4h11 to Cologne, the carnival city
Cologne is often praised for its fun-loving party atmosphere, exemplified by its world famous annual carnival, which culminates in a frenzy of colourful parades and lively street parties just before Ash Wednesday. Whenever your visit, you'll have plenty of opportunity to sample the local beer, Kölsch, in the shadow of the imposing UNESCO listed cathedral, symbol of the city along with the renowned eau de Cologne.
Relax with some leisurely shopping or enjoy Cologne's great range of museums and art galleries. Established by the Romans (who named it Colonia), Germany’s oldest city is also a major European metropolis, showing the influences of its nearby French, Dutch and Belgian neighbours. The Cologne exhibition centre (Köln Messe) is home to some of Europe’s biggest trade fairs, making this city a genuine crossroads.
