Koln (Cologne), Germany

by Bernd Hoffman, starter of the Koln Community

Koln (Cologne) is located on the river Rhine. A real green city with some worldwide known expressions.

For example: Eau de cologne: it's really founded and originated here in Cologne and the first brand is the famous '4711'

Everybody on the world knows the term 'eau de cologne', but nobody knows where it came from.

It was first invented as a medicine to drink. But after a short time the women found out that it smells really good and from there they used it as a perfume, and it started it's way all over the world.

Another thing is Europe's highest gothic cathedral 'Kölner Dom' with the height of 156 meters to the top. It took 800 years to built it. Inside is the golden shrine with the bones of the '3 wise men', here known as the 'Holy 3 Kings'.

No need to speak about the world's second famous carnival after Rio de Janeiro:

Every year we have about 1 million visitors only to join the 'Rosenmontag', the main day of the carnival, with a really huge street parade and most people wearing some fantasy costumes.

That brings us to the beer. 'Kölsch' is one of the clearest, strongest beers here in Germany and some doctors recommend to drink it, if you have trouble with your kidneys ;-} (no kidding).

Bike riding is really satisfying, because 80km west of Cologne is the Eifel Forest with the famous racing circuit 'Nürburgring'.