After a recent trip with friends to Cologne, here are 5 sights worth seeing in the city:

1. Visit the Cathedral (Kölner Dom)

A trip to Cologne cannot be completed without visiting the Cathedral. This historic landmark in the centre of the city attracts 1000s of tourists every single day. Standing at over 140 metres tall, there are 533 steps to the top. These are accessible for a €3 fee. Be warned though; the staircase is narrow and winding, with those coming down passing those on their way up. And there’s no lift.

Cologne Cathedral / Pedro Szekely

The Cathedral is situated outside Cologne’s central train station (Köln Hauptbahnhof/ Köln Hbf); easily accessible to tourists. During this recent trip I embarked on, a train ticket from our nearest train station was just €11.10 for a group of five of us to get to the central station. And yes, the trains were on time.

2. Visit the Zoo (Kölner Zoo)

If you’ve made a trip to Cologne with your family and children, then a trip to the zoo is on the cards for you. A day pass sets you back just €15, while students and children get in for cheaper.

Cologne Zoo is the largest zoo in Germany; there are thousands of animals and species in the surroundings. This is home to Northern Europe’s largest elephant park as well as a large aquarium.

3. Visit the No. 4711 Shop

Eau de Cologne perfume originated in this city on way to becoming a very famous, well-known toiletry. If you’re going with a lady friend, or are a lady for that matter, a trip to the forty-seven eleven shop is a must. Bottles of the Cologne come in all shapes and sizes here.

The 4711 shop we stepped into during our trip had a running tap by the door. This allowed us to take in the very strong, distinctive smell of the perfume.

4. Cross the Hohenzollern Bridge (Hohenzollernbrücke)

The Hohenzollern Bridge crosses over the river Rhine. A bridge that survived World War II, today is home hundreds and thousands of love padlocks. Attached to the fence between the sidewalk and tracks, there are padlocks in all colours and sizes, firmly secured with the names of many couples.

Certainly the most romantic gesture I’ve come across by a train track. A visit to this site with your partner awaits. Secure your padlock onto the fence and throw your key into the river, joining the many couples who have previously visited:

Cologne Cathedral and the Hohenzollern Bridge / Jiuguang Wang

5. Visit the Local Bars

Cologne is popular amongst beer lovers. The city has its own locally brewed beer, going by the name of Kölsch. Thirteen different breweries produce their own Kölsch. During our time in Cologne, we tested Gaffel, Früh and Dom Kölsch to name just a few.

Being a Brit use to drinking a pint of beer, the sizes were a little disappointing in Cologne. The majority of time we were served in 0.2L glasses that made you feel like you had taken just a sip when you reached the bottom. At around €1 a glass it also worked out a little pricier than what we are use to paying back home (even in London!).

Another recommendation when trying the beer… buy yourself a barrel. Just like we did one evening:

Photo of Barrie Smith pouring Gaffel Kölsch from his barrel

View 5 Sights to See in Cologne, Germany in a larger map

The post 5 Sights to See in Cologne, Germany appeared first on Europe Explored.

At the far shore of the lake you can also visit a majestic Bled Castle.

Bled lake, Slovenia by Mirci

Lake Bled

Lake Bled is considered a symbol of Slovenia. We can find it at the eastern edge of the Julian Alps. Bled is not just a tourist center, but it’s also a spa center with a promenade. There are lots of opportunities for hiking, biking, horseback riding, renting a boat or visiting the thermal pool at nearby hotel Adriatic.

The town dates back to the Habsburg Era, to the early 19th century. The first spa hotel was built here in 1858 by a Swiss doctor Arnold Rikli in relation to its specialization in “Natural Healing”. This first hotel had certainly an important effect on the further tourism developing in this village. Bled is a climatic spa resort with thousands of visitors annually. The local “procedures” include fresh air walking, sport and hiking.

Bled Castle, Slovenia by Sebastian Bergmann

Bled Castle (Blejski Grad)

The castle is situated right on the 140 m high cliff above the Bled lake. In this Baroque castle you can visit a museum focusing on history and culture of the town and surroundings. Its archaeological part shows the history of the region. The castle is open all year round and the basic admission is €8. Further information about Bled Castle you can find on a very nice website here.

The post Lake Bled – the symbol of Slovenia appeared first on Europe Explored.