Destination Deutschland - Cologne!

I had a free weekend and needed to get away for a short break, but didn’t know where. I knew only a few things: 1) I was not going anywhere where I was at high risk of having to partially undress in front of large groups of strangers – so that ruled out anything involving airport security. 2) I wanted to go somewhere different to the main Eurostar destinations of France and Belguim, but as it was going to be a weekend break I didn’t want to be travelling too far; and 3) It had to have good food and great beer.

So I set off on a typical rainy London afternoon aboard the Eurostar from St Pancras International for the short journey into Brussels. After a quick change in Brussels to the high speed ICE train, and a brief visit to the land of nod - I was pulling into the impressive Cologne Main Station and en route to check into my hotel for the night. As I arrived in the early evening, I thought it best to retire (after a cheeky pint of Kölsch – it’d be rude not to!) for what was promised to be cracking weather the next day.

And the weather didn’t disappoint. After a breakfast in the hotel, I was eager to set out on foot and see what Cologne had to offer. A lot of Cologne was destroyed during WWII, however the city still offers a rich blend of medieval architecture by the Rhine, and a more modern cosmopolitan feel with many lively bars and clubs dotted around town. So after wandering through many of the famous brewhouses and shopping districts, it was time to conquer the Dom Cathedral, the largest in Germany, whose soaring twin spires are a marvel to behold. But there were 509 steps to get up first. As I reached approximately step 240, I was starting to seriously regret my decision to devour that extra portion of Currywurst at lunch moments earlier. It was definitely worth it in the end, with lunch still safely tucked away inside me and breathtaking views at the top overlooking the Rhine and all of Cologne city, it’s a must-see for everyone visiting the city.

The next day was spent visiting many of the quirky markets around the cathedral and the Neumarkt, where most of the famous Christmas Markets are situated. Then after a buying few souvenirs and checking out of the hotel, I headed back to Cologne station and boarded the modern Thalys train back to Brussels. After a big weekend of beers and plenty of walking, its definitely worth the small supplement to upgrade into first class on the Thalys, which offers more room, quieter cabins and a light bite as you speed through the German and Belgian countryside enroute to the Eurostar terminal in Brussels. Then in under 5 hours door to door, I’m back in the UK ready for work the next morning!
So whether you’re there to take a relaxing stroll along the Rhine River, sample the famous breweries, or shop till you drop – Cologne is a city where you’re happy just to toss out the rule book and make it your own, as there really is something for everyone.