Facts for Kids

Cologne 🇩🇪 is the largest city in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. It has about 1 million people living there, making it the fourth-largest city in Germany! Cologne is famous for its beautiful roads, bridges, and the Rhine River, which runs through the city. People enjoy its rich history, art, and festivals 🎉. The city also has a friendly atmosphere and offers plenty for families and kids to explore, including parks and museums. Did you know Cologne is a very old city? Some parts are over 2,000 years old! Let’s dive deeper into what makes Cologne special!

The Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom) is a must-see! It's one of the largest cathedrals in Europe and took over 600 years to build, starting in 1248 and finishing in 1880. 🕍

The cathedral is famous for its twin spires, which are almost 500 feet tall! You can climb 533 steps to the top for an amazing view of the city. Inside, there are beautiful stained-glass windows and a shrine for the Three Wise Men. The cathedral is not just a beautiful building; it’s a place of worship and an important symbol for the people of Cologne.

Cologne is a sporty city! ⚽

The most popular sport here is football, and the city is home to the 1. FC Köln football team, which plays in the top division of Germany. They wear red and white colors and have many enthusiastic fans who cheer for them! The city also hosts other sports like ice hockey and handball. 🏒

There are parks and sports clubs where kids can try different activities like swimming, running, and cycling. Cologne loves sports, bringing everyone together for fun and fitness! 🏅

Cologne has yummy food that you’ll love! One famous dish is Himmel un Ääd, which is a tasty mix of apples and potatoes. 🍏🥔 People also enjoy eating Kölsch, Cologne's special type of beer, but only adults can drink it! For dessert, don't miss out on Reibekuchen (potato pancakes) served with apple sauce. And let’s not forget about the delicious Cologne mustard! Many restaurants and food stands are all over the city, making it a great place for families to try new dishes together 🌮!

Cologne is packed with cultural landmarks! One of the most famous is the Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom), a UNESCO World Heritage site that is taller than 500 feet! 🏰

Another notable location is the Roman-Germanic Museum, which showcases ancient Roman artifacts. The Hohenzollern Bridge is a popular spot where couples attach love locks ❤️. You can't forget about the stunning old churches, colorful buildings, and the beautiful Rhine waterfront. Cologne is also known for its art scene with galleries and theaters that showcase amazing performances throughout the year!

The history of Cologne began around 38 B.C. when the Romans founded it and named it "Colonia Claudia Ara Agrippinensium" 🏛️. That’s a long name! The city has a lot of stories, like being a center for trade and culture. In the Middle Ages, it became very important for business, attracting merchants from all over Europe. It was even the first city in Germany to have a university, founded in 1388! Over the years, Cologne faced many wars and changes, but today, it remains a lively place with a mix of history and modern life!

Cologne has a strong economy with many types of industries! 🏭

One major area is media. Many TV stations and publishing companies are based here. The city is also famous for its chocolate! 🍫

The Imhoff-Schokoladenmuseum (Chocolate Museum) teaches visitors about the delicious history of chocolate. Other important industries include machinery, chemical products, and automotive manufacturing. Cologne is a hub for trade and business, attracting companies from all over the world. The city's economy keeps growing, providing many jobs for its residents!

Cologne is home to many fun festivals and events! 🎊

The most famous is the Cologne Carnival, held every year before Lent. People dress up in colorful costumes and join a big parade with music, dancing, and sweets! 🎭

Another exciting event is Cologne Pride, celebrating love and diversity, where everyone wears bright colors and marches together. There are also Christmas markets during winter, offering yummy treats and handmade gifts! No matter when you visit, there’s always something happening in Cologne!

Cologne is a great city for learning! 📚

It has several universities and colleges, including the University of Cologne, one of the oldest in Germany, founded in 1388. The city is known for its research programs, especially in the fields of medicine and engineering. There are many libraries and educational centers where kids and adults can explore new ideas. Schools in Cologne focus on giving students the best education possible, encouraging them to dream big and reach for the stars 🚀!

Getting around Cologne is easy and fun! 🚇

The city has an extensive public transportation system, including buses, trams, and trains. The Kölner Verkehrs-Betriebe runs most of these services, and they help people travel without needing a car. You can also ride bicycles along the many bike paths. 🚲

Plus, the Cologne Bonn Airport connects the city to destinations all over the globe. Whether taking a short trip with public transport or flying high in the sky, getting around Cologne is super convenient!