Cologne, also known as Köln in german and as Kölle in Kolsh, is the 4th biggest city in Germany and the most populated of North Renania-Westfalia statate. It constitutes an important economic and cultural center of international importance as well as one of the most important artistic points.
Surely you have always dreamed to travel to this wonderful city, do you want to know some of its most curious things? Let's start!
KÖLSCH
Cologne - or Kölle in Kolsch - its own dialect, that is not teached in any school, but its learned inside the own family. Even if it's rarely spoken at the streets, there are some families, the ones that have more generations in the city, that use it in their day to day.
But the most curious thing about Kolsch is not the dialect itself, but that the only beer that you will find in the city has the same name! Have you ever drink a dialect?
DAS KÖLSCHE GRUNDGESETZ
There are 11 fundamental laws in Cologne that, even if you're not going to hear them at the streets, it is possible to see them hanging at some bar or that surprise you being used for a TV comercial. In conclusion, the laws define the personality of the citizens of Cologne: open-minded, tolerant and carefree people.
Everything has a solution, take it easy!
DUSSELDORF
Also called the forbidden word, because there is a great rivalry between both german cities. So much so that in any establishment in Cologne you will find an Altbier, Dusseldorf beer, not even an indication of how to get to the state capital!
RHINE
But for rivalry the one that exists between both sides of the river Rhine, that splits the city. Each person will tell you that the best part, or just the good part, is the one where they live. At the left you can find the famous Cathedral of Cologne, and, at the right, the amazing neighborhood of Deutz.
Our advice: don't miss none of them!
THE CATHEDRAL
We can't choose which one is the biggest curiosity about this awesome architectual work, so here you have some of them:
- 1. It construction lasted more than 600 years.
- 2. Despite the impact of more than 70 boms during the war, it remains intact.
- 3. From 1880 to 1884 (the construction of the Washington monument), it was the highest building of the world.
- 4. Inside it you can find the bones of the Three Wise Men, in the largest reliquary in the world.
SHOKOLADENMUSEUM
Which museum is better than a chocolate one? In 1993 opened its doors, at the neihtborhood of Altstadt-Sud, in the Rheinauhafen peninsula. It belongs to the Lindt company and for €8 you can acceed to a guide visit, where will learn more about the chocolate history and where they will give you a free sample.
Among its main attractions, it stands out a greenhouse with tropical cocoa trees, miniature versions of their machines and even a chocolate fountain 3 metres high.
Willy Wonka would be proud!
KÖLNTRIANGLE
If you want to enjoy an unparalleled view, you must go up to its biggest lookout, the Kölntriangle. Its construction was completed in 2005 and counts with 100 metres high. Even if its outside is already a touristic complaint itself thanks to its impressive architecture, do not miss the oportunity to enter and go up to the top of the majestic building, there you will enjoy a 360º view for just €3.
EAU DE COLOGNE
Were you thinking about leaving Cologne without visit the building where the eau the cologne was invented? Currently, there are a free museum and a small shop where buy your souvenir. You can enter to a guide visit throuh the fragance history and create your own Eau de Cologne with the help of the experts in their workshop.
Don't forget to smell its fount!
WHERE TO STAY IN COLOGNE
To facilitate your trip to Cologne, we have selected a series of accommodations that, for their characteristics, we think you might be interested in:
A & O Köln Hauptbahnhof: In the heart of Cologne you can find this hostel with 37 rooms of different sizes. Prices from €32.59 per person and night.
Pathpoint Cologne Hostel: An old church converted into a hostel in the center of Cologne. It has a 24-hour reception and lockers in the rooms. Prices from €24.23 per night per person.
HI Köln Riehl: Next to the river Rhine and surrounded by beautiful parks. You can choose though 116 rooms of various sizes to stay. Enjoy this hostel from €38.39 per person per night.
Station Hostel for Backpackers: This hostel offers all kinds of facilities to enjoy your trip, such as free maps with tourist routes. Prices from €23.72 per night per person.
A & O Köln Neumarkt: 24 hours reception, bedrooms with bathroom, TV, billiards, football, parking space .... all this from €29.32 per person per night.
Do you want to know more about Germany? How about a stroll though Berlin's markets? Or maybe you'd rather find out what's waiting for you in Frankfurt...
Cover photo by Paul Gilmore
