In March we had the opportunity to drive to Cologne from Dusseldorf.  It’s about 45 minutes south and a very nice drive on the autobahn.   The Cathedral can be seen from nearly every point in the city center and from many places elsewhere: The magnificent Cologne Cathedral hovers above the roofs and chimneys of the city. Once we reached Cologne it is very easy to find parking by the Cathedral (Kölner Dom). 

Construction started in 1248 but was not finished until 1880.  In 1996 it became a UNESCO Heritage Site.  The stained glass windows have more than 11,500 panes of glass.

The interior is stunning

4711 is a traditional German Eau de Cologne that has been produced since 1799.  The flagship store is next to the Cathedral.

The Original Cologne from 4711

No visit to a city in Germany is complete without a coffee and Baumkuchen.  Cafe Reichard is one of the cities oldest and is located right next to the Cathedral.

A wonderful Coffee

Cafe Reichard