Cologne

Cologne, a 2,000-year-old city spanning the Rhine River in western Germany, is the region’s cultural hub. A landmark of High Gothic architecture set amid reconstructed old town, the twin-spired Cologne Cathedral is also known for its gilded medieval reliquary and sweeping river views. The adjacent Museum Ludwig showcases 20th-century art, including many masterpieces by Picasso, and the Romano-Germanic Museum houses Roman antiquities.

Unesco: Cologne Cathedral
RR: Weekly RR
Date: March 21

Kölner Zoo - Elephant

The entire elephant area at Cologne Zoo covers about 20,000 m² including the elephant house with a 3,000 m² roof. This makes it the largest elephant park north of the Alps. Currently 11 Asian elephants live here, and very soon there will be 12!

Tag: Zoo tag
Date: Nov 27

From Kölner Zoo

Two Bornean orangutans from Cologne Zoo. The great ape jungle house opened in 1985 as one of the first immersion exhibits in Europe. The enclosures mainly consist of swinging ropes, climbing bars, and various tropical plants to provide enrichment for the animals. Species housed include western lowland gorillas, orangutans, bonobos, pygmy marmosets, king colobus, and lion-tailed macaques.

From my visit to Cologne Zoo, May 2025
Date: May 10

Cologne

The Cathedral, the Rhine, the Bridge: with its three charismatic wave-like arches, the Hohenzollernbrücke, along with the Cathedral and the Rhine, shapes the cityscape of Cologne. With a length of over 400 metres, the Hohenzollern Bridge is a mighty steel structure that stretches powerfully across the Rhine. If you’re a pedestrian, an almost sublime moment awaits you when you cross the bridge along with heavy railway carriages. As you walk, you’ll pass by the thousands upon thousands of love locks for which the Hohenzollern Bridge is famous today.

Unesco: Cologne Cathedral
RR: Monthly favourite surprise RR - January
Date: Jan 12

Cologne

Cologne on the river Rhine with the Dom and the Hohenzollern Bridge.
The bridge has pedestrian pathways on either side which offer stunning views of the Rhine River and Cologne's skyline featuring its iconic Cathedral.The Cologne Cathedral dominates the city skyline like no other building and is one of the largest cathedrals in Europe. The Cologne Cathedral is not only a popular destination for tourists but also one of the most famous landmarks that Cologne is known for.

Unesco: Cologne Cathedral

A souvenir from my trip to Cologne.
Date: Oct 28

Kölner Zoo - Elephants

10 Asian elephants live in the Cologne Elephant Park, the largest and most modern elephant park north of the Alps on 20,000 square metres. The youngest resident was born in June 2023. It is the thirteenth offspring to be born here. The Cologne elephant herd lives in their natural family without direct contact with caretakers. The head matriarch is Kreeblamduan.

A souvenir from my trip to Cologne.
Date: Oct 29

Kölner Zoo

Persian leopard in Kölner Zoo, the third oldest zoo in Germany It features over 10,000 animals of more than 850 species on more than 20 hectares.

Tag: Offer tag
Date: Nov 23

Cologne Cathedral

Begun in 1248, the construction of this Gothic masterpiece took place in several stages and was not completed until 1880. Over seven centuries, successive builders were inspired by the same faith and a spirit of absolute fidelity to the original plans. Apart from its exceptional intrinsic value and the artistic masterpieces it contains, Cologne Cathedral testifies to the enduring strength of European Christianity.

Unesco: Cologne Cathedral
RR: January - June 2023 RR
Date: May 6

Cologne Zoological Garden

Cologne Zoo is one of the oldest and most popular zoos in Germany. More than 10,000 animals are at home here. This makes it one of the most diverse in all of Europe. Its motto is: Enthusiastic about animals. Among the main attractions is the elephant park, which opened in 2004. It is the largest north of the Alps. Equally spectacular is the Hippodom, completed in 2010 to mark the zoo's 150th anniversary.

RR: February Alternative RR
Date: Feb 2

Köln am Rhein - Dom

Cologne Cathedral, is a Catholic cathedral in Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia. It is a renowned monument of German Catholicism and Gothic architecture and was declared a World Heritage Site in 1996. It is Germany's most visited landmark and at 157m, the cathedral is currently the tallest twin-spired church in the world.

Unesco: Cologne Cathedral
Distance: 182 km
Travel time: 3 days

Köln am Rhein

A beautiful panorama of Cologne, located on both sides of the Rhine River. Cologne is a major cultural centre of the Rhineland and has a vibrant arts scene. Cologne is home to more than 30 museums and hundreds of galleries. Exhibitions range from local ancient Roman archeological sites to contemporary graphics and sculpture.

Back of the card: Der Dom überragt die weltoffene Rheinmetropole Köln mit ihren unzähligen kulturhistorischen Schätzen, mit ihren wellbekannten museen und ihrer aktiven kunst-szene. Berühmt sind der Kölner karneval sowie das bier 'kolsch' - ausgeschenkt in vielen typischen kneipen und brauhäusern.
Translation: The cathedral overlooks the cosmopolitan Rhine metropolis Cologne with its many cultural and historical treasures, with its well-known museums and active art-scene. Famous for the Cologne carnival and the beer 'Kolsch' - served in many typical pubs and brewing houses.

Distance: 195 km (121 miles)
Travel time: 7 days