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Showing posts with label Germany. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Germany. Show all posts

Thursday, January 3, 2008

Cologne, Germany

Art, culture, fine architecture, fun, and shopping are just a few of the reasons countless people go to Cologne every year. If you want to visit a place where fun and merriment are as important as the beauty of the city, Cologne is the place for you. If you visit during their famous carnival, you will really see this fun side of the city.

First let’s talk about architecture. In Cologne, Roman sites that are over two thousand years old are common. Yes, the Romans came here too. They seem to have gone everywhere in Europe and left their mark. They certainly were builders. You can visit these sites that have been excavated and learn what European life was like two thousand years ago. There are also some buildings left from the Romans and some towers and gates.

We can’t talk about Cologne without discussing its beautiful Cathedral. Its twin spires are landmarks of the city. This Cathedral took 600 years to complete. You cannot imagine how beautiful it is inside until you see it. The outside is reason enough to visit Cologne, but the inside is precious also. This Cathedral is the largest in Germany.

There are many Romanesque churches here too; twelve of them in total. Try to make time to visit each of them because they are all unique and enchanting.

Like most well-reserved European cities, Cologne has a medieval center. You can visit the old Town Hall and the city gates. These would have been the centers of medieval life.

Now for the ladies. There is a Chocolate Museum. Yes, a museum dedicated to chocolate. What could be better? Unless you are allergic to chocolate, please visit this museum. You will learn more than you ever wanted to know about chocolate. They offer samples too.

If you enjoy beer, you know that Germany is known for its wonderful breweries. In the Old Town you will fund many pubs that serve incredible beers. You will have so many to choose from that you might have to sample several at a time. Locals come here too so it’s a great place to meet people and get to know the city.

While you are here try some chocolate with beer. I know, I know. It doesn’t sound like they would taste good together. I thought it sounded disgusting, but trust me, it’s worth trying. I love it.

There are many museums here. There are modern art museums with many very important pieces. If you like history, you will enjoy the historical museums. There is also a museum dedicated to religious art.

The Rhine River, one of the most beautiful rivers in the world, offers many opportunities for the tourist. You can book a cruise down the Rhine or maybe have a picnic by the banks. This romantic river is one of the best reasons to visit Cologne.

What about shopping? Cologne offers shopping for every taste and pocketbook. They also have a mall which is the largest roofed mall in Germany. Be sure to take advantage of the many bargains you can find in this fabulous city.

A visit to Cologne is a visit to one of Europe’s most interesting cities. There is a sense of fun here because the people are friendly and there is always something to do. Give this city a visit and take a cruise down the Rhine. You will definitely want to add this city to your list of destinations in Europe you want to visit.

Neuschwanstein Castle

This is the most romantic castle in all of the world. It is not very old but it could be the setting for every “happily ever after” fairy tale ever told.


Its beauty is legendary and well worth the steep stairs you have to climb to get to this breathtaking beauty. Nestled on a mountainside in Hohenschwangau in Bavaria, this castle is one of the most visited places in Germany. I have a picture of the castle in winter when it was covered in snow. The picture is too gorgeous to be real, but it is.

King Ludwig Ii, sometimes called Mad King Ludwig, built the castle between 1869 and 1886. Close to Germany’s border in Austria, the landscape is some of the most wonderful in Germany. Even if the Castle weren’t there the little town of Hohenschwangau would still be a great place to visit. The people are so friendly and the views are spectacular.

Disregard all of the tourist traps unless you like that kind of thing. The climb and descent to the castle is rigorous so don’t go if you have problems with stairs. There are special tours for the disabled on Wednesdays.

If you think this awe inspiring castle looks familar, it does bear a striking resemblance to Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle. You will be a little surprised at how modern the castle is inside. If you are used to real medieval castles, this one will shock you with its modern conveniences. After all King Ludwig didn’t want to create a castle he couldn’t enjoy living in.

Ludwig’s castle is a huge tourist spot. Don’t be surprised when you get there and you see hordes of tourists. Everyone simply loves this castle. After all isn’t that why you went. Enjoy the enchantment of Mad King Ludwig’s Castle and don’t forget to take a lot of pictures.