COLOGNE 7 October 2018: If you are looking for a vibrant Old Town, cobblestone roads, cafe culture, independent shops and healthy dose of urban playfulness, head to the city of Cologne.
Home to Germany’s greatest Gothic cathedral, its best collection of Roman artifacts, a world-class art museum and the birthplace of that perfume, the western Germany river town is an ideal getaway destination.
The city feels rebuilt. Much of it was destroyed in World War II, leaving just a tiny area of historic streets remaining. So wander off in the colourful old town or relax with an icy beverage by the Rhine.
Tick off the bucket list.
Climb the Cologne Cathedral
Thrusting up from the ground like a gothic stalagmite, encrusted with gargoyles and needling the sky with its twin spires is one of Europe’s most awe-inspiring, the Cologne Cathedral. It always seems to be watching you like Sauron’s Eye. Look out for Gerhard Richter’s multi-coloured, graphic glass window and the golden shrine of the Three Wise Men, whose relics arrived in 1164.
The most adventurous part for me was the climb of 509 steps to the top. It takes an hour to reach the top but the panoramic view here makes working up the sweat well worth it.
Gawk at Roman art
A short stroll from the cathedral will get you to the Romano-Germanic Museum. Cologne was an important corner of the Roman Empire. Get goosebumps as you gawk at the statues, mosaics and jewellery spanning prehistoric, Roman and medieval times that fill the halls of this museum.
Right next door is the 20th-century Museum Ludwig. Offering some matchless modern art, this is one place that fans of contemporary and pop art shouldn’t miss. The museum holds some great collection of well-known Picassos and Andy Warhols.
Say Prost, the Kölsch way
You need to head to one of the city’s original breweries to try the bright, straw coloured distillation. The Kölsch is being brewed according to the same recipe for 500 years. From the type of tray used to serve it, to the communication code between waiter and customer, every detail of the Kölsch beverage world is incredibly fascinating.
Make your own perfume
After you gulp down some of the Kölsch, it’s time to satisfy the sense of smell. Take a walk through the Old Town to 4711 Glockengasse, which claims to be the birthplace of the original Eau de Cologne.
In 1810, the inventor stopped calling it medicine and started marketing it as a perfume, putting Cologne on the map. Locals claim Eau de Cologne was the first perfume based on alcohol. The original Cologne Water runs in a fountain by the door. Do not forget to pick up souvenir bottles of Eau de Cologne off the shelf before you leave.
Give in to your sweet tooth
Have you secretly nursed a desire to spend just one day in Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory? Snuggled right next to the Rhine River, this soaring, modern, glass and steel museum built to resemble a ship is the Imhoff Chocolate Museum which takes chocolate too seriously. The entire museum is dedicated to the best possible decadence ever – chocolates.
This is probably the best-smelling museum in the world. As you enter the home of Germany’s chocolate heritage, the whiff of gingerbread, marzipan, butter-soft bonbons, milky creams and delectable truffles hits you. My favourite corner at this museum is the massive 10-foot tall chocolate fountain. Coming at the end of the exhibit, visitors are given a wafer freshly dipped from the waterfall of delicious chocolate. However, chocolate-obsessed people like me can ask for more.
As a fun-packed day here comes to an end, you realize this modern German town is so unlike its counterparts with so much to offer beyond just sharp suits and sauerkraut joints.
Overlooking the Rhine in a spell of colours and architecture, gardens where people gather on sunny afternoons and the historic pubs with pulleys on the windows, small restaurants along the river, you take memories of a Germany which respects its rich heritage.
Note: The author is a travel journalist from Bangalore. meghapaul.travel@gmail.com. All images supplied by Cologne Tourism Board.