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Cologne

The Rhineland during Christmas Markets

I should have used a tripodMore Photos
  • by fish388
  • A November 2004 travel journal
  • Last Updated: January 8, 2008
Journal Usefulness Rating 2 out of 5
Journal Usefulness
4
Reviews
8
Photos

5-day trip to Düsseldorf, Köln, and Aachen with arrival and departure from Düsseldorf. The Christmas markets in all three cities are nice; Köln was the largest and it seemed like Aachen had the lowest prices.

The Rhineland during Christmas Markets

Overview

I should have used a tripod
The Christmas markets are spread out around the Altstadt (old town), but most are connected by the pedestrian zone and the ones that are not can be reached by public transport. The highlight of Köln is the Dom (cathedral), the largest in Germany. For a few euros, you can climb one of the towers.

Quick Tips:

See www.koeln.de, www.duesseldorf.de, and www.aachen.de.

Best Way To Get Around:

In my opinion, the best ways to get around any German city are by walking or taking the bus, tram, or subway. These are cheap and efficient, and except for the underground portion, a great way to see the town. At the center of most old towns, cars are out of the question due to small streets and limited parking. Take the train to Aachen to see the Dom and Rathaus.

Radisson Sas Hotel Cologne

Hotel

Radisson SAS

This is a very nice hotel across the street from the Köln Messe (trade fair), with a tram stop between the two. The Köln arena is one tram stop away, and the Dom is about eight stops and a transfer away.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by fish388 on April 9, 2005

Radisson Sas Hotel Cologne
MESSE KREISEL 2 Cologne, Germany
49221277200

Holiday Inn Am Stadtwald

Hotel

Holiday Inn Am Stadtwald

Nice hotel for the price but if you use public transportation like we do, it is a long walk from the tram if you have luggage.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by fish388 on January 8, 2008

Holiday Inn Am Stadtwald
DUERNER STRASSE 287 Cologne, Germany
492-214-6760

Brauhaus Früh

Restaurant

Brauhaus Früh

This is a large place when all the floors are factored in. It was very crowded both times we went in. It seemed as though staying around longer than expected for eating or drinking was frowned upon. The food was excellent and service was fast. The reason for the higher prices was the poor exchange rate at the time. It is a short walk from the Dom. See www.frueh.de.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by fish388 on April 9, 2005

Brauhaus Früh
Am Hof 12 - 14 Cologne, Germany
2580-394

Dom Corner

Activity

The first thing you see coming out of the Ubahn

Dom

This is the most awe-inspiring sight I have ever seen. Consider that construction had begun almost 800 years ago, well before the internal combustion engine. The craftsmanship and size are very impressive. It cost me 2€ to climb the tower. If you are physically able, the climb is recommended. The massive hauptbahnhof is next to the Dom, and one of the exits brings you out right in front. I also recommend seeing the exterior at night.
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by fish388 on April 9, 2005

Dom Corner
Komödienstraße 1 Cologne, Germany 50667

About the Writer

fish388
fish388
Cincinnati, United States

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