The cathedral
Cologne Cathedral is the city's landmark. Construction began in 1248 and was completed in 1880. Since 1996 it has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Climbing the south tower rewards you with wide views over the city and the Rhine.
Cologne
Cities · From the hotel: 70 km · 70 min by car
Map
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🚗 70 min
Things to do
Old town and Rhine
Between the cathedral and the Rhine lies the old town with Great St Martin, narrow lanes and brewery taverns. The Hohenzollern Bridge links the districts, and the riverfront is great for strolling. If you want to try Kölsch, do it in one of the traditional brewery taverns.
Museums
Near the cathedral, the Roman-Germanic Museum and the Museum Ludwig show very different collections. The Chocolate Museum in the Rheinauhafen is a favourite especially for families.
Carnival and Christmas markets
Cologne is a carnival stronghold and in winter a popular destination for Christmas markets. At these times allow more time for travel and book restaurants early.
More questions
What should you definitely do in Cologne?
Visit the cathedral, stroll through the old town and along the Rhine, try Kölsch in a brewery tavern and visit a museum such as the Roman-Germanic Museum, the Museum Ludwig or the Chocolate Museum.
How do I get from the hotel to Cologne?
It is about 70 minutes by car. Alternatively take the train from Düren to the main station, which is right next to the cathedral.
When is the best time to visit?
From spring to autumn the city is easy to explore on foot. At carnival and during the Christmas markets it is especially busy, but also especially lively.
Tip: Travel by train and walk from the main station: the cathedral, Roman-Germanic Museum, old town and riverfront are close together.
Getting there: About 70 minutes by car, or by train from Düren to the main station, which is right next to the cathedral.
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Photos
Photo credits
- Photo 1: Rolf Heinrich, Köln, CC BY 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
- Photo 2: Elisabeth Schittenhelm, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
- Photo 3: Jörg Braukmann, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
- Photo 4: Superbass, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
- Photo 5: Uwe Meis, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
- Photo 6: Palickap, CC BY 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
- Photo 7: Welleschik, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
- Photo 8: Nikolai Karaneschev, CC BY 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
- Photo 9: Dietmar Rabich, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
- Photo 10: Frank Schwichtenberg, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
- Photo 11: Dietmar Rabich, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
- Photo 12: Raimond Spekking, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
- Photo 13: Anil Öztas, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
- Photo 14: Franz Gerd Frank, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
- Photo 15: Raimond Spekking, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
- Photo 16: Anil Öztas, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
- Photo 17: Martin Falbisoner, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
- Photo 18: Thomas Wolf (Der Wolf im Wald), CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
