Anybody Been To Cologne?

[Ruhr]

and they deceive tourists about their real character, i forgot to say

 

[aka blue jambo]

remember being at a pre season 4 team tourney with Hearts,Enschede,Cologne and Kaiserslautern
Koln Koln the scheiss ( spelling ) of the dome was ringing out from 3 sides :-)

 

[scowy68]

and they deceive tourists about their real character, i forgot to say

Lol nice one.I've remained friends with one for almost 5 years now.He must be an exception to the rule.

 

[bluemoon_88]

had a good night out there. I love germany as a country to go out in. Always have a good a night

 

[Ruhr]

remember being at a pre season 4 team tourney with Hearts,Enschede,Cologne and Kaiserslautern
Koln Koln the scheiss ( spelling ) of the dome was ringing out from 3 sides :-)

Cologne Cologne, die Scheisse vom Dom, yes that´s a classic
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-pRTPKsI3GQ[/youtube]

 

[BTH]

I went there on my first trip hitch-hiking trip abroad 25 years ago. My friend and I were actually going to Amsterdam but when a fella pulled up in Calais in a Sierra XR4i and offered us a life we accepted. He swore blind we could get to the 'Dam from Köln, which of course you can and we did, but we took the long way round. In reality, he fancied my friend and wasted no time hitting 130mph+ once we hit the autobahn, no doubt to impress her!

Köln Cathedral is visible from 20 or 30 miles away and so it should be; it took over 600 years to build and its twin spires are roughly the height of Blackpool Tower. Everyone should see it once in their lifetime IMO.

As for what I can remember about the place: the Rhine dominates, the beer was good and cheap, and the Germans were as friendly as they are always are on their own turf. I can't believe I've never gone back that way again, but I intend to do so one day.

 

[Blue Punter]

Spent a Saturday night there when they had the annual Kolner Lichtner (Cologne fireworks). Not into fireworks, but that was one of the most spectacular things I've seen in my life. Everyone had crates of beer and all the pubs were rammed.

Next day we went to Koln racecourse, which was the best days racing experience I've ever been to (despite not backing a winner all day).

There's also a shit-hot sauna/spa/wellness centre which we never got time to visit. Great way to recharge yourself between beer sessions.
<a class="postlink" href="http://www.claudius-therme.de/index_en.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;">http://www.claudius-therme.de/index_en.htm</a>

If you're there for a few days, head for the Alstadt in Dusseldorf. Only 30 mins on the train and they run regularly all through the night. Most people take a few beers on the trains, but everyone's chilled out.

They sell regional group tickets SchönerTagTicket Nordrhein-Westfalen (Nice-day-ticket North Rhine-Westphalia)36 EUR if you buy your ticket online or at the ticket machine. 38 EUR if you purchase your ticket at the booking office.

Ticket is valid from Monday to Friday for one day of your choice from 9 a.m. until 3 a.m. of the following day, Saturday, Sunday and on bank holidays for the whole day. It can be used on all local trains (Interregio-Express, Regional-Express, Regionalbahn, S-Bahn) and the transport systems in North Rhine-Westphalia.

Two quality cities in a superb country.
Have a great time.

<a class="postlink" href="http://wikitravel.org/en/Cologne" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;">http://wikitravel.org/en/Cologne</a>

<a class="postlink" href="http://wikitravel.org/en/Dusseldorf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;">http://wikitravel.org/en/Dusseldorf</a>

 

[LongsightM13]

Was it not kolsch you we're drinking?i think they have about 14 different breweries in Cologne.I was on that for a while,until i found the Paulaner.

Kolsch is not a brand, by the way, OP. It is a generic term for lager brewed locally under local rules. It'd be like various kinds of lager, all called "Manc", being sold in every bar here.
It comes in small glasses. If you want 'tall bier' then go for the local white or Weiss beers - if only in tribute to Wlad.
Ignore Ruhr and his idiotic WUM analysis of a wonderful city.
The Ruhr were only French who collaborated with the Nazis

 

[gaz76]

I'm going to Cologne on Friday for a stag-do.
Anybody been? Any pointers/tips?

Cheers

My Grandfather flew over the place many times in the 1940's, but he is dead now.

one question to that son, WHY? some times on here you seem to have a point, others your just trying to get a raise out of people(which lets be honest aint difficult)

Two points on my behalf

A) you live in sale, says it all

B) refer to A)

 

[scowy68]

Agree with the comments about the Dom,it is a mighty impressive sight that stands out wherever you are in the City,in fact at night you can see it from the plane as it makes it's descent.Which makes you wonder,how the fuck was it still standing when the RAF levelled the rest of the City?

I might consider suggesting divine intervention,if i didn't know this was a board full of atheists :-)