Cologne Journals

A Weekend in Cologne

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An August 2007 trip to Cologne by Joy S

City Beach on the banks of the Rhine Photo - Cologne, Germany More Photos
Quote: A weekend in Cologne - enough time to see the main sights, take in the lively atmosphere and try some Kolsch.

A Weekend in Cologne

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Overview

City Beach on the banks of the Rhine Photo - Cologne, Germany
Quote:
Cologne, situated on the Rhine, is the fourth largest city in Germany. It dates back to 50 A.D. when it became a Roman colony. It is so rich in antiquity that every time a new foundation is dug, historians are on hand to search for traces of the past.In World War II Cologne had 262 air raids by the Allied Forces which completely wiped out the centre of the city. The subsequent reconstruction followed the style of the 1950s while respecting the old layout and naming of the streets.It is a pleasant rather than a beautiful city, but Cologne has magnificient architecture, splendid museums, enormous department stores and great food and beer. The winters are cold and summers can be r...Read More

Maritim Hotel Cologne

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Hotel

Bedroom Photo - Maritim Hotel Cologne, Cologne, Germany
Quote:
For our weekend in Cologne, we decided to treat ourselves and stay at the Maritim Hotel. At 190 euros per night, this was not a cheap option, but the standard of accommodation, delicious breakfast and convenient location made it a great place to stay.The hotel is right on the banks of the Rhine - very close to the chocolate museum, yet still within very easy walking distance to the Old Town.From the outside at first glance, the building is very average, but my impression changed as soon as we went inside. The hotel has an enormous glass atrium so it is really light and bright. In the lobby area are lots of upmarket shops, bars, restaurants and even a piano bar. Going up and down to you...Read More

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on August 28, 2007

Maritim Hotel Cologne
HEUMARKT 20
Cologne, Germany
49-221-20270

Cologne Cathedral

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Attraction | "Cologne Dom"

Shrine to the 3 Magi Photo - Cologne Cathedral, Cologne, Germany
Quote:
The Dom or Cathedral is UNESCO protected and it is the first sight you will see when you come out of the main train station. It is the spiritual and geographical heart of the city. As well as being Cologne's main attraction, it is also the largest Gothic cathedral in Germany.Circle the outside before you head inside to truly appreciate the dimensions. It is huge - 144 metres long and 80 metres wide.Construction of the cathedral began in 1248 to house the relics of the three Magi, brought to Cologne by Archibishop Reginald van Dassel in 1164. Work was halted until 1560 due to lack of money. It resumed again in 1823. So, for 300 years the cathedral lay half-finished and was ...Read More

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on August 28, 2007

Cologne Cathedral
Centre of Cologne
Cologne, Germany

Things to do in Cologne

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Story/Tip

Eau de Cologne fountain Photo - Cologne, Germany
Quote:
Cologne is a great city for just wandering and exploring as the fancy takes you. There are bars, restaurants, cafés and ice-cream parlours virtually everywhere, so there is always a nice place to stop when you need rest and refreshment.Hohe Strasse is a pedestrianised shopping area - in fact it is one of the main shopping areas and extends past the cathedral. It is particularly popular with tourists and contains many gift shops, clothing stores and fast food restaurants.The Alte Markt is pretty and when we were there, it bustled with tourists and locals. We stopped to admire the Town Hall and the other old buildings lining the square. The Marktbrunnen fountain is the impressive centrep...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on August 28, 2007

Früh am Dom

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Attraction | "Eating and Drinking in the City"

Glass of the famous Kolsch Photo - Früh am Dom, Cologne, Germany
Quote:
Cologne is famous for its locally brewed beer - Kolsch. You can eat and drink really well in this city.When you are in Cologne you are almost obligated to drink Kolsch. It can be fruity or spicy depending on the brewery. It is almost always served from the tap in small glasses of 0.2l so that it can be drunk while it is still cool. The glasses are called Stangen.Waiters at the breweries will be quick to bring you a new beer when the old one is finished. Each beer is marked as a pencil line on your beermat. Cover your glass when you have had enough or they will keep bringing you more.Kolsch means "of Cologne" and is only allowed to be brewed within the city. Kolsch is also the n...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on August 28, 2007

Früh am Dom
Am Hof 12
Cologne, Germany 50667
+49 221 26130

Imhoff-Schokoladenmuseum/Imhoff Chocolate Museum

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Attraction | "Cable Car and Chocolate Museum"

Cable car over the Rhine Photo - Imhoff-Schokoladenmuseum/Imhoff Chocolate Museum, Cologne, Germany
Quote:
Two things in Cologne that we, as a family really enjoyed were a visit to the chocolate factory/museum and a ride on the cable car.The chocolate factory and museum at Rheinauhafen 1a is on the banks of the river. It is in a glass palace and is devoted to the theme of cocoa and chocolate. Tuesday-Friday it is open 10am to 6pm, while weekend opening times are 11am to 7pm. Entrance is 6 euros.The museum is on three floors and displays everything from the Inca history of chocolate to Victorian chocolate crockery. They have a little controlled temperature area where you can walk through tropical plants and a cocoa tree.The most fun is the chocolate making process. They have a mini produ...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on August 28, 2007

Imhoff-Schokoladenmuseum/Imhoff Chocolate Museum
Am Schokoladenmuseum 1A
Cologne, Germany 50678

About the Writer

Joy S

Joy S
Manchester, United Kingdom

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