Regional Information
Cologne
At a Glance
Currency: Euro (€)
Population: 1.8 million
Language: German, English widely spoken
Local Time: Irish and UK time +1 hour
Voltage: 230V – continental adaptors purchased in Ireland / UK can be used
Airport: Duesseldorf International Airport is located approximately 65 km (40 miles) northwest of the city of Cologne. The journey into Cologne takes about 45 minutes
Flight Duration: Approx. 2 hours
Climate: Cologne has a pleasant climate with warm summers and mild winters.
Overview
Cologne is located in the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia, along the river Rhine between Dusseldorf and Bonn. Founded by Romans, Cologne is one of Germany's oldest cities. It looks back on a long and eventful history, and the evidence of this is seen all over the city. Cologne Cathedral is Germany's largest cathedral and a designated UNESCO World Heritage site. The city's Rheingarten park and old quarter are a firm favourite with locals and tourists alike, a great place to enjoy a stroll and stop off at one of the traditional breweries. You will find a striking group of twelve large Romanesque churches in the city centre.
Highlights
The Cologne Cathedral - This cathedral of the superlative is a symbol and central attraction of the Rhine metropolis. Its size is emphasised by the gigantic pair of towers, which have dominated the panorama of the cathedral city since their completion in 1880. The cathedral is still today the second highest building in Cologne after the telecommunications tower.
Romanesque churches - Cologne is renowned for its churches. You will find a unique ensemble of twelve large Romanesque collegiate and abbey churches, all true gems of medieval architecture, packed into a compact area within the medieval city walls. These are among the most important churches in western Europe.
Ludwig Museum - The Ludwig Museum specialises in contemporary art from the 20th-21st century. The collection includes paintings from some of the most important figures in the Modernist movement: expressionists and representatives of classical modernism such as August Macke, Marc Chagall or Henri Matisse. The museum is also famous for its collection of American art featuring masterpieces by Jasper Johns, Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein.
The Altstadt (old town) - Cologne is definitely a beer city with its own beer type called Koelsch, a pale top fermented beer that must be brewed in the Cologne metropolitan area. While most of the breweries in the city center are gone, you can still enjoy a beer with other tourists at a pub in the Altstadt.
Getting Around
The principle operator of public transport in and around Cologne is the Koelner Verkehrsbetriebe (KVB). They have divided the city up into four different zones with different prices for each. Normal single tickets are of reasonable prices and the service is comprehensive and reliable. However, look out for group discounts, 24 hour tickets and 72 hour tickets – these can provide better value for money. The Koeln Tourismus Card is valid for 72 hours on all Cologne public transport, gives a free coach tour of the city and free/discounted entry to many of the city’s museums.
Health/Security
As in most big cities, pickpockets gather wherever there are large crowds of tourists. There are also a few scams around. Generally, tourists should take the precautions they would in any major city. Avoid carrying large sums of cash or leaving belongings unattended. Tap water is safe to drink although many travellers do choose to buy bottled water instead because they are unaccustomed to the taste of the water.
Passport/Visa
Germany is a member of the EU; therefore no visa is required for Irish and British citizens.
Useful Contacts
Irish Embassy: Friedrichstr. 200, 10117 Berlin
Tel.: + 49 (0) 30 220720, Fax: + 49 (0) 30 22072299
British Embassy: Wilhelmstr. 70-71, 10117 Berlin
Tel: + 49 (0) 30 204570, Fax: + 49 (0) 30 2045 7594
Local Emergency Services: Ambulance 110 / Fire 118 / Police 112
Calling Cologne from Ireland / UK: 00 + 49 + 221 + local number
Calling Ireland from Cologne: 00 + 353 + area code + the number
Calling the UK from Cologne: 00 + 44 + area code + the number
Local Tourist Office: Kardinal-Hoeffner-Platz 1, 50667 Koeln
Tel: +49 (0) 221 22 13 04 00, Fax: +49 (0) 221 22 13 04 10
Email: info@koelntourismus.de
Web: www.koelntourismus.de/en
Useful Websites
www.koelntourismus.de
www.roughguides.com