Cologne Travel Guide
Cologne is easily accessible from Austria and Switzerland, especially while you sleep, with the comfortable ÖBB night trains. ÖBB Nightjets make a regular stop in the Rhine metropolis on their routes to Amsterdam and Brussels. During Carnival season, Cologne is known as the "fool's capital" of Germany. But the city is also famous year-round for its hospitality and open-mindedness. Right outside the main train station, you'll be almost overwhelmed by the impressive sight of Cologne Cathedral. Cologne can also be the starting point for a boat trip on the Rhine.
Cologne is easily accessible from Austria and Switzerland, especially while you sleep, with the comfortable ÖBB night trains. ÖBB Nightjets make a regular stop in the Rhine metropolis on their routes to Amsterdam and Brussels. During Carnival season, Cologne is known as the "fool's capital" of Germany. But the city is also famous year-round for its hospitality and open-mindedness.
Right outside the main train station, you'll be almost overwhelmed by the impressive sight of Cologne Cathedral. Cologne can also be the starting point for a boat trip on the Rhine.
Transform your PDFs into Flipbooks and boost your revenue!
Leverage SEO-optimized Flipbooks, powerful backlinks, and multimedia content to professionally showcase your products and significantly increase your reach.
TACH KÖLN
WORTH SEEING
CHURCHES
MUSEUMS
THE RHINE
LOCAL TRANSPORT
IMPRINT
Tach Köln
Tach Köln
The ÖBB Nightjet brings travellers to Cologne
safely, comfortably, and above all, completely
stress-free. Whether it’s a business or vacation trip,
traveling by train is not only more comfortable but
also significantly more environmentally friendly.
with the OBB nightjet to Cologne
5
Worth Seeing
Heinzelmännchen (legendary elves)
Opposite the largest brewery in Cologne, Früh,
stands the Heinzelmännchen Fountain. The
fountain depicts the curious tailor's wife from the
legend “The Heinzelmännchen.”
The original statue is located in the Cologne
Zeughaus, while the copy set up here withstands
the weather better.
with the OBB nightjet to Cologne
7
Eau de Cologne
Johann Maria Farina was the inventor of Eau de
Cologne, which he named in honor of his adopted
hometown.
When he joined his brother’s company in Cologne
in 1709, the rise of “Johann Maria Farina opposite
Jülichs-Platz” was unstoppable.
with the OBB nightjet to Cologne
8
with the OBB nightjet to Cologne
9
Musical Dome
The Musical Dome was built in 1996 as a venue
for the musical ‘Gaudi’. As part of the opera house
renovation, the Musical Dome hosted the Opera
am Dom from 2012 to 2015.
For the following seasons, the Cologne Opera
moved to the StaatenHaus at Rheinpark in
Cologne-Deutz. The Musical Dome then resumed
its original function as a musical theatre.
with the OBB nightjet to Cologne
11
Roman Forum
No, one can assume that the ancient Romans did
not eat at McDonald's. Nevertheless, a connection
to the Roman Empire can be made with the
McDonald's branch at Schildergasse 60. The
basement contains remains of the forum, which
stood at this location in 50 AD.
with the OBB nightjet to Cologne
12
REMAINS OF ROMAN FORUM
Town Hall
Due to its documentation, the Cologne Town Hall
is the oldest town hall in Germany. The complex,
consisting of partially interconnected buildings,
stands in the center of the Roman settlement
elevated to city status in 50 AD. The oldest
surviving part dates back to 1330.
with the OBB nightjet to Cologne
14
4711
Around 1799, Wilhelm Mülhens began selling Eau
de Cologne. 4711 is the house number written by
French troops on Glockengasse 12.
The current house is not the original address but
has developed into a tourist destination. A carillon
chimes hourly from the gable.
with the OBB nightjet to Cologne
15
mit dem ÖBB nightjet nach xxx
16
Churches
Cologne Cathedral
The High Cathedral of St. Peter, as the Cologne
Cathedral is officially known, has been a UNESCO
World Heritage Site since 1996. The secondhighest
church building in Europe is Germany’s
most visited sight. The Shrine of the Three Kings
from the 13th century is the largest goldsmith
work of the Middle Ages in Europe. According to a
design by architect August von Essenwein from
1887, the floor of Cologne Cathedral was
decorated with mosaics over an area of 1,350 m².
with the OBB nightjet to Cologne
18
19
TOMB OF THE THREE KINGS (DREIKÖNIGSSCHREIN)
20
KKK
21
mit dem ÖBB nightjet nach xxx
22
23
Old St. Heribert
A small church with a long history. Old St. Heribert
was consecrated as early as 1020. Repeatedly
destroyed, this gem stands on the right bank of
the Rhine in Deutz.
The Cuirassier Monument with a mounted soldier
commemorates the time when a barracks still
stood here. Today, Old St. Heribert is a Greek
Orthodox church.
with the OBB nightjet to Cologne
24
St. Heribert
The three-aisled pillar basilica is popularly known
as Deutzer Dom (Düxer Dom). St. Heribert was
built on the site of the former Temple Court at
Deutzer Freiheit.
This designation goes back to the Templar Order.
The church houses the Heribert Shrine, dating
from 1175.
with the OBB nightjet to Cologne
25
St. Kolumba
The newly built Archdiocesan Diocesan Museum in
2007 encloses the devotional site dating back to
980. During the near-total destruction in 1943,
parts of the outer walls and a Madonna statue
remained intact. In 1947, a chapel was built,
which the people of Cologne call “Madonna in the
Ruins.”
with the OBB nightjet to Cologne
26
St. Kunibert
The history of its origin traces back to Saint
Kunibert, the Bishop of Cologne born around 600,
who founded a church at this site. Fires,
hurricanes, and finally the bombs of World War II
repeatedly took a toll on the structure. The
reconstruction was completed in 1993.
with the OBB nightjet to Cologne
27
Great St. Martin
Great St. Martin stands on the site that belonged
to the original Roman settlement (Colonia Claudia
Ara Agrippinensium).
Already in the 1st century AD, construction took
place at this location. Excavations from the early
period can be viewed in the crypt.
with the OBB nightjet to Cologne
28
Minorite Church
The Franciscans began this Gothic structure in
1245. The house of worship was completed in the
14th century. In 1845, Adolph Kolping received his
priestly ordination here.
The Minorite Church also houses the tomb of the
founder of the Kolping Society. Impressive is the
glass crucifix hovering above the altar.
with the OBB nightjet to Cologne
29
Museums
Foto: J. Rieger, Köln/Festkomitee Kölner Karneval
Cologne Carnival Museum
Here, the cultural heritage of the Cologne Carnival
is vividly and clearly presented. The world of the
Cologne Carnival is showcased from its beginnings
to the present day. You can find ornate orders and
traditional uniforms. The largest carnival museum
in the German-speaking world also features the
musical world of the Cologne "Jecken" (carnival
revelers). Numerous multimedia spots show
impressive reports.
with the OBB nightjet to Cologne
31
MAKK - Museum of Applied Arts Cologne
O p e n e d i n 1 9 8 9 , t h e M A K K p r e s e n t s
comprehensive collections from 800 years of
European craftsmanship. The MAKK is the only
museum of its kind in North Rhine-Westphalia.
Regularly changing temporary exhibitions provide
a good reason for repeated visits. The café, with
free Wi-Fi access, is also highly recommended.
with the OBB nightjet to Cologne
32
Museum Ludwig
The founding of the Museum Ludwig was initiated
by a donation from Irene and Peter Ludwig in
1976. The museum opened in 1986. Since then,
the exhibition has continuously expanded. Today,
the Museum Ludwig ranks among the world’s
most significant art collections of 20th and 21stcentury
works.
with the OBB nightjet to Cologne
34
DUE TO RENOVATION:
THE EXHIBITION HAS MOVED TO THE BELGIAN
HOUSE (CÄCILIENSTRASSE 46)
Romano-Germanic Museum
The Romano-Germanic Museum of the City of
Cologne offers a deep insight into the region’s
archaeological history. Exhibits from the Stone,
Bronze, and Iron Ages make the visit a truly special
experience. Here, you can also admire intricate
goldsmith works from the Migration Period and
the world’s largest collection of Roman glass
vessels.
with the OBB nightjet to Cologne
35
Lindt Chocolate Museum
Over three levels, you experience the cultural
history of chocolate in the modern glass building.
The museum opened in 1993 and covers an
exhibition area of 4,000 m². Here, you can taste
and create your own chocolate. After the
exhibition, the CHOCOLAT Grand Café offers a
fantastic view of the Rhine.
with the OBB nightjet to Cologne
36
CHOCOLATE FOUNTAIN
37
Mustard Mill & Shop
The Cologne Mustard Museum houses two of the
world’s oldest mustard mills. The mills produce
360 kg of the finest cold-ground gourmet mustard
daily. The recipes date back to the 15th and 18th
centuries. The mustard has been internationally
awarded several times. A completely different,
highly worthwhile museum.
with the OBB nightjet to Cologne
38
Sports & Olympics Museum
The German Sports & Olympics Museum opened
at the end of 1999. The permanent exhibition
displays artifacts from nearly 3,000 years of sports
history, from antiquity to the modern era.
Highlights from the last decade and trendy sports
are presented. Sports like surfing, skateboarding,
and BMX are brought to life through films and
original objects.
with the OBB nightjet to Cologne
39
The Rhine
Solar Bird
The sculpture is by Otto Rumpf, a German sculptor
working in Cologne. The Solar Bird is one of the
landmarks of the Cologne Rhine Promenade,
located between Chocolate Museum and Maritim
Hotel. Rumpf creates his sculptures from industrial
found objects. A visit to his residence „Odonien -
Free State for Art and Culture“ is recommended.
with the OBB nightjet to Cologne
41
Crane Houses
After the Cologne Rheinauhafen lost its
significance as a Rhine port, the area was
transformed into a leisure and recreation facility.
The groundbreaking for the first building took
place in 2006, and by October 2010, the last
house was ready for occupancy.
with the OBB nightjet to Cologne
42
Old Harbor Office
The harbor office at Rheinauhafen dates back to
1898. As part of the redevelopment of
Rheinauhafen, the listed building was expanded
with office and storage space.
The building can be visited daily from 10:00 to
16:00 with free admission.
with the OBB nightjet to Cologne
43
Siebengebirge (Seven Hills)
In 1909, the first reinforced concrete skeleton
buildings in Germany were constructed in the
harbor. The complex houses 138 apartments. It is
precisely the contrast between historical buildings
and modern equipment that has long made this
place one of the landmarks of the Cologne
Rheinauhafen.
with the OBB nightjet to Cologne
44
Bayen Tower
The Bayen Tower was built in 1217 as part of the
Cologne city fortifications. The walls of the threestory
base are 2.50 meters thick. The octagonal
tower was constructed in 1325.
Since 1994, the tower has been the headquarters
of the “FrauenMediaTurm” Foundation. It houses
an archive on the historical and current women’s
movement.
with the OBB nightjet to Cologne
45
Flood Pump Station
The water level of the Rhine is color-coded here.
At normal water levels, the station glows blue or
green. Yellow indicates a raised water level, and
red signals a flood.
The underground pumps divert up to 3,600 liters
of water per second. This prevents potential
backflow of Rhine water into the sewage system.
with the OBB nightjet to Cologne
46
Cologne Oval Offices
At Gustav-Heinemann-Ufer, a complex was created
whose construction of glass, steel, and concrete
offers an unexpectedly colorful experience. The
red and green buildings were certified as
Cologne’s first EU GreenBuilding. The Cologne
Oval Offices are certainly a sight worth seeing.
with the OBB nightjet to Cologne
47
LanXess Tower
The building, constructed in 1970, served as the
headquarters of Deutsche Lufthansa from 1970 to
2007. It was completely renovated from 2009 to
2013.
The office building now houses the corporate
headquarters of Lanxess AG, and in the front part,
known as the Rheinetagen, the GÖRG law firm has
leased space.
with the OBB nightjet to Cologne
48
Cologne Triangle
The view from the roof of the Cologne Triangle
offers a stunning view of the cathedral and the
Hohenzollern Bridge. The skyscraper is 103.2
meters high and has 29 floors.
The platform is open at the top and fully glazed
around. For photos of the cathedral (especially in
the evening), the spot at Kennedy-Ufer is better
suited.
with the OBB nightjet to Cologne
49
Die Bastei
Auf den Grundmauern eines bestehenden
preußischen Befestigungsturms plante der Kölner
Architekt Wilhelm Riphahn ein aussergewöhnliches
Aussichtsrestaurant.
Der Bau war in Köln umstritten. Man befürchtete,
dass eigenwillige Gebäude würde nicht in das
Stadtbild passen.
with the OBB nightjet to Cologne
50
Local Transport
Schifffahrt
If you want to get to know Cologne, a panoramic
cruise on the Rhine is a wonderful way to get a
good overview.
T h e C o l o g n e D ü s s e l d o r f e r D e u t s c h e
Rheinschiffahrt AG, or KD for short, offers many
scheduled, panoramic, and themed cruises.
with the OBB nightjet to Cologne
52
© www.bahnbilder.de
Busse & Bahnen
The Cologne Transport Company (KVB) operates a
complex public transport network of buses and
trains.
The KVB transports more than 850,000 people
daily, using 367 trains and over 300 buses. The
KVB's network consists of almost 60 lines.
with the OBB nightjet to Cologne
53
Cologne Cable Car (Kölner Seilbahn)
Crossing the Rhine at dizzying heights is an
extraordinary experience. The Cologne Cable Car
was put into operation during the 1957 Federal
Garden Show. It connects the Rhine Park with the
Cologne Zoo. The route stretches for almost 1,000
meters, and the journey across the Rhine takes
approximately six minutes. The Cologne Cable Car
is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
with the OBB nightjet to Cologne
54
Imprint
Route overview
OBB Nightjet and
OBB Nightjet Partner
Experience the OBB trains in 360°.
DE02_EN_Köln © 2025
The team
This e-book was made possible through the kind support of the
regional tourist offices and the OBB. German proofreading and
editorial:Martin Andergassen. English version: Katie Lang
References
Text, videos and photos by Rudolf J. Strutz unless otherwise
stated. Timetables and travel information: OBB.
Assistance from AI
Artificial intelligence applications are occasionally employed for
image editing, including the elimination of undesirable
components. Additionally, AI tools can enhance the clarity of
images and diminish background noise.
OBB railnet
The travel guides are also available free of charge on the OBB
online entertainment and internet portal railnet, which is
installed on all railjets, nightjets (NG) and cityjets.
Copyright
This book was licensed under the Creative Commons License.
Conditions of use: attribution, non-commercial, no editing and
distribution under the same conditions only as a complete
work! The use of individual photos and text is not permitted.
This eBook is available free of charge.
Links
All links provided are current at the time of publication of this e-
book. Links to tickets usually lead directly to the exhibition
location. For tickets and timetables, local public transportation
services are linked.
Logos and company names
All logos and company names are used for information
purposes only; any use outside of this e-book must be approved
by the copyright holders.
with the OBB nightjet to Cologne
57
SCOTTY mobile shows the
timetables for all public
transport and helps you plan
your travel route.
Book your trip online or view
the current timetable online and
directly on your mobile phone.
AuVi Photos & eBooks
Rudolf Strutz
Hasengasse 33/25
1100 Vienna
ebooks@oebb-ebooks.at
with the OBB nightjet to Cologne
58