My Cologne – the slightly different city guide
‘Hey Kölle - Du bes e Jeföhl’ (Colognian dialect, means ‘Hey, Cologne - you are a feeling’)! Have you ever been to a city and left without the feeling of having caught its spirit entirely, due to being short of time or not knowing which sights to put on your bucket list?
As a girl from Cologne, I consider it my duty to prevent you from leaving Cologne without having exhausted all possibilities. So here is a slightly different guide to this fascinating city – for all those who would like to get a glimpse of parts that usually remain hidden from someone who is on a quick and hectic sightseeing tour. The best view over the city is offered by the observation deck of the Cologne Cathedral? Well... Since the famous landmark is almost like a child to us locals, I will try to be diplomatic. Please don’t get me wrong, everybody should stand on the platform of the impressive monument at some point during their visit.
But did you know that there is an observation deck that gives you a unique view of the cathedral? It is located on top of the Triangle Tower in Deutz on the other side of the Rhine. For only 3€ a lift takes you to the platform at a height of 100 metres. The glass wall, which surrounds the entire circular platform, serves as a city guide with little drawings of the sights you see if you look in a particular direction. The best place to enjoy a delicate meal along with a fabulous view over the river afterwards is the restaurant at the ‘Rheinterrassen’. The beach belonging to the complex, which also houses a theatre and an open-air area, is open from May until September. Like strolling around and exploring different neighbourhoods to absorb the atmosphere?
Maybe pay a visit to Ehrenfeld, which borders the Old Town. The popular district is shaped by the many students living here. You will find countless bars, shops, art galleries and theatres as well as some street art resulting from the annual CityLeaks festival. Tired of the busy streets of Cologne? That happens to most of us from time to time. Stop by the Stadtwald, a park that is located outside of the centre in Lindenthal. It is a haven of tranquillity, perfect for taking a walk and relaxing after a long day of sightseeing. If the weather permits, maybe sit down at the beer garden ‘Seeterrasse im Stadtwald’ and treat yourself to a delicious Kölsch, the famous beer from Cologne, while enjoying the view over the pond and feeling a little bit like an actual native. You would rather not sit around? Rent a boat and paddle across the pond instead!
My personal favourite museum is the ‘Käthe Kollwitz Museum’, which holds the largest collection of works by the famous German artist. Her socio-critical sketches drew attention to the nuisances and the extreme poverty in the time of war in the 20th century and are definitely interesting for art enthusiasts. Those who would like to learn more about the city’s 1200 years of remarkable history could stop by the ‘Kölnisches Stadtmuseum’ and explore the past and present of Cologne on around 2000 square metres of exhibition area. Whatever you decide to do and wherever you decide to go, you will most likely fall in love with this shamelessly charming and multifaceted city as fast as I did. Have a lovely trip!
