Major Tourist Attractions of Cologne, Germany

More often than not Cologne finds a place on the itinerary for those who visit Germany. Cologne is beautifully situated on the River Rhine. The city is known for its beautiful sights, art, culture and heritage.  It is one of the oldest cities in Germany and its architecture bears testimony to its grandeur. Cologne is fairly easy to access and the train is the best way to reach the city.

One of the major sights of Cologne is also often the first sight of Cologne, the Kolner Dom. The Kolner Dom is the foremost structure one notices if they take the main exit out of the central station. It is a magnificent sight and is protected by UNESCO.  One can tour the cathedral except during mass. The admission to the cathedral is free of cost but one is asked for a donation however, one has to pay to access the tower and treasury.  Those who are fit and have the stamina to climb a little more than 500 stairs must climb the south tower. Cologne also boasts of twelve Romanesque churches including St. Kunibert which is known for its stained glass windows.

Besides churches, one can also find a synagogue worth visiting in Cologne. The Die Kolner Synagogue is known for its architecture which looks extremely impressive as far as architecture is considered but there is more to the synagogue than this. The Torah found in the synagogue actually belonged to another synagogue and it was saved by a Catholic priest when it was being burnt during the Nazi regime. In 2005, this synagogue was visited by his holiness the Pope Benedict XVI.

The Hohenzollern Bridge in Cologne is a rather interesting bridge to visit; one can view this bridge by taking a straight route from the back of the Kolner Dom. It is also known as the locking bridge, it is situated over the river Rhine and there are locks placed by couples symbolizing their commitment to each other. Often couples have their names and important dates inscribed on the locks.

Cologne celebrates its biggest fair in February; it is called the winter carnival or Fastelovend. Its major attraction is the street attraction which takes place on the Thursday before Ash Wednesday till Shrove Tuesday. Thousands of people come to the street to view the parade.

While in Cologne one must take time out to go to a Cologne park. While some parks surround the city others are located within the city. Tourists should try and visit some of the inner parks in Cologne, Germany to enjoy the ambiance especially the weather if it is sunny. Volksgarten, Rheinpark and Hiroshima-Nagasaki are amongst the most popular parks in Cologne. The parks usually have a beer garden attached to it which is another reason to visit the parks.