Cologne

Cologne (German: Köln [kœln]) is Germany's fourth-largest city after Berlin, Hamburg and Munich, and is the largest city both in the German Federal State of North Rhine-Westphalia and within the Rhine-Ruhr Metropolitan Area, one of the major European metropolitan areas with more than 10 million inhabitants. It is one of the oldest cities in Germany, having been founded by the Romans in the year 30 BC.

Cologne lies on the Rhine. The city's world famous Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom) is the seat of the Roman Catholic Archbishopric of Cologne. The University of Cologne (Universität zu Köln) is one of Europe's oldest universities and internationally renowned for its economics department.

Cologne is the economic and cultural capital of the Rhineland and has a vibrant art scene. Cologne counts over 30 museums and hundreds of galleries. Exhibitions range from local ancient Roman archaeological sites to contemporary graphics and sculpture. The city's Trade Fair Grounds are host to a number of trade shows such as the Art Cologne Fair, the International Furniture Fair (IMM) and the Photokina. Cologne is also well known for its celebration of Cologne Carnival.

(Source: Wikipedia, 5-2007)

Lodging

• Official Hotel Reservation-System of Cologne Tourist Board
• Camping and RV areas
• Youth hostels in and around Cologne

Public transport

• Nation-wide railway company: Deutsche Bahn AG
• Tram and bus in Cologne/Bonn region: The transport association Rhein-Sieg (VRS)
  Use tram stop University (tramway 8 or 9) to get to the institute

Tourist information

• Tourist office
• Cologne Cathedral