Cologne Lowland Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Cologne Lowland with our comprehensive travel guide, including places to visit, hikes and bike routes, food and drink scene, where to stay, local culture, safety, and transportation options.


Introduction to Cologne Lowland

Cologne Lowland, situated in the North Rhine-Westphalia region of Germany, is a picturesque and tranquil destination to visit. This region has a rich history and is home to a magnificent landscape of green hills, dotted with towns steeped in culture. Perfect for a weekend getaway or a week-long trip, Cologne Lowland offers something for everyone. This comprehensive guide will provide you with all the information you need to plan your visit to this stunning region in Germany.

List of Places to Visit in Cologne Lowland

Cologne Lowland is a region that boasts many culturally and historically important attractions, as well as stunning natural beauty. Here is a list of top places to visit in the region:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Cologne Cathedral: One of the most popular tourist attractions in the region, Cologne Cathedral is a Gothic-style church that took over 600 years to build. The cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and it is renowned for its exquisite architecture.

  • Farina Fragrance Museum: The birthplace of Eau de Cologne, this museum is an essential visit for perfume lovers. The museum is located in the house where Italian perfumer Johann Maria Farina first created the scent, and it offers a fascinating insight into the history of cologne.

  • The Chocolate Museum: This unusual museum showcases the history of chocolate and its production. It has hands-on exhibits, tantalizing smells, and even tastings.

Natural Attractions of Cologne Lowland: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Kottenforst: A vast forest that spreads over 40km² of the central town, Bonn. This area is popular for hiking, cycling, horse riding, and picnics.

  • Rheinsteig: A popular hiking trail offering spectacular views of the Rhine river and its valley. The Rheinsteig trail is divided into stages and can be completed in parts or in full.

  • Phantasialand: A fun-filled amusement park for people of all ages and is located only 30km from Cologne. This park offers a variety of rides, shows, and restaurants.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Cologne Lowland

Cologne Lowland is a fantastic destination for those who love outdoor activities such as hiking and cycling. Here are some of the best hiking and cycling routes in the area:

  • Eifelsteig Trail: A 313-kilometer long-distance path that offers spectacular views of the Eifel National Park and Lake Rur. The trail consists of 15 individual stages and is perfect for experienced hikers.

  • Ahr Cycle path: A 77km trail that meanders through the stunning Ahr valley and its vineyards. Ideal for cyclists of all skill levels, this trail is well marked with easy access to bike rentals and tourism offices.

  • Kölnpfad Trail: A 170km trail that circles around Cologne and provides scenic views of the Rhine valley and its surroundings.

Best Things to Do in Cologne Lowland: Activities and Tours

The region of Cologne Lowland has many exciting and fun-filled activities to offer its visitors. Here are some top things to do in Cologne Lowland:

  • Boat Tour on the Rhine River: A relaxing way to take in the beauty of Cologne Lowland is by taking a boat tour along the Rhine River that flows through the region. The boat tours offer stunning views of the landscape and iconic bridges.

  • Hot Air Balloon Ride: Another way to witness the breathtaking views of Cologne Lowland is by taking a hot air balloon ride. This adventure offers spectacular views of the region and its stunning surroundings.

  • Visit a Local Christmas Market: Cologne Lowland is famous for its Christmas markets. Visiting one of them is a must during the holiday season.

Week-Long Itinerary for Cologne Lowland

Here’s an ideal week-long itinerary for a trip to Cologne Lowland:

Day 1: Visit Cologne Cathedral and explore the old town

Day 2: Take a hiking tour of the Eifel National Park

Day 3: Visit the Farina Fragrance Museum and take a stroll through the city

Day 4: Take a boat tour of the Rhine River and visit the Chocolate Museum

Day 5: Visit the Ahr valley and its vineyards by bike or on foot

Day 6: Take a hot air balloon ride and visit a local Christmas market

Day 7: Relax at the Spa of the Brenner’s Park-Hotel and Spa

Food and Drink Scene of Cologne Lowland

Cologne Lowland is a region that is famous for its cuisine, wine, and beer. Here are some traditional foods and drinks that you must try when visiting Cologne Lowland:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Rheinischer Sauerbraten: This regional dish is made with marinated beef that is tender and tangy.

  • Himmel und Äd: A classic dish that combines mashed potatoes and apple sauce with black pudding and onions.

  • Kölsch Beer: A refreshing light beer made only in Cologne with high standards and served in small glasses.

Local Beverages

  • Riesling and Pinot Noir: The Ahr valley is known for its quality wines, especially Riesling and Pinot Noir, and numerous vineyards offer wine tasting sessions.

  • Korn: A traditional flavored spirit made from wheat, rye, and sugar beet.

Where to Stay in Cologne Lowland: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Cologne Lowland has a range of accommodation options to suit every budget and preference. Here are some recommendations:

  • Brenner’s Park-Hotel and Spa: A luxurious spa hotel in the heart of Cologne, offering elegant rooms, world-class facilities, and five-star accommodations.

  • Jugendherberge Bonn: A hostel located near the Ahr valley, with affordable dorms, private rooms, and ample communal spaces.

  • Gästehaus Balthasar Neumann: Located in the city center of Cologne, this guesthouse offers cozy and beautiful accommodations with comfortable beds.

What to Buy in Cologne Lowland: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Cologne Lowland has plenty of shopping options and is known for its quality products. Here are some souvenirs and local products to bring back home:

  • Perfume: Buy the original Eau de Cologne 4711 and other fragrances from the Farina Fragrance Museum.

  • Riesling: Bring back a bottle of Riesling from one of the vineyards in the Ahr valley.

  • Chocolate: Purchase chocolate and other confectionery from the Chocolate Museum.

Local Culture and Customs of Cologne Lowland

The people of Cologne Lowland are proud of their rich cultural heritage, and it shows through their customs. Here are some local culture and customs to keep in mind when visiting the region:

  • Karneval: This traditional festival, also known as Carnival, is celebrated in the region in February or March. It is a five-day festival that is marked by colorful costume parades, drinking, and hefty partying.

  • Kölsch Language: The people of Cologne converse in a distinctive dialect called Kölsch.

Best Time to Visit Cologne Lowland

Cologne Lowland can be visited all year round, but the best time to visit is from April to October when the temperatures are mild, and the outdoor activities and events are in full swing.

Do’s and Don’ts of Cologne Lowland

Here are some Do’s and Don’ts to keep in mind when visiting Cologne Lowland:

Do:

  • Carry Cash: Some places in Cologne Lowland may not accept credit cards, so it’s essential to carry cash.

  • Respect the Locals: The people of Cologne Lowland are friendly and welcoming, and visitors must reciprocate with respect and kindness.

Don’t:

  • Drink on the Streets: Drinking alcohol in public places is prohibited in Cologne Lowland.

  • Forget to Tip: Tipping is customary in Germany, and it is essential to show appreciation for good service.

Safety and Health

Safety in Cologne Lowland

Cologne Lowland is a very safe and secure region, but visitors should still take caution while exploring the area. Ensure that you keep your belongings safe, and avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas.

Health in Cologne Lowland

Cologne Lowland has excellent healthcare facilities and services. Pharmacies are readily available, and most major hospitals have English-speaking staff.

Getting to Cologne Lowland: Transportation Options and Logistics

Cologne Lowland is well-connected by various transportation modes, making it easy for tourists to explore the region.

Airports Near Cologne Lowland

The nearest airports to Cologne Lowland are Cologne-Bonn Airport (CGN), Düsseldorf Airport (DUS), and Frankfurt Airport (FRA). All airports are well connected to the region by trains, buses, and taxis.

Bus Stations Near Cologne Lowland

There are regular bus services to Cologne Lowland from major cities like Frankfurt, Berlin, and Munich.

Other Options

Cologne Lowland is well-connected by train, and there are frequent services to most major cities in Germany. Besides, the region has an excellent network of highways and roads ideal for road trips.

How to Get Around in Cologne Lowland

Cologne Lowland’s extensive network of public transportation, such as buses, trains, and trams, makes it easy for visitors to get around the region.

Where to Go Next from Cologne Lowland: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Cologne Lowland is an excellent base to explore some of the nearby cities and towns. Here are some recommended destinations and excursions:

  • Bonn: The birthplace of Beethoven and the former capital of Germany, Bonn is a charming city with plenty of cultural and historical sites.

  • Aachen: Home to a stunning medieval old town and one of the most beautiful cathedrals in Europe.

  • Moselle Valley: Famous for its wine, the Moselle valley is a scenic region with quaint towns and stunning vineyards.

Conclusion

Cologne Lowland is an exciting and must-visit destination for anyone who loves history, culture, nature, and adventure. With its ample options of outdoor activities, stunning landmarks, and local cuisine, this region is sure to provide experiences that you will cherish for a lifetime. Plan your trip to Cologne Lowland today and experience the very best that Germany has to offer!

The iconic Cologne Cathedral, the region's most famous landmark The iconic Cologne Cathedral, the region's most famous landmark Augustusburg castle in Brühl Augustusburg castle in Brühl The region is served by the Cologne-Bonn airport in its middle The region is served by the Cologne-Bonn airport in its middle The ''Hauptbahnhof'' of Cologne is right at the foot of the cathedral and serves as an international and regional railway hub The ''Hauptbahnhof'' of Cologne is right at the foot of the cathedral and serves as an international and regional railway hub The extensive network of Cologne's and Bonn's ''Stadbahn'' spans the entire region The extensive network of Cologne's and Bonn's ''Stadbahn'' spans the entire region Pieces of the Berlin Wall at the ''Haus der Geschichte'' in Bonn Pieces of the Berlin Wall at the ''Haus der Geschichte'' in Bonn Drachenfels Drachenfels The BayArena in Leverkusen is home to the city's famous association football team The BayArena in Leverkusen is home to the city's famous association football team ''Kölsch Stangen'' in a ''Kölsch Stangen'' in a "wreath". Zunft is just one of the many breweries making ''Kölsch''


    Bad Honnef
    Brühl
    Cologne
    Königswinter
    Leverkusen