Cologne is a beautiful city located in western Germany on the Rhine river. It is the fourth largest city in the country with a population of over 1 million people. The city is known for its Cathedral, which is the tallest building in Cologne, and its many bridges crossing the Rhine.
Cologne is also home to many museums and art galleries. If you’re looking for a day trip from Cologne, there are plenty of options to choose from. Here are the 10 best day trips from Cologne, Germany.
1. Kalkar
Just an hour’s drive from Cologne, Kalkar is a small town with a big history. Located on the banks of the Rhine River, Kalkar was once a prosperous trading post. Today, it is best known for its 12th-century castle, Schloss Kalkar.
The castle has been meticulously preserved and is now open to the public as a museum. Visitors can explore the imposing fortress walls, stroll through the beautifully manicured gardens, and learn about the castle’s fascinating past. Afterward, take some time to wander around the old town, where you’ll find cobbled streets lined with traditional German houses.
For a taste of local culture, be sure to try some of the region’s signature dishes, such as rhenisch sausage and sauerbraten (beef stewed in vinegar). With its medieval castles and quaint riverfront towns, Kalkar is the perfect place for a day trip from Cologne.
2. Dusseldorf
Dusseldorf is a city in western Germany that is well known for its fashion, art, and nightlife scene. It is also the capital of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. Despite its large size, Dusseldorf is quite easy to navigate. The best way to see the city is by taking a walking tour.
This way, you will be able to see all of the major sights, such as the Old Town, Cathedral, and Rhine Promenade. If you’re looking for something more adventurous, there are also a number of day trips that you can take from Cologne. A popular option is to visit the nearby city of Bonn. Bonn is home to a number of museums and historic sites, including the birthplace of Ludwig van Beethoven.
Other popular day trip destinations include the Eifel National Park and the Neanderthal Museum. No matter what your interests are, you’re sure to find something to do in Dusseldorf.
3. Koblenz
Just an hour south of Cologne by train, Koblenz is the perfect destination for a day trip. This charming city is situated at the confluence of the Mosel and Rhine Rivers, making it a great base for exploring the surrounding wine country. Koblenz is also home to a number of historical attractions, including the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, the oldest castle in Germany.
For a more unique experience, visitors can take a ride on the Koblenz Cable Car, which offers stunning views of the city and river valleys. With so much to see and do, Koblenz is a must-visit for any traveler to Cologne.
4. Frankfurt
Frankfurt is a bustling city with plenty to see and do. From art galleries and museums to restaurants and cafes, there’s something for everyone. If you’re looking for a day trip from Cologne, Frankfurt is the perfect destination. Here are just a few of the best things to see and do in this vibrant city.
The first stop on any Frankfurt itinerary should be the world-famous Frankfurt Zoo. Home to over 5,000 animals, the zoo is one of the largest in Europe and is a great place to learn about wildlife from all over the globe. If you’re interested in art, be sure to visit the Museum für Moderne Kunst.
This museum houses an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art, including works by Andy Warhol and Damien Hirst. For a taste of local culture, head to the Städel Museum, which features art from the Middle Ages to the present day. And of course, no trip to Frankfurt would be complete without checking out the towering skyscrapers in the city’s skyline.
The best way to get a bird’s eye view of these impressive buildings is from the top of the Main Tower, which offers stunning panoramic views of Frankfurt. Whether you’re interested in art, and culture, or simply want to soak up the atmosphere of a busy city, Frankfurt is the perfect day trip destination from Cologne. With so much to see and do, you’re sure to have an enjoyable and memorable day exploring all that this fascinating city has to offer.
5. Heidelberg
Located in the west of Germany, Cologne is a lively and vibrant city with plenty to see and do. However, if you find yourself with a free day, there are plenty of excellent day trips that can be made from Cologne. One option is Heidelberg, a beautiful city located just over an hour away by train.
Heidelberg is home to a number of historic landmarks, including the ruins of Heidelberg Castle, which is perched atop a hill overlooking the city. The castle is accessible by a funicular railway, and from its peak, there are stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
Heidelberg is also known for its lively student population, and there are plenty of bars and cafes located around the picturesque town square. There are lots of hotels and restaurants that you can dine in. If you’re looking for a day of culture and history, Heidelberg is the perfect destination.
6. Mainz
Mainz is a charming city located on the banks of the Rhine River in Germany. Frequently visited on a day trip from Cologne, Mainz is home to a number of historic landmarks and attractions. The city’s most famous landmark is the cathedral, which dates back to the 11th century.
There are a lot of activities to do in Mainz, visitors can explore the medieval fortress, the Gutenberg Museum (dedicated to the inventor of the printing press), and the Roman-Germanic Museum. Mainz is also known for its lively carnival celebration, which takes place every year in February. If you’re looking for a day trip full of history and culture, Mainz is the perfect destination.
7. Munich
While Cologne is a beautiful city in its own right, sometimes it’s nice to get out and explore what else the surrounding area has to offer. If you’re looking for a day trip from Cologne, Munich is the perfect destination. Just a few hours away by train, Munich offers a wealth of history, culture, and nightlife.
Start your visit at one of the city’s many museums, such as the Bavarian National Museum or the Deutsches Museum. Then, take a stroll through one of Munich’s beautiful parks, such as Englischer Garten or Hofgarten. And be sure to save time for a visit to some of the local restaurants such as Hofbräuhaus, one of the world’s most famous beer halls. Whether you’re interested in art, culture, or just enjoying a pint of beer or delicious local foods, Munich is the perfect place for a day trip from Cologne.
8. Nuremberg
Nuremberg is a historic city in Germany that is best known for its role in the Nazi regime and the subsequent war trials. However, there is much more to Nuremberg than its dark past. The city is home to a well-preserved medieval center, a picturesque castle, and a number of museums and churches.
It is also an excellent base for exploring the surrounding region. Just a short drive from Nuremberg is the Rhine River Valley and Franconian Switzerland, both of which offer incredible scenery and numerous hiking and biking trails. So whether you’re interested in history, nature, and nightlife, Nuremberg is sure to have something for you.
9. Stuttgart
Stuttgart is the capital of Baden-Württemberg, Germany, with a population of around 600,000. The city is located on the Neckar river in a fertile valley known as the Swabian Jura. Stuttgart is a major industrial center for the auto industry, with companies such as Daimler, Porsche, and Bosch having their headquarters here.
The city is also home to several research institutes and universities. Stuttgart was first mentioned in records dating back to the 9th century, and it has been the capital of Württemberg since 1815. Despite its industrial reputation, Stuttgart is a green city, with over half of its area being covered in parks and forests.
There are a lot of activities do to in Stuttgart, visitors can explore the city’s many museums and art galleries, or enjoy its vibrant nightlife. Day trips from Cologne can easily be made to Stuttgart by train or car.
10. Berlin
Berlin is the capital of Germany and one of the 16 states of Germany. Berlin is the largest city in Germany and has a population of approximately 3.7 million people. Berlin is located in the northeastern part of Germany on the banks of the River Spree.
The city has a temperate climate with cool winters and warm summers. Berlin is a very popular tourist destination and receives millions of tourists every year. The city is home to many famous landmarks and attractions such as the Checkpoint Charlie, the Reichstag, Museum Island, and the Berlin Wall.
Berlin is also a very popular city for nightlife and has a vibrant music and arts scene. If you’re looking for a day trip from Cologne, Berlin is definitely worth considering!
In Conclusion
There are plenty of great day trip destinations from Cologne, Germany. Whether you’re interested in history, and culture, or simply want to enjoy a day in a lively city, there’s something for everyone. With so much to see and do, these 10 destinations are sure to make your trip to Cologne even more enjoyable.
