Featured Destination:

Cologne, Germany

Anyone approaching Cologne is immediately drawn to the twin spires of the famous Cologne Cathedral that dominate the city’s skyline. Construction of the church began in 1248 but was not completed until over 600 years later in 1880. A masterpiece of Gothic architecture, Cologne Cathedral was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996.

While the city’s main attraction is undoubtedly the Cathedral, Cologne boasts a rich culture outside of its iconic landmark. Locals take great pride in their Kölsch beer which you can sample at any of Cologne’s beer gardens. Visiting the National Socialism Documentation Center gives you a chance to take in the award winning exhibition, “Cologne in the times of National Socialism”; a look at Cologne during Nazi rule and some of the shocking stories that took place right there in Cologne. If you have a sweet tooth, the ‘Schokolade’ museum will educate about everything to do with cocoa and chocolate as well as send you off with a taste of fresh chocolate. For a scenic view, the Cologne cable car transports you high above the Rhine and is a great way to get a birds-eye view of the city. And, as one might guess from the city’s name, you can learn about the history of some of Cologne’s fragrances and the development of the word “cologne” to refer to men’s fragrances. The attractions are many, and in a city over 2,000 years old, you are certain to find plenty of fascinating history and culture.