What are some must see sights in Cologne, Germany?

Question

My husband and I are going to be in Cologne for a Medical Business Trip this week and have a very limited time to sightsee. My husband is in a wheelchair thus limiting the time even more and the distance we could go on foot. We will have a few hours here and there for two day. ONLY two days so I'm seeking some recommended places to see. This will help me plan our itinerary around the buisness endeaver. Thanks!

Answer 1

There is a lot to see just around the main station. The Cathedral being the obvious choice, although if your husband is in a wheelchair, you won't be able to go up into the spires and enjoy the sight. Right next to it is the roman-germanic musem. Not too far away is a chocolate museum, if you're interested in the history of chocolate :) http://www.schokoladenmuseum.de/index_e....

The historic city hall is also right next to the cathedral. The old city also offers several medieval city gates and plenty of old churches.

All of this is within walking distance from the main station, though some qualify as extended walking distance and with your husband in a wheelchair, you might want to take the tram or underground for one or two stations. Check out daily tickets, so you can use them as often as you want to. In any case, all are very close together, so you can combine them as you wish, though obviously, the museums would need some time.

Answer 2

Kölner Dom-Cologne Cathedral (there is an elevator to the near top) has to been seen-Dreikönigsschrein or The Shrine of the Three Kings. It takes some time to see the church and get up to the roof.

Try a bakery (Apfelküchen-apple cake is my favorite) and get a sausage from a street vendor if this is your only stop in Germany.

Be sure to get a good look at the Rhine. Köln is on both sides of the river.

Schokoladenmuseum (Chocolate Museum)

http://www.schokoladenmuseum.de/index_e....

Maybe get a bottle of 4711 if you need to bring back a gift.

http://www.4711.com/

Be sure to check the train stations!! There are not so many with elevators. Also be aware that buildings often do not have handicap access and getting across streets can be a pain with the curbs. Ask the hotel to give info on wheelchair transport services. Even though the inner city is very accessible, disabled people have a hard time getting around. The public transportation system has been made only sporadically accessible to wheelchair users. Disabled parking bays are scattered. The only area with more than just one or two is around the Opera House, Offenbachplatz.

The tourist office helped me get around when I was there in 2001.

The Tourist Office is located at Unter Fettenhennen 19, just southwest of the train station. It's open 9 am to 10 pm in summer, and 9 am to 9 pm in winter, except for Sundays and public holidays, when it's open 10 am to 6 pm.

train map

http://www.kvb-koeln.de/german/fahrplan/...

Be sure to check the food. The food is unique in Germany. It is also like a tourist sight.

Oh! I forgot to tell that you should try not to bring a suitcase. Small bags are better when there is a wheelchair. Often people try to steal the suitcases, while all is being done with the wheelchair, even if you leave them for just a second.

Answer 3

You'll get some ideas in our travelogues:

http://www.thetravelzine.com/ejht3.htm

http://www.thetravelzine.com/ejht4.htm

Hope that helps!

Answer 4

What you absolutely must not miss is the Dom.  To get an idea of how massive it is, check out google earth or google maps.  Just enter Dom, Cologne, Germany and you'll see!  It's mind-boggling.

Answer 5

Well you should probably visit the Dom (Cathedral). It is the most visited tourist thing in Germany, believe it or not......The upper Dom plaza is on street level, but I don't know if they will let up up there in the pedestrian zone. Germany is not as OSHA and handicapped oriented as the U. S.  Ask a cab driver how close he can get you. I know there are a lot of steps between the Dom and the main train station....I don't recall any special elevators.

OK just thought of this....better idea would be a tourist bureau bus tour of the city---they have them of different lengths...hope this helps....