Köln (German name) or Cologne (English translation) is one of the largest cities in Germany, located on the western side of the country.
Köln welcomes annually millions of visitors for its fabulous Christmas Markets.
From the end of November by the end of December, you can find over six amazing Christmas Markets throughout the city.
The moment you will step into Cologne, you will get the impression that you have just reached a fairy tale city.
1.How to get from the airport to the city center?
Cologne (Koln)-Bonn airport locates 15 km far away from the city center. You can find more detailed information on the official airport’s website: https://www.cologne-bonn-airport.com/en.html.
It is very facile to get from the airport to the city center by using public transportation. The station is on the lower floor of the airport. The airport is just a 14 minutes ride from Cologne central station with S-Bahn line 1 (Cologne-Troisdorf).
There are several ticket machines inside the train station. Nevertheless, my advice is to purchase tickets from the DB (Deutsche Bahn) office, located at the Arrival level. They will also give you a printed copy of the train timetable.
Keep in mind that Cologne Central Station (Koln Hauptbahnhof) is just in the city center, close by Cologne Cathedral.
2. When can you visit Cologne Christmas Markets?
From 25 November to 23 December 2019 the festively decorated Cologne Christmas markets will invite you to stroll, shop and explore.
3. What are the most well-known Cologne Christmas Markets?
- Cologne Cathedral Christmas Market
Cologne Cathedral is the magnificent landmark of the country, being a part of UNESCO world heritage. Given its status as Germany’s largest Gothic church, and being a long-held important stop on the Roman Catholic pilgrimage route, it is not surprising that Cologne Cathedral is the most visited landmark in all of Germany. You can find detailed information on the official website: https://www.koelner-dom.de/home.html?L=1
The Cathedral Christmas market awaits you, with over 100 wooden pavilions, festive decorations and lights around the largest Christmas tree in the Rhineland. You can be delighted with the sweet delicacies and the delicious hot wine served in decorated Christmas mugs. You can feel the gingerbread and German hot wine aroma spread in the air. You will feel the magic of that fabulous place.
The opening time is: from 11 am to 9/10 pm.
- Alter Market – Old Christmas Market
The event takes place in the old town and attracts annually millions of tourists.
There you will find beautiful handmade Christmas gifts that confirm you that the most expected time of the year approaches with quick steps.
The opening time is: daily from 11 am – 10 pm.
- Angel’s Christmas Market
In Neumarkt, the shopping district, you will find Angel’s Christmas Market, the Cologne’s oldest Christmas Market.
The opening time is: Sunday to Thursday 11 am – 09 pm,
Friday and Saturday 11 am – 10 pm.
You will encounter enchanting chalets from where you can buy the well-know steaming Glühwein, delicious hot chocolate, fantastic Christmas themed toys or tasty sweets. For sure, you will notice that each wooden chalet has the name of an angel, for example, Gabriel or other celestial names.
- Village of St. Nikolas
Next, to the historic backdrop of the medieval Hahnentorburg, the Christmas Market takes you to the world of Christmas. The opening time is: daily from 11 am to 9 pm, Saturday until 10 pm.
There is a festive atmosphere here, this Christmas Market celebrating the upcoming holidays on an entertainment stage and around Saint Nicholas House.
I hope you enjoyed our travel through the most famous Cologne’s Christmas Markets and if you are a Christmas lover, I genuinely consider that a gateway to Cologne worth it.
Besides Christmas Markets, the city will welcome you with its fantastic landmarks: Cologne Cathedral (that offers you a magnificent example of Gothic architecture), Hohenzollern Bridge over Rhine river, historic Old Town, Basilika St. Aposteln, Chocolate Museum, Historic Town Hall, Freitreppe Kolner Rheinboulevard (where you can stroll along the river) and a multitude of amazing churches and sights.
See you on our next journey and enjoy your fabulous experience with Cologne!
4TRAVEL MEMORIES 