineland, as well as looking at stage entertainers, carnival music and alternative forms of carnival, reflecting the different aspects of carnival culture in Cologne. Open to the general public on Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays, the museum will open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays for groups on request.
At the Roman-Germanic Museum, visitors travel back in time to experience the Roman town of Colonia Claudia Ara Agrippinensium, as Cologne was then known. Archeological discoveries from prehistoric times to the early Middle Ages show how people lived in Cologne during these ancient times. The museum is particularly proud of having the largest collection of Roman drinking glasses in the world and an outstanding collection of Roman and early medieval jewellery.
For groups with a sweet tooth, the Chocolate Museum takes visitors on a journey through 3,000 years of chocolate from the cultivation of raw materials in the tropics to the complex process of chocolate making. The highlight is the chocolate fountain, where visitors can sample chocolate produced on the site. As well as guided tours, chocolate workshops can be arranged. Discounts on admission apply to groups of 15 people or more.
For sports lovers, the German Sport and Olympia Museum looks at many different sports including football, one of the most popular sports in Germany. Other sports such as boxing and winter sports can be experienced first hand by donning boxing gloves in the ring or the simulated steering of a four man bob while a wind tunnel creates the speed of a cyclist taking part in the Tour de France. Discounts apply to groups of 12 or more.
Displaying art from the beginning of the 13th century to the early 20th century, the Wallraf-Richartz Museum & Fondation Corboud also boasts Germany’s most comprehensive collection of Impressionist and Neo-impressionist paintings while the Museum Ludwig features a vast Picasso collection comprising 180 original works and 730 prints along with the largest collection of Pop Art outside the United States of America.
More to do around Cologne
Cologne is known as a ‘green city’, with more than a quarter of the city consisting of ‘green’ areas. Even in the heart of the city, there are many parks situated along the banks of the River Rhine in the Old Town. This is a popular area to relax and escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
There are several other ways to sample life in Cologne. With almost 7,000 animals, Cologne Zoo is well worth visiting. Founded in 1860, the Zoo has developed over the years from a small menagerie into a large wildlife reserve. Its internationally renowned Elephant Park opened in 2000, providing a new habitat for up to 20 elephants. Discounts apply to groups of 15 or more.
Next to the Zoo, the Flora and Botanical Gardens display both domestic and exotic plants while the Sculpture Park displays 30 pieces of art by both German and international artists, which are changed every two years.
One of the best ways for your group to relax in Cologne is to organise a boat trip along the River Rhine. There are lots of day trips and longer excursions offered by a number of operators. It is even possible to cruise from Cologne all the way to Strasbourg in France, with the most scenic part of the route from St. Goar to Rudesheim.
Another option is to arrange a visit to one of the many brew houses in the Old Town of Cologne. Here, you will be able to sample Cologne’s own beer called Kolsch, a pale top fermented beer that can only be brewed in the Cologne metropolitan area. Served in long, cylindrical glasses, this special brew is continuously served by a ‘Kobes’ – a Kolsch waiter.
For a taste of American culture, groups can head to the Hard Rock Cafe Cologne, where pre-booked ‘Rock ‘n’ Roll Memorabilia Tours’ are available. Here, visitors can view items from the Cafe’s extensive collection of memorabilia such as a guitar owned by Eric Clapton, a gold bustier worn by Madonna on stage and a t-shirt worn and signed by Elvis Presley. Groups can also pre-book meal packages.
Theme park lovers, meanwhile, should head out of the city and travel to Phantasialand in Bruhl, just 15 kilometres south of Cologne. Divided into six themed areas, the majority of rides are located indoors, which makes the park a good all-weather attraction. Highlights include the Mystery Castle, a free fall ride inside a castle tower, and Temple of the Night Hawk, a one mile roller coaster in the dark. As well as rides, the park is also popular for its shows and daily parade. Discounts apply to pre-booked groups of 15 or more.
Also in Bruhl, another popular attraction is Bruhl Augustusburg Palace. This baroque palace dates back to 1725 and is well known for its impressive garden, modeled on that of the Palace of Versailles. Also of note is the impressive ceremonial staircase comprising all the architectural and decorative features of the Baroque era such as stucco, frescos, sculpture and faux marble, which can be seen during a guided tour. Allow time for your group to enjoy a drink on the terrace overlooking the garden with its fountains and sculptures. In summer, from the beginning of May until the end of August, the annual Bruhler Schlosskonzerte (Bruhl castle concerts) take place in the castle grounds. Just a short stroll from Augustusburg Palace lies the magnificent Falkenlust Hunting Lodge, which was built between 1729 and 1737. The palaces were inscribed in the World Heritage list as examples of beautifully preserved rococo architecture.
Bruhl is also the birthplace of the famous artist Max Ernst. As a painter, sculptor, graphic artist and poet, Max Ernst is one of the most important representatives of Dadaism and Surrealism in the 20th century. The Max Ernst Museum is the only museum dedicated to the life and works of this famous artist and exhibits examples of all the artist’s multifaceted creative talents. Discounts apply to groups of 10 or more. Guided tours can be arranged in advance.
An eventful visit
Cologne offers a diverse programme of events throughout the year. The city is well known for its Cologne Carnival. Often referred to as Cologne’s ‘fifth season’, this world-famous event annually attracts around one and a half million visitors to the city and always begins on 11th November, although the street festivities take place six weeks before Easter. This year’s event finishes on 6th February 2008. The ‘Crazy Days’ are the climax of the Carnival, with lots of festivities throughout the city. This final climax starts on the Thursday before Lent. On the following Sunday, thousands of people converge on the city to watch local processions through the streets but the real highlight is the following day (Rose Monday), when the famous Carnival procession takes place featuring scores of decorated floats, over 130 bands and hundreds of horses. During this colourful parade, the three carnival figures – the prince, the peasant and the virgin – can be seen. This is a very popular time to visit Cologne, so accommodation bookings must be made well in advance.
The annual Bruhl Carnival (31st January to 5th February 2008) is another popular event. It is smaller than the Cologne Carnival, so might appeal to groups looking for the razzamatazz of a carnival with fewer crowds.
Another popular time to visit the city is just prior to Christmas when six Christmas markets take place in the city. Cologne’s oldest Christmas market is held on the Neumarkt, the city centre market square in the shopping district. This market began in the 1970s and several of the original wooden stands still exist. In front of Cologne’s town hall, the Alter Markt is very picturesque with its nostalgic children’s merry-go-round, a puppet theatre, Santa Claus’ Grotto and many toy stands. With its impressive backdrop, the Cathedral Christmas Market boasts 160 attractively designed wooden pavilions selling a host of seasonal goods. These markets are open from 23rd November to 23rd December. Located on the banks of the Rhine next to the Chocolate Museum, the Medieval Christmas Market is open from 30th November to 23rd December daily, except Mondays, and recreates the medieval era with lots of clowns and musicians while the Christmas Market on the Rhine features 40 booths on board the ‘MS Wappen von Mainz’. This market is open from 23rd November to 21st December. Recreating the world of fairytales, the Rudolfplatz market features fairy tale figures and festive illumination. Groups can visit from 23rd November to 21st December.
Cologne is renowned for its fantastic shopping opportunities throughout the year. In the Hohe Strasse district of the city – the most visited shopping mile in Germany – you will find the famous department store ‘Galeria Kaufhof’ and many independent boutiques selling fashion, shoes, jewellery, electronic goods, books and fast food. More fashion can be found on Schildergasse while the Neumarkt shopping mall features 65 shops on three levels.
In Bruhl, meanwhile, Giesler Galerie opened in November last year – at the cost of over £27 million – and offers 30 shops for groups to peruse.
How to get there
Cologne is easily reached by air from the UK. Flights operate from 17 regional airports to Cologne. Operators include Lufthansa, TUIfly, Air Berlin, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, easyJet and GermanWings.
By rail, the easiest route is via Brussels. Regular Eurostar services operate from London Waterloo and Ashford in Kent to Brussels Midi, from where there are direct trains to Cologne with Deutsche Bahn.
By road, Cologne is just 521 kilometres from London with 479 kilometres of these on motorways. Crossing the Channel from Dover to Calais, this route continues through Belgium to Cologne. Alternatively, you can travel from Hull to Rotterdam and continue on to Cologne.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
Cologne Tourist Board/Bruhl Tourist Board
Rob Knoedl, Official Tourism Sales Representation
(UK/Ireland)
Unter Fettenhennen 19
50667 Koln, Germany
Tel: 00 49 2232 156485
Fax: 00 49 2232 156486
Email: cologne@nalogo-tourism.com
Web: www.koelntourismus.de
Ms Kathrin Lukosch
German National Tourist Office
PO Box 2695
London W1A 3TN
Tel: +44 (0)20 7317 0910