Where to Visit around Cologne

Cologne (Köln in German) is full of Germany's top sights. But if you've been gawking at the massive cathedral, tasting the chocolate museum wares, and walking the Rhine promenade, you might be wondering what else you should see in this beautiful region.

The state of North Rhine-Westphalia and neighboring Hesse have many cultural treasures just a short drive (or train) from Cologne.

Or you can base yourself in Frankfurt, Bonn, or other nearby cities and enjoy these lesser-known German destinations.

We hope you enjoy watching this video about Things to Do in Cologne

Source: UNILAND Adventure

Here are the best cities to visit on a day trip from Cologne!

1. Schloss Drachenburg

A destination since the days of Lord Byron, Drachenburg Castle stands in Drachenfels, on the seven hills of Siebengebirge, within sight of the city of Bonn.

Known in German as Schloss Drachenburg (or "Dragon Stone"), it is a relatively modern version of a castle from 1882.

The castle looks out over the Rhine from a height of 1,053 feet (321 meters).

Inside, the ornate furniture shows how 19th-century people thought a castle should be.

A historic funicular (the oldest cog railway in Germany) takes visitors directly to the castle or up to the top to see the ruins of a much older castle.

Transportation: 1 1/2 hours by train - Regular departures on regional trains; 40 minutes by car - A-59 south; Regular stop on Rhine river cruises.

2. Frankfurt

More than a gateway to Germany with its busy international airport, Frankfurt deserves a break.

It has an unusual skyline for Germany, with skyscrapers towering over the Main River.

Modern and lively, it is a counterpoint to all the fairy tale towns found in Germany.

And Frankfurt has its charms like the rebuilt Römerberg, seasonal specialties like grie soß (green herb sauce), and the local cider known as ebbelwoi (apple wine).

Transportation: 1 hour by train - Departures every hour on ICE or regional trains; 2 hours by car on the A-3 that goes directly from Frankfurt to Cologne.

3. Ruedesheim am Rhein

The area around Ruedesheim am Rhein is a German wine region.

The Rhine Gorge is a UNESCO World Heritage site, where the Romans began growing grapes more than two thousand years ago. Since then, the Germans have perfected the practice.

Visit in the high season (April to late October) to see the city in full tourist bloom with tasting rooms every two meters.

Transport: just over 2 hours by train - departures every hour in the morning with return trains at night; Two hours by car - A-3 south

4. Marburg

An immaculate medieval hill town (as well as ever-popular Rothenburg ob der Tauber), Marburg has the narrow cobbled streets and half-timbered houses that visitors to Germany dream of.

Jacob Grimm said, "I think there are more steps in the streets than in the houses."

Climb up to the old castle and its Franconian watchtower before indulging yourself with a classic German meal in one of the traditional Gasthaus.

Transportation: Two and a half hours by train - Several departures during the day; Two hours by car: A-4 and A-45 east.

5. Koblenz

This spectacular city is located on Deutsches Eck (German Corner), where the Rhine meets the Moselle.

At this point, there is a monument to German unity, adorned with a giant national flag and flags of the 16 länder (states).

However, the history of the city predates that of the Germans.

The city was founded in 9 BC. C. by the Romans. Explore this ancient history with a trip to the 13th century Alte Burg (castle) or check out the impressive Fortress Festung Ehrenbreitstein (fortress).

Transportation: From just under an hour to over an hour and a half, depending on whether it is a regional train or ICE - regular departures every hour; 1 hour by car - A-3 southeast.

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