Germany, Benelux and Northern Europe Discussion Forum

Discussions regarding holidays in Germany, Benelux and Northern Europe.
Cologne
45 Posts
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5 of us are going on 27-30 Nov to the Christmas markets. We got cheap flights with Germanwings from Edinburgh. Only booked up a few weeks ago and got them for £72 each, return and that was including all taxes. Will write a review when I return
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I have just returned from a 4 day break in Cologne and had a fantastic time. The markets are wonderful and the people in shops, bars, hotels, and public trasport are very hospitable. I stayed at the Drei Koenige hotel, 200 mtrs from the main station. Its a small 28 roomed family run hotel and has recently been upgraded. the room was large, well furnished, the continental breakfast was vast, and the location was amazing. The market, especially at the weekend have an amazing buzz about them. Cruises on the Rhine are only at weekens during Advent, so we missed out on that. I do lots of short break holidays and this has to rate as one of my best ever. Flew with "Germanwings" from Edinburgh. Low cost airline but roomy seats and great service. Highly recomended.
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We have just returned from Amsterdam and I was reading up about Cologne in the Easy Jet book on the plane.
It mentioned a festival on 11th November every year.
Does anyone know more about this please?
Thanks :D
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Hi,
If you look at the site http://www.stadt-koeln.de/en you may find what you are looking for. When I lived in Germany I don't remember a festival that time of the year, although I'm not saying there isn't one. The major festival is Carnival, just before lent, when the locals really let their hair down with three days of eating, drinking, and lots of parades. Great Fun :D
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I live in Germany but I don't know about a festival on the 11th of November, officially Carnival starts on this date and lasts until Lent as stated in the previous post.
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We have been to Cologne a few times but normally at the bank holiday in May. We had a brilliant time one year - in the big square there was a flower market and also all the vineyards had little booths with wine tasting or even a bottle, and also local food and snacks. We just joined the locals and had a great time. We started off with the cheapest bottle and ended up paying a lot for a bottle by the end of the afternoon, had no idea what we were doing but it was great and a lovely experience. :roll: Cologne is great anytime of year as there is so much to see and do. Much more interesting than visiting London.
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Any recommendations for a good meal. Would prefer a traditional, upmarket restaurant please as it is a treat for my daughter.
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After a bit of discussion - and long haul being put on the back burner - Cologne has won the prize to keep us entertained during new year for a couple of days. While I visited the city in summer veforea while back - anyone know of what may be on offer new year and the best places to go?

Nivsy
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Hi,

I have booked a trip to Cologne for the 17th Dec for a few days, we are thinking of staying in the Hotel Buchholz. Has anyone stayed here before and what is the area like?

Thanks,

Orackle
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I've added this hotel to our review site. If anyone has stayed here would you please add your review by Clicking Here

In the meantime orackleuk if you haven't seen it HERE is their website. You can have a 360 deg view of the rooms from there.

Hope this helps.
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Thank you Glynis for your quick response.

Can anyone tell me which area/district of Cologne this hotel is based ie "old Town" and how safe is it to walk around in the evening?

Regards,

Orackle
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As with all major cities there are good places and dodgy places.

The Altstadt in Cologne is generally OK, I've never once felt threatened there or in Dusseldorf.

Gangs of young Turks sound and look menacing, but it's usually OK.
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Why do Easyjet list Cologne/Bonn - aren't they seperate airports and does anybody know which one they fly into??? I'm planning a surprise 40th for my other half and I need to start some research. They have good deals on at the moment so I want to at least book the flight but I'm absolutely clueless about Germany never having been.

Thanks
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That is it's correct name (or Köln/Bonn in German) there is only one airport which serves both cities, it's 15 km SouthEast of Cologne and 16 KM Northeast of Bonn.
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Thanks for clearing that up Judith - i'll get on and book it.

Sue

:D
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Both cities are also served by a great public transport network from the Koln/Bonn airport.

Enjoy.

Nivsy
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Hi all, we are off to Cologne next week for a few nights and would be very interested to hear of any reasonably priced hotels in the city either near the cathedral or preferably in or close to the Aldstadt.

Many thanks
Sliema2
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Hi Sliema

I have merged your post with several topics about Cologne. You may find some information in earlier posts.

luci :wave
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Just got back from 5 days in Cologne and wow what a city and what a bazzing night out.
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