Cologne: Simply Beautiful, Want to visit a land that’s urban, unforgettable, and unbelievable? Try a trip to Cologne during your next (or first!) vacation to Germany. There, you’ll discover a hospitality among the inhabitants (and there are almost a million of them) that you won’t find in most large cities around the globe.

Cologne, called “Koln” in the German language, was founded in the first century A.D. by the Romans. Thus, it contains some of the most historically significant artifacts from that region of Europe. However, it’s a city that is hardly out-of-date. Truly, Cologne mingles the old and the new expertly.

One of the most famous architectural wonders that most travelers from all over the world flock to see is the gothic style Cologne Cathedral (called “Kolner Dom” by the natives). There, medievalism is brought to life in this soaring mass of stone and earth which is certainly and undeniably an engineering feat. Bring plenty of film; you’ll want to share this masterpiece that has been standing since the beginning of its construction in the thirteenth century with envious friends and family when you return home. There are other less famous, but no less spectacular, cathedrals and churches throughout Cologne as well. For instance, there are the lovely (though smaller than Cologne Cathedral) St. Maria Lyskirchen and St. Gereon.

Don’t be surprised if you notice that some of the elements of these holy spaces seem “newer” than other parts; during World War II, many of the buildings in this part of Germany were badly damaged, and only recently have all of them been fully restored. Of course, Cologne isn’t all bricks and mortar; one of the most popular aspects of the city is its famous beer, Kolsch. This brew isn’t what you’ll find in just any American restaurant, so sip it slowly. A litre of it is enough to knock your socks off!

There are more than thirty museums and galleries in Cologne, such as the Romisch-Germanisches Museum and the Museum Ludwig. If you’re into history, visit the EL-DE Haus, which was once Gestapo headquarters and now tells the story of the Nazis’ rise to and fall from power, as well as what occurred after the end of WWII.

If you’re interested in visiting a site that’s friendly to alternative lifestyles, you can plan your visit to Cologne around one of its many Gay Pride events. In fact, the open mindedness toward sex and the business of sexual “favors” is well-accepted in Cologne, as it is in most of Germany. And Cologne is known for being extremely open to supporting homosexual lifestyles.

Have you ever heard of the fragrance “Eau de Cologne”? Yep, it got its start here in the 1700s! (See – there’s some history you already knew about the town!) Today, Procter & Gamble owns the patent on Kolnisch Wasser (our “Eau de Cologne”) and still makes the perfume. You can visit the Fragrance-Museum Farina House to find out more about this interesting toiletry item that your great aunt Clara might have enjoyed.

Music is in the air in Cologne, so take a gander at the Kolner Philharmonie, which holds both the WDR and the Gurzenich-Orchestra. Other Cologne hot spots include the Kolnturm, a noticeably tall building in town, and the Colonius telecommunications tower which has an observation deck at the top.

Another “high point” (literally!) in Cologne is the Hansa-Hochhaus, created by the famous architect Jakob Koerfer in the mid 1920s.

Finally, after all the sightseeing, you may want to enjoy some laid-back shopping. Stroll down the Hohe Strasse, close to Cologne Cathedral and filled with the type of souvenirs and food you’re looking for to make your trip to this enchanting area complete. Click Here to Book Your Hotel in Cologne Germany