A Stop in Cologne, Germany

On our Europe trip last summer, we decided to spend the final night in Cologne, Germany. This Rhine-front city is well known for its famous gothic cathedral. Having been there before a few years before, we didn’t have a strong urge to see everything. But, Cologne is not super far from Frankfurt airport (about 2-2.5 hours, driving/train) for our flight home, and in our experience is a better stop than Frankfurt as a tourist.

Arrival in Cologne

Coming from Ghent, Belgium, we expected the drive to be around 2.5-3 hours, but at the last minute, we decided to take a fairly long detour to the Kinderdijk Windmills in the Netherlands. We really should have budgeted more time for the windmills, but we still managed to make it to Cologne by mid-afternoon. Slightly too early for our hotel’s 4pm checkin time, we parked our car in the garage by the train station and set out for some sightseeing.

The Cologne Cathedral

Our first stop was the magnificent Cologne Cathedral, a breathtaking example of Gothic architecture that has become a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As we strolled through the awe-inspiring structure, we marveled at its intricate details and towering spires. Unfortunately, the tower and treasury were already closed, prompting a plan to return the next morning.

Officially known as the Cologne Cathedral of Saint Peter and Mary, this Gothic marvel in the heart of Cologne began construction in 1248, with completion achieved over 600 years later in 1880. Soaring to 157 meters (515 feet), its spires dominate the city skyline, adorned with gargoyles and sculptures showcasing Gothic grandeur. Inside, we thoroughly enjoyed the remarkable stained glass windows and ornate chapels.

A notable feature is the Shrine of the Three Kings, a reliquary believed to house the remains of the Biblical Magi who presented baby Jesus with gold, incense, an myrrh. Despite facing challenges, including damage during World War II, the Cologne Cathedral stands today as as a very impressive cultural and architectural landmark.

The “Bates Motel”

Since it was now the hotel’s 4pm checkin time, we picked up our bags from the car in the garage and walked them the few minutes to the hotel. The checkin procedure was a little odd, but we went with it. As we walked up the stairs to our room, we noted that every unoccupied room had its doors wide open. Climbing up to nearly the top floor, we saw that each floor had basically all the rooms unoccupied. We started wondering if something was wrong with the hotel – “Bates Motel” came to mind. In the end, it turned out okay, but it was somewhat creepy.

Downtown shopping

There are some interesting museums in the city, but we skipped them given the other things we’d seen earlier in the day, and as this was our last evening in Germany.

From here, we decided to wander some of the main shopping areas. Cologne’s shopping scene is as diverse as it is vibrant, offering everything from luxury items to local crafts. We didn’t get anything super local – my sunglasses had broken, so I decided to get some Ray Bans as a souvenir.

A Traditional German Dinner

For dinner, we found a nice tavern and I concluded my evening with a pork knuckle and a variety of sausages. A bit heavy, but quite delicious!

A German Bakery Breakfast

German bakeries are awesome. The previous night, we had noted a nice-looking bakery a few minute walk from our hotel, with some seating on a small square. So the next morning, we had a delightful breakfast with both German and French-style pastries.

Hohenzollern Bridge

While waiting for the Cologne Cathedral Tower to open, we decided to make the most of our time by heading towards the Hohenzollern Bridge.

This iconic bridge, stretching majestically across the Rhine River, provided us with not only panoramic views of the city but also a delightful surprise in the form of love locks.

Cologne Cathedral Treasury

From here, we made our way to the Cologne Cathedral Treasury, which is nestled within the impressive Gothic structure.

The treasury houses a collection of religious artifacts and valuable items that provide a glimpse into Cologne’s cultural and religious heritage. Among the treasures are delicately crafted reliquaries, ancient manuscripts, and impressive liturgical items, each carrying its own unique significance.

Cologne Cathedral Tower

Next, we decided to climb to the top of the Cologne Cathedral’s tower, where we took in some amazing views of both the city and the Rhine River.

After two weeks of traveling, our teenage boys flew to the top, but I had a little more difficulty as I tried to keep up. Of course, as I neared the end, they had great delight in photographing my overheated body.

Döner Kebabs and Pastries

For lunch, John spotted a Döner kebab place. While Döner kebabs originated in Turkey, they have become a beloved street food in Germany. They proved to be one of Jonn’s favorites.

Afterwards, another delightful bakery nearby beckoned, and there I savored a delightful cherry and cream puff pastry, sparking a newfound desire to master the art of puff pastry-making. It’s much harder than it sounds!

Departure

As our late afternoon departure time for the Frankfurt airport approached, we said our goodbyes to Cologne and started the drive to the airport. If you have the opportunity to visit, this city is sure to delight!