Come to Cologne!

Cologne is an old city with new ideas. The Dom, the Cologne Cathedral is the star attraction of Cologne, and its representation of 12 Romanesque churches lets you really get a chance to compare various architectural styles. But, despite Cologne’s magnificent architecture, it’s the free and easy-going spirit of the city that really impressed me. Stroll along Cologne’s many promenades and you’ll see: old and young, walker and Rollerbladers; singles and parents; straight and gay. Cologne will host Europride 2002 from June 15 to July 7, 2002.

It’s easy to visit Cologne because it is very convenient to Bonn and Dusseldorf, and the train station (hauptbahnhof) is right in the city. And, with the Rhine River flowing through it, the city has a romantic charm that relaxes and soothes.

Quick Tips:

Leave preconceived notions at home and just enjoy this old-world city with the young attitude. With a population that tops a million, Cologne is Germany's fourth largest city and, because of Cologne University, has a major student poplulation, which keeps it young at heart. Located on the River Rhine, Cologne is an international crosssroads of commerce and industry, yet offers a plethora of opportunities to soak up some culture while having a lively time.

Best Way To Get Around:

The best way to get around in Cologne is by foot. And the best way to get there is by train. How incredibly peaceful it is to glide along on the high-speed ICE train from Frankfurt in the morning when the world is just waking up. In the spring, apple trees and grapevines on the steep hillsides promise a new lush season.

Outside my window, the Rhine threads its way through Germany, twisting and turning, separating and joining towns and villages. Barges along the Rhine are so laden you would think that they would sink since they are so low in the water. A string of toy village houses huddle together with massive forrested mountains in the background.

The mist on the Rhine is magical, especially when it enshrouds ancient castles and sets a stage for some Wagnerian actor to appear. At this time in spring, the Rhine is like a big bathtub where the faucet has been left running too long and the water splashes out and overflows on the ground.

My eyes burn from lack of sleep, but I won’t sleep now; there is too much to see. There always is.

The five-star deluxe Hyatt Regency Köln, located in the banks of the Rhine, offers visitors an incredible combination: convenience, quality and a panoramic view of Cologne. While the views across the Rhine River of Cologne’s towering Gothic Cathedral and town hall are dramatic at any time, they are particularly impressive at night, when these architectural treasures are silhouetted against the Cologne skyline.

Located just over the picturesque Hohenzollernbrücke pedestrian bridge, the Hyatt is within easy walking distance to the attractions and activities Old Town Cologne.

In addition to the rooms that have this river view, the majority of the Hyatt’s public areas, from its spacious lobby to its extensive dining rooms, offer you plenty of opportunity to enjoy the view of the Cologne and the Rhine.

But, even if you don’t have a room with a view, the accommodations are pleasant and pampering and a full German buffet breakfast is included in the price of your room. You can also get in shape at no additional cost at the stylish Puls Fitness Club—or maybe just relax poolside on the sun terrace and enjoy the view.

Sports isn’t my thing, yet, I found the interactive displays at Cologne’s Deutsches Sport-und Olympia Museum absolutely fascinating. So, if you’re a sports fan, you will really enjoy experience this innovative museum. I say "experience" rather than "visit" because, for many of the attractions, that’s exactly what you do: get involved. At the biking exhibit, for example, you enter a wind tunnel, sit on a stationery bike and demonstrate your pedal power—then compare it with Tour de France participants. (Don’t feel badly, few people can equal them.)

At the (Broad Jump) setting, you can begin at the white line and jump along the measured lines, and see how well you compare.

At these, as well as displays that document the history of the Olympics and other sporting events, you relive the fascinating history of a wide range of sports from ice skating to skateboarding, football to ice hockey.

Visit this museum to relieve famous events in sporting history, be reminded of others you had forgotten, and learn about ones you didn’t know about. All this and more is here to help you gain an appreciation or an even great appreciation for the wide world of sports.

Enjoy Cologne—Indoors and Out

When you come to Cologne, bring your Rollerblades™, scooter, bike, skateboard, wheelchair—or just your feet—and be prepared to enjoy the outdoors. When the weather’s good (and sometimes even when it isn’t), the locals pack up the kids and the dog and head for Cologne’s many parks, walkways, and its numerous outdoor cafes.

Founded by the Romans, Cologne claims to be the oldest city in Germany. But, even though it is old, it is an incredibly youthful city. Viewing itself as a working city, Cologne offers visitors a relaxed charm and style that is informal and relaxing and one of the best places to enjoy yourself. Walk around the square just outside of the Cathedral, and you’ll find crowds gathered to watch the performances of everything from entertainers juggling fire batons to local musicians using their skills to put themselves through college.

But while Cologne is hip and stylish, it also has a wealth of museums with masterpieces to marvel over. In its new quarters near the city hall, the Wallraf-Richartz-Museum, famous for its rich collection of ecclesiastical art, features classic paintings miracuously preserved from the medieval period, as well as numerous special exhibitions.

Come to Cologne from late November through December, and you’ll be able to step into the magical fairy-tale world of Cologne’s Old World Christmas Markets. From marzipan to nutcrackers, Cologne’s Christmas markets (there are four of them) will put you in the spirit to enjoy the season.

Of course, no visit to Cologne is complete without touring its famous Koln Cathedral, which dominates with city, and offers visitors an awe-inspiring experience--whether it is to admire the architecture, or experience the religious atmosphere.

Beer has been produced in Germany for centuries, and one of the pleasures of visiting this country is to taste the various regional specialty beers. With just a few basic ingredients: hops, barley malt, yeast and water, German master brewers turn what was a household craft into a masterful profession.

From a sophisticated bar in Berlin to the back roads of Bavaria, you’ll be able to sample an incredible range of this liquid gold.

When in Cologne, raise your glasses and drink a toast with Kölsch, the city’s special beer brewed according to a secret recipe that can only be brewed in the Cologne area. Kölsch is a top fermented beer, which means that during the fermentation process, the yeast deposits near the top, giving the beer its unique taste of hops. Even the EU Commission in Brussels agrees with the rule, and there are plenty of breweries in around Cologne to keep up with the demand for this flavorful brew.

Served in small, slender rods or stangen glasses, it’s said that it takes 5 glasses of Kölsch to equal one Bavarian "Mass" (one liter glass of beer). What fun it is to see if its true. Leave the driving to someone else if you do.