Attractions in Cologne

In Cologne, the Belgian Quarter, which got its name from the Belgian street names, is one of the trendiest urban areas for individuality and creativity. Numerous fashion shops and a very diverse gastronomy give this quarter its very own charm. The beautifully renovated house facades from the Wilhelminian period are a very pleasant backdrop.

From the remains of the 1957 Federal Garden Show, the Rheinpark was created along the banks of the Rhine between the Deutz and Mühlheim districts. It is a very popular recreation area for people of all ages in Cologne. If you want to be chauffeured comfortably through the park, take the small Rheinparkbahn. The already magnificent view of Cologne's old town from the banks of the Rhine can only be topped by a Rhine cable car ride across the river that starts at the end of the park.

If a sight attracts more than a million visitors a year, it must be something special. This is exactly what applies to the Botanical Garden in Cologne, also simply called "Flora" by the Cologne people. With 12,000 cultivated plant species from all over the world in the field and in greenhouses, it enables a botanical world tour that can be experienced with all senses. It borders the Cologne Zoo in the north of Cologne and is a green oasis for strolling and relaxing.

The Volksgarten Cologne is located on the southern edge of Cologne's old town . It is one of the oldest parks in the city and offers all kinds of recreation and entertainment options. Be it a pedal boat ride on the pond, eating and drinking in the beer garden or simply a picnic on one of the many lawns. The children can romp extensively in a large playground.

The Satzvey Castle dates back to the 12th century , a medieval moated castle in the Euskirchen district, approx. 40 km south of Cologne. Among experts, it is the best preserved water castle in the Rhineland in its original structure and is thus a vivid monument to noble culture and lifestyle. From Easter to Christmas, a variety of historical themed festivals are offered here. The location is also used for weddings, private parties, conferences and meetings.

The town of Zons is located almost exactly in the middle between Düsseldorf and Cologne . The reason why more than 700,000 visitors come to this city every year is that the Middle Ages are very well preserved in their basic structure. This includes in particular the fortifications from the 14th century, which is why the city is often referred to as the "Rothenburg of the Rhineland" based on Rothenburg ob der Tauber.

Near the old town of Cologne, 350 meters from the “Heumarkt” underground station, there is a special sacral building that is definitely worth a visit: the Evangelical Trinity Church. Experience the special atmosphere of this building used today as a cultural church and - if possible - enjoy the excellent acoustics with the sound of the Klais organ.

One of the four Protestant churches in Cologne is the Luther Church in Cologne's southern city. In the church, inaugurated in 1906, the rows of seats were arranged concentrically around the altar. The church was completely destroyed during the war and could only be partially restored in 1964. Today the reconstruction serves as a cultural church and is used for various events.

One of the largest restored castle complexes in Germany is the castle in the Bergisches Land between Cologne and Wuppertal. It is picturesquely located on a loop of the Wupper for about half an hour northeast of Cologne. Here it is clearly shown how court life used to be. Almost every room in the palace and castle can be visited. Knights' Hall, ancestral gallery and walkway make a visit to the castle a lifelike journey through time to the Middle Ages.

In Bergheim in the Rhein-Erft district is the Paffendorf Castle, surrounded by moats, a romantic moated castle with moat, castle gate, round towers, castle courtyard and a large castle park. The multi-part palace with its permanent exhibition on the Rhenish brown coal industry is one of the most popular destinations in the region. After an extensive journey into the past of the Rhineland, the brasserie harmoniously integrated into the castle invites you to linger over delicious dishes and a historic ambience.

The two castles in Brühl, Augustusburg Castle and Falkenlust Castle, are among the most important Baroque and Rococo buildings in Germany. They are connected by an avenue in the extensive baroque palace park and are living witnesses of a glorious era that have been given special protection as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.