It’s hard to resist 114 days of fun in Germany’s party central and the birthplace of the sweetest of scents.
The 2,000 year old city of Cologne is not just the place to revel but is also crammed to the rafters with beautiful gothic architecture in its reconstructed old town.
At 11 minutes past 11:00am on 11th November when the world remembers those lost in conflict, Cologne hits the positive button and officially launches its avalanche of fun, which runs until Ash Wednesday.
The carnival literally turns the city upside down and there’s something for everyone from music to arts and culture.
Real Jeckens (or revellers) come out in force before Easter, when traditional costumes become the way to dress on carnival Friday, with brightly coloured floats travelling through the streets ready to entertain. The diversity of the city is encouraged with a “ghost parade” with political overtones, women’s carnival and Tulip Sunday, dedicated to local schools and groups keen to party.
All is enjoyed with the traditional glass of Kölsch beer, served in a small, long glass, with the idea of the shorter portions keeping everything fresh and cool.
Cologne is an easy city to get around, but the best way of getting to know it quickly is via a Hop on, Hop Off sight-seeing bus, which allows 24 hour travel with an audio guide in different languages and stops at 14 of the most popular attractions. It conveniently sets off outside the tourist information centre, opposite the main entrance to the cathedral.
Walking tours are also great and offer an insight into the Roman history of the city, quirky architecture and its many churches. The carnival is relived out of season through stories of past fun.
Gothic architecture at its best can be seen at the UNSECO protected Cologne Cathedral, where building began to house the shrine of The Three Wise Men in 1248 and ended in 1880. This huge building is impressive and best seen at night when lit up, inside it has beautiful stained glass and lovely architecture and art.
Sweet toothed visitors will love the Am Schokoladen Museum, full of chocolate facts and hands on displays of how to make the famous Lindt treats, with the best part, the chance to try lots of samples!
The city is also the birthplace of Eau de Cologne, and the Farina Fragrance Museum gives the chance to discover three centuries of history, beginning at the Rococo era when perfumer Johann Maria Farina invented the sweet smeller.
One of the best ways to see the real Cologne is to take in the differing neighbourhoods. The narrow alleys of the old town are a great starting point and home to the famous coloured homes, which are tall and slim, due to the original way of taxation which saw buildings charged on how wide they were. Good luck comes via famous sculptures Tünnes and Schäl, two legendary figures from the Hänneschen Puppet Theatre, who represent good and bad, and visitors are encouraged to rub their noses and make a wish. Nearby is the Heinzelmännchen fountain, which tells the story of gnomes and a tailor’s wife.
Ehrenfeld is a real bohemian area, full of weird and wonderful murals and Körnerstraße, a creative street full of lovely things, like bins with flowers in them, instead of litter and windowsills full of small gifts left out for passersby’s to collect.
The Belgian Quarter is also a trendy spot to see, with beautiful shops, streets and squares in homage to Belgium. The historic harbour area on the Rhine houses three spectacular “crane houses” and restored buildings and the botanical garden is free and a lovely spot to stroll. Photo opportunities and a chance to add your love padlock, head for Hohenzollern Bridge.
Cologne has lots of options for accommodation, with the most expensive in the old historic part. A 10 minute stroll or via the quick and efficient transport system will take you to the Mediapark, a purpose built area with offices, entertainment and dining options, as well as a gem of a hotel, the NH Hotel Mediapark. Overlooking a pond complete with Demetrius and his family of swans, the cathedral, along with other buildings of interest, can be seen from the well-equipped, bright bedrooms. With sumptuous breakfasts and a special food corner for children, the hotel also has a gym and saunas.
Food and drink are taken seriously, with one of the best places to try out the local cuisine being at a brewhouse and Johann Schäfer in the student quarter and is one of the coolest.
Of course, during carnival time there really is no excuse not to join in the merriment, but visiting anytime is a joy and a chance to have some real fun!
Fact Box:
Low cost airlines fly daily into Cologne from the UK. For parking and add-ons, Holiday Extras is the market leader in UK airport parking, hotels, lounges and transfers. Last year its customers saved an average of £191 per trip by booking their airport parking in advance which means you can enjoy more holiday with less hassle. Plus, with Flextras, if you need to cancel or amend you can without charge. For more information please visit www.holidayextras.com or call 0800 316 5678.
The friendly tourism office by the cathedral in Cologne is the best place to go for advice. And to plan in advance, you can check out www.koelntourismus.de.
Author Bio:
Rebecca Hay is an experienced travel writer and member of The British Guild of Travel Writers. Follow her adventures with her family on Twitter and Instagram @emojiadventurer and on Facebook via EmojiAdventurers2.
Photographs courtesy of Köln Tourismus Gmbh
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