In and Around Cologne

The impressive Cologne Cathedral, the charming Old Town, and the picturesque Rhine promenade are just a few of Cologne’s many attractive sights.

With its over 2,000-year history, this imposing city offers a wealth of history and culture to explore. In addition to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Cologne Cathedral, Groß St. Martin, St. Maria im Kapitol, and Germany’s oldest town hall shape the cityscape. Modern history and architecture also have their place here, with the symbolic Hohenzollern Bridge or the WDR Arkaden, for example.

The multitude of museums offers something for every interest. The Wallraf-Richartz Museum, one of the great German painting galleries and the city’s oldest museum, the Roman-Germanic Museum, or the Museum Ludwig, one of Europe’s most significant art museums, are just a few examples of the cultural diversity that makes this city so special.

Of course, the unique charm of Cologne life is not to be forgotten. It is not without reason that Cologne is referred to as the northernmost city of Italy. Experience this incomparable flair yourself while strolling through the narrow streets of the Old Town, and let yourself be enchanted by this special way of life.

The Cologne Zoological Garden is one of the oldest zoos in Germany and attracts more than 1 million visitors each year.

Founded in 1860, it is considered both a historic landmark and a modern zoological facility. From the sea lion rock built in 1887, to the listed elephant house, to the large aquarium, more than 10,000 animals from over 800 species have a home here.

Other impressive facilities at the zoo include the historic aviary, built in 1899 in the style of a Russian Orthodox church, the monkey rock, the jungle and rainforest houses, as well as the Hippodom.

Naturally, Cologne Zoo is involved in a multitude of nature and species conservation programs worldwide, providing scientific support. The excellent living conditions at the zoo have also ensured that wild animals have settled in various areas over the years.

Regular events, exhibitions, and lectures also provide a comprehensive educational and informational program.

Köbes, Kölsch, and conversation. Kölsch is an essential part of Cologne’s culture and way of life. The city’s many breweries, some still privately owned, invite you to experience this firsthand.

Kölsch is a language you can also drink. In the Old Town and along the Rhine promenade, so many breweries line up next to each other that you can quickly lose track. A wide selection of professionally guided tours is available here, with a variety of offerings. Cologne’s breweries have existed for more than 500 years.

The best-known Kölsch breweries include Brauhaus Päffgen on Friesenstraße, where Cologne’s favorite beverage is still brewed in its own cellar, Früh am Dom, Germany’s second-largest brewery after Munich’s Hofbräuhaus, Cologne’s oldest brewery, Brauerei zur Malzmühle, and Gaffel am Dom.

But besides freshly tapped beer, there are other culinary delights to experience: from Ädäppelschlot (potato salad) to Halve Haan to Rhenish sauerbraten, there is something for everyone. Almost all of the city’s breweries and pubs also know how to enchant tastes and senses on the plate.

P.S. In our Mittendrin Café & Lounge, you can enjoy freshly tapped Sion Kölsch, one of Cologne’s oldest breweries dating back to 1318.

From fairy tale forest to Phantasialand – and today one of Europe’s most visited amusement parks. Phantasialand offers a wealth of activities, with six themed areas and two themed worlds, and is always worth a visit.

Opened in 1967, it is one of Europe’s oldest amusement parks, and consistently high visitor numbers since the beginning have ensured continuous expansion. Several show theaters and changing events complete the offering.

Phantasialand’s themed areas include Berlin, with the historic flair of the early 20th century, Mexico, China Town, Mystery, a medieval village with Nordic symbolism in a mystical-dark atmosphere, Fantasy, and Deep in Africa. The best-known rides are Black Mamba, Colorado Adventure, Taron, and River Quest. Phantasialand regularly invests in new attractions and also invites visitors in winter.

The general park season is from April to October, but since 2002, and every year from November to the end of January, Wintertraum welcomes you. During this time, many different winter-themed events take place.