Cologne travel pictures

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Sightseeing in Cologne

Cologne is the fourth largest city in Germany and goes by the name Koln or Koeln in German. It was built in the first century AD, but has changed its face many times over the years. Nowadays it is the cultural heart of the region with many museums and art galleries. It is also home to a large number of media companies which adds another vibe.

The city is mainly famous for its large cathedral, the Cologne Dom which has been built in a Gothic architectural style. It has been designated as an world heritage site and is Germany's most visited sight. With an height of 144.5 meters it is still one of the largest cathedrals in the world. It is actually possible and well recommended to climb the tower of the cathedral to get a birds eye view over the city.

A nice feature of Cologne is its location on the river Rhine. A walk along the promenade next to river is enjoyable, especially on a sunny day. There are many religious buildings in the old town which include the Great St. Martin church, the Basilica of St. Severen and the church of the Assumption. Some of the other sights worth seeing include the Cologne city hall and the Overstolzenhaus. There are also some smaller sights which are worth seeing such as the charming Heinzelmannchen fountain and the Statue of Frederick William III.

Cologne might look relatively modern, but it also has some medieval spots. The best example of this is its old city wall of which several pieces still exist and have been properly restored. Despite a million people living in this city, the city center is compact and all sights are easily within walking distance. For crossing the river Rhine, it is nowadays possible to take the cable car which provides some additional views of the surrounding area and the riverfront.

Cologne is not short of day trips to see a bit more of the culture of Germany. Another city that is close by is Bonn which used to be the capital of West Germany. For those who are looking for smaller towns Konigswinter is recommended and although it is small it has a charming old town center and a beautiful waterfront. The final recommendation is Bruhl which is where the Augustusburg palace is located which is an impressive building and has some stunning gardens.

Like most cities in Germany, Cologne is well connected by rail to most major cities. It is worth booking ahead to get a discount. Alternatively there is an airport which flies t many places. Getting around the city is mainly by foot, but there is also a metro to make longer distances more convenient. The weather is typical for Northern Europe with cold winters, but nice summers and the shoulder seasons are changeable.

Cologne travel photo gallery

Cologne Dom.	The Dom.	Modern buildings seen from the top of the tower.	This Germany photo galleries includes: Aachen, Berlin, Cologne, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt, Goslar, Koblenz, Limburg, Mainz, Potsdam and Wiesbaden.
Birdseye view on the Hohenzollern bridge.	View over the Rhine from the Dom.	View over the city.
Cologne cathedral.	The two towers of the cathedral.	Decoration which can also be found on the spire of the Dom.
Entrance to the Dom.	The impressive front facade of the cathedral.	Spires.
Heinzelmännchen fountain.	Woman on the Heinzelmännchen fountain.	Spires of cathedral.
City hall.	Medieval looking church tower.	Statue near a church.
Small square surrounded by centuries old historical buidlings.	Back of the St. Pantaleon church.	Statue of Frederick William III.
Frederick William III statue.	St. Martins church rising above the Alter markt.	The old town.
Tower of St. Martin's church.	St. Martin church in the Altstadt.	Alter markt.
St. Martin church.	An Irish pub.	Small brown brick church.
Old house with a car on the chimney.	Golden wings on a historical house.	St. Gereon church.
Spires rising above the city.	White church.	Old house with large windows.
Ancient defense tower.	The medieval city wall.	Colored houses in the old town.
Medieval city walls.	Statue of a mother with her child.	Old town on the river Rhine.
Kolnturm.	Telecommunications tower.	Historical houses in the old town.
Historical Germany.	Church at the end of a modern street.	Old red building.
Old house during sunset.	St. Maria Himmelfarht (Assumption of Mary Church).	Back of the Dom.
Hohenzollern bridge.	St. Martins church by night.	Spotlights on the St. Martins church.
Light shines on a building by night.	Light brightening up the cathedral of Cologne in the darkness.	Cathedral by night.