The German state of North Rhine-Westphalia is full of culture, history and amazing experiences. The most populous state in Germany as well as one of the largest metropolitan areas in Europe has a bounty of cities and villages that would easily pack your travel schedule. This is why I would suggest to either extend your trip or narrow your first visit and focus your attention on the largest city in the state, Cologne and the historic city of Aachen.
Cologne often gets overlooked by travelers looking to visit the popular urban centers of Berlin and Munich. However the city can more than hold its own with its extensive night life, unique cuisine, picturesque riverside walkways, and museums. It is amazing how far the city has come since being nearly completely destroyed during the Second World War by air raids and bombings. Some of the most intriguing souvenirs you can pick up on your visit illustrate the damage to the Hohenzollern Bridge during that period.
Today the center of Cologne is a pedestrian friendly cluster of museums, shops and restaurants sitting at the shores of the Rhine River. However even when you are a few kilometers away you will be able to see the most imposing and spectacular building in the region, the Kölner Dom. The Cologne Cathedral is one of the tallest in Europe and the most visited site in all of Germany. The cathedral really ties in the center of the city and it makes it the epicenter of activity in the city. The square surrounding the cathedral has numerous bars and restaurants. For the authentic Cologne experience you should go to the Früh am Dom brewery. With the option of sitting in the beer garden during a nice day or to experience the atmosphere inside the brewery and the cellars. Either way you will enjoy authentic German cooking with the iconic Kölsch beer that originated from the city and is served in small glasses called Stange. It’s good to keep in mind that if you have had enough beer you should place your coaster on top of the glass otherwise the servers will keep them coming.
If you are interested in shopping or just going for a walk and experiencing the fast pace of life in the city you should stroll through the Hohe Straße and Schildergasse some of the busiest and best shopping streets in all of Europe. In case you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the shopping area you can take a walk on the Hohenzollern Bridge and watch the numerous boats sailing down the Rhine. Continue walking south along the river in the Rhine Garden Along with more restaurants and coffee shops there are numerous museums such as the Roman-Germanic Museum and Ludwig Museum. Further south are the Deutsches Sport and Olympia Museum and the delightful Cologne Chocolate Museum.
Once the museums close and the sun goes down make your way to Salzgasse Street. It’s a tiny cobblestone street with numerous restaurants and lounges connecting Rhine Park and Heumarkt Plaza. Get a drink and enjoy the atmosphere of your surroundings. It will remind you of Diagon Alley from the Harry Potter novels.
And while Cologne is a great example of lively urban European center, the city of Aachen only sixty kilometers away will bring you back to the peaceful and relaxing way of life. The small city has been attracting visitors to its thermal springs for thousands of years. From Celtic tribes, Roman legions until the present day people have sought the healing powers of the thermal springs that are below the city and are some of the warmest in all of Europe.
Aachen has over thirty locations in and around the city of hot springs. There are many spa centers and aquatic activities that a visitor can experience. However if you are only there for a day and don’t have time to go to the spa you should make your way to the Elisenbrunnen Pavilion. The pavilion houses two thermal water fountains and it’s located next to an ancient archeological site. A short walk away is Café Dom a small European style coffee shop with a few small tables lining the street and serving delicious pastries.
While Aachen was a popular destination for travelers it became a political powerhouse in the Middle Ages when Charlemagne the first Roman Emperor in centuries used it as his center of influence. The remains of this golden age for the city could be seen all over. The two buildings which create the Aachen skyline are a testament to that period and Charlemagne himself.
The Aachener Dom is the main tourist attraction in the city. It was constructed on the orders of the emperor and upon his death he was buried there. His remains can still be seen inside the cathedral today in a gold and silver casket called the Karlsschrein. The Aachen Cathedral is also known for being the location for the coronation of the German royalty for almost six hundred years.
The second noticeable building on the Aachen skyline is the Rathaus, or City Hall building. The building sits between the two main squares in the center of the city. Markt square in particular has many small restaurants which will give you that unique European feel. The Rathaus was constructed well after the death of Charlemagne, but inside you can find many references to the emperor.
Finally no trip to the city or the region for that matter should go without visiting the Cathedral Treasury. The first German monument to be entered into the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. There are a number of religious relics as well as artworks such as the Ottonian Cross of Lothair and the golden Bust of Charlemagne.
Cologne and Aachen sure have a lot to offer a traveler. So if you are just driving through or are looking for a unique destination you should make it a priority to visit.
vITal-trek 