Today’s Koln with its vibrant relaxed outlook and youthful feel defies the age old importance of this historic city, situated on the crossroads of Europe’s major trade routes. With close to 1.5 million people, Koln is by far the most important city in the Rhine – Westphalia region (Germany’s economic powerhouse and also the most densely populated rural agglomeration in the world). It is also some times called the trade fair capital of Europe for the numerous fairs it hosts through the year.

Historically, the centre of the Roman Catholicism in Germany, Koln was the largest city in Germany in the middle Ages. The numerous Romanesque churches and the magnificent Dom cathedral which bear testament to this. Koln suffered great damage in WWII, but was restored almost completely, with decades of prosperity only adding to its architectural styles.

The Lowdown

There’s plenty to do in Koln, visit the Dom and the fascinating museums that lie adjacent to it, stroll down the Rhine, go in to the fairy tale ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ Lindt Museum or just take a river cruise - a day trip to Bonn perhaps. For history buffs there are loads of historical walks or guided tours you can take to see what the Romans left behind.

Oh and don’t forget the night life, rumoured to rival anything that the Berlin has to offer, head down to the ‘Ring’ it is here that you will find Koln’s real sassy side with small streets lined with bars and clubs that cater to the massive student population in the city.

An Insider’s Tip

Try visiting Koln during the Koln Carneval, apparently the only worthy rival to the Oktoberfest within Germany.

Orientation

The mammoth Dom dominates every view of the city, with the train station to its north also behind which lie many of the historic parts and areas of interest, which run along the west bank of the Rhine. The main shopping street Hohe Strasse runs through the center of the old town square.

Moving further west of the Dom, takes you past a variety of Museums and the Roman Wall, eventually leading to the ubiquitous Ring road that surrounds the old town on the west, with its various names, and swinging nightlife.

Weather

Being in the south west Koln rarely freezes over, and enjoys comfortable weather, in comparison to Germany’s other cities. The best months to visit are from May through September; alternatively if you want to avoid the crowds, you can get in as early as late March or stay till early November. Rain is always a possibility, but it rarely ever moves beyond a persistent drizzle and never enough to hamper you.

Practicalities

Koln has a well connected transport stem that comprises of the U & S-Bahns. The U-Bahn in particular, alternates between the underground and trams, with a few lines starting as trams and ending underground. If you are going to be using public transport a lot, then look into getting a 1 or 3 day pass to economise. All though Koln is a city of over a million, the center and areas of interest, are fairly close and it does make more sense to walk around to orient your self. Koln, too is bike friendly, and boasts of a few Rent-a-Bike services, that you can pick up and drop at most places.