| |
 |
| |
Site of Gay Games 2010
2008-11-25
This is information that is being presented to travel writers and gay & lesbian media worldwide to help create visibility for the 2010 Gay Games in Cologne, Germany. Early bird registration for the Gay Games closes December 31, 2008. Details and registration information are at www.games-cologne.com.
Opening Ceremony, Gay Games VII Chicago 2006
THE CITY OF COLOGNE
Located on the Rhine River, Germany’s oldest city, Cologne, offers visitors a glimpse into its rich past, filled with architectural masterpieces and cultural institutions while keeping up with the quick pace of the modern world. In addition to its most famous landmark, the Cologne Cathedral, the city has numerous attractions from bustling shopping districts, beautiful gardens and world-class art museums, to dynamic shopping centers, entertaining nightlife and relaxing excursions just minutes outside the city. In Cologne, which has an estimated gay and lesbian population of 100,000, Gay Games visitors will encounter a variety of bars, clubs, restaurants and special events suiting every personality.
Cologne, Germany
Attractions:
The Cologne Cathedral
The Cologne Cathedral, with its two spires 157 meters in height, is not only the most well know architectural monument in Germany, but it is also the city’s most famous landmark. The completion of the cathedral in 1880 was celebrated as a national event, as it had taken 632 years to finish construction.
Cologne, Germany
Shopping
In the shadows of the Cathedral lies a fashionista’s shopping heaven. Hohe Strauss and Schildergasse have all the big department stores and famous designer shops. For those interested in shopping off the beaten path, several trendy boutiques filled with one-of-a-kind items line Ehrenstrasse and Breite Strasse. For visitors on a budget, check out the outlets on Mittelstrasse and Pfeilstrasse, where you can find designer duds for less cost.
If you’ve worn out your shoes from a long day of shopping, you can pick up a new pair at one of the numerous shoe stores on Schildergasse, the most well-known shopping street in Cologne. And, of course, in true German fashion, over 30 leather shops are sprinkled throughout the Heumarkt area for those into more than just shoe leather.
Cologne, Germany
Zoo Cologne
Showcasing over 500 species of animals from all continents and oceans of the world, Zoo Cologne is an animal lover’s paradise. An integral part of the zoo, guests can also visit the aquarium for the reasonable price of 13 Euro per adult and 6 Euro per child.
Dining
With a plethora of restaurants and bars, visitors of Cologne will never go hungry or thirsty. Locals and tourists alike enjoy Kölsch, Cologne’s famous beer. While several restaurants offer traditional German fare and a Kolsch, others are on the cutting edge offer gourmet cuisine including Boersen-Restaurant (Stock-Market Restaurant), located in a street called Unter Sachsenhausen No. 10-26. Or entertain your tastebuds at Da Bruno (considered by some as the “best Italian in Germany“) on Suerther Hauptstrasse 157. For fine french cuisine try Hanse Stube located in the Excelsior Hotel Ernst on Trankgasse 1. For more of a “family” feel, there are several gay-friendly restaurants, including Vintage (Pfeilstrasse 31), Herbrand's (Herbrandstrasse 21, Ehrenfeld) or Peter’s Brauhaus (Muehlengasse 1).
For those in the mood for a sweet treat, check out the Cologne Chocolate museum. For more information or to book a tour of the museum visit www.schokoladenmuseum.de
Kölsch
Nearly every bar, restaurant, club or pub will serve at least one type of Kölsch, beer made by 24 different breweries only in the Cologne area. Kölsch is a light, top-fermenting beer, that contains about 4.8 % of alcohol. What makes Kölsch so unique is the brewing-process, for which special top-fermenting yeast is used. Like most things in Cologne, Kölsch has a rich history. It has been brewed in the region of the Rhine since 874. Even today, the beer is not allowed to be produced anywhere other than the Rhineland.
Kölsch being brewed
Nightlife
When the sun goes down, the night heats up. Cologne’s Old Town, which was once the epicenter of gay nightlife, offers 40 bars from hot dance clubs and casual pubs, to the more risque fetish and leather bars. Sounderbar, a modern dance club, attracts a touristy crowd with its daily drink specials and upbeat house music. For those interested in dancing the night away to top forty hits, check out Blue Lounge Tanzbar (4 Mathiasstr, Innenstadt).
There are still quite a few LGBT or LGBT-friendly nightspots in the Old Town area. The central gay bar is in the Marienplatz area, part of Old town, is Chains (men only), Stephansstrasse 4, a leather and fetish bar. No trip to Cologne would be complete without a night at Neuschwanstein (Mittelstr. 12-14), the upscale dance club too see and be seen in Old Town. For more information about gay nightlife in Cologne, go to www.anyway-koeln.de.
Carnival in Cologne, Germany
Today, the main gay area is called the “Bermuda Triangle” near Rudolfplatz, with gay bars of every persuasion. Transfert (16 Hahen Strasse) is two-level bar with house music, an upstairs lounge, and a young friendly crowd. The delicious cocktails and plush décor at Vampire (5 Rathenauplatz) make it a favorite among the lesbian crowd.
Every German city comes complete with its saunas and bathhouses and Cologne is no exception. Referred to by many as one of the most beautiful saunas around, the legendary Badehaus am Römerturm (Friesenstraße 23-25) attracts visitors from around the world. Lesser known, but similiarly intriguing is Phoenix (Richard Wagner Str.12, Rudolfpltaz), a popular place for the younger crowd.
Carnival in Cologne, Germany
Entertainment
Looking for a more low key night? Check out the Cologne Philharmonic orchestra, located in the Old Town area (Bischofsgartenstrabe 1, Innenstadt) , which has become a firmly established part of the German music scene. The concert hall is the planned venue for the Gay Games 2010 band and choral concerts. For a non-traditional concert, head to Romanischer Sommer (Marienplatz 19) to hear classical music in a Romanesque church. For 20 Euro guests can enjoy the soothing music while admiring an architectural masterpiece. For more information visit, www.romanischer-sommer.de. Visitors can take their love for music to the outdoors at the Open Air and Theater am Tanzbrunnen (Rheinparkweg 1) located on the banks of the Rhine River. Relax and take in the panoramic views of the city while enjoying one of the many performances on this outdoor venue’s center stage.
While in Cologne, make sure to see a play at Schauspielhaus (Offenbachplatz, Innenstadt), the city’s most famous theater. For those who prefer watching actors on the big screen as opposed to the main stage, there is no better place than Cinedom (Im Mediapark 1), the largest cinema in Cologne.
Cologne, Germany
Art and Museums
With its variety of museums and three major art fairs, Cologne is deserving of its reputation of “Art Capitol of the Rhine.” “The most important museums include the Ludwig Museum and the Wallraf Richartz Museum/Fondation Corboud, one of Germany's largest collections of paintings. The Romano-Germanic Museum presents Cologne's archaeological heritage, and the Museum Schnütgen houses one of the world's most important collections of art from the Middle Ages.“ [quote from ComeToGermany.com] Other popular museums include the German Sport and Olympics Museum and the Art Association of Cologne.
Cologne, Germany
Outdoors
There is no shortage of outdoor activities in Cologne. The majority of parks and green spaces are located in the centre of the city, and include the Stadtgarten, the Volksgarten and the Innere Grüngürtel, (inner green belt) which encompasses two-thirds of the city.
For a fun way to burn off calories from a night out and enjoy the great outdoors, take a jog through the Stadwald, central Cologne’s largest forest. Here you will find a variety of activities in nature for children and adults alike. The Flora is the nicest and biggest park in Cologne and is located next to the Cologne Zoo.For another fascinating glimpse into nature, be sure to check out The Arboretum and Finkem’s Garden both north of Cologne, featuring beautiful flowers and a diverse array of plants.
If you’re in the mood to relax before a big night on the town, check out Tanzbrunnen in the Rhineland, situated on the banks of the river, in the Rhine Park. Relax and take in the panoramic views of the city while enjoying a performance on this outdoor venue’s center stage.
No tour to Cologne is complete without a cruise down the Rhine River. Various companies offer cruises on the river, go to: www.enjoytours.com/tours/36.asp for more information. Or if you’re in the mood for a booze cruise, try the monthly Loveboat, a gay cruise party down the Rhine.
Sports enthusiasts will enjoy taking in a football (soccer) game at RheinEnergie Stadium, (Müngersdorfer, Aaechener Strausse 9999). Site of some of the 2006 FIFA World Cup games, this will also be the location of the 2010 Gay Games Opening Ceremony. Also, be sure to visit www.stadion-koeln.de for a full event listing as the stadium hosts a variety of concerts and markets as well.
Cologne, Germany
Special Events
The 2010 Gay Games will take place July 31 to August 7, 2010, but Cologne has several world-famous events year-round. Carnival, fondly called “the fifth season of the year,” begins on November 11 at 11:11am starting a weeklong street festival leading up to Ash Wednesday. The craziest day of the festival is Rosenmontag (Rose Monday), the day of the big Carnival procession with the three chief Carnival figures, Prince, Peasant and Maiden. For more information visit: www.koeln.de/en
Another popular event is Christopher Street Day, highlighting Cologne Pride. This international festival held in July for Cologne’s LGBT population attracts over half a million people. Christopher Street Day (CSD) mixes politics and partying, including political speeches along with a celebratory atmosphere. A typical Christopher Street Day Parade includes floats as well as walking groups usually provided by and made up of members of LGBT organizations. For more information visit: www.csd-cologne.de.
For more information on Cologne’s many festivals and events, from the Beer Fair, Cologne Marathon and Art Cologne, visit www.koeln.de.
Water Polo
Outside the City (Day Trips)
While the city of Cologne has plenty to offer, so too does its countryside. Phantasialand (Berggeiststasse 31, Bruhl NRW 50321) amusent park is a favorite of children and adults alike, drawing several million visitors each year with its attractions such as the Space Center and the Old Berlin steam roundabout. 22 Euro for a day ticket, children under 1m free. For more information visit:
http://www.themeparktravel.co.uk/phantasialand_park_information.htm
To cool down on a summer day in Cologne, visit Aqualand Swimming Complex (Merianstrasse 1, Chorweiler, Koln NRW 50765). This modern swimming complex is complete with water slides, pools and a sauna. The adult entry fee starts 7.50 Euro two hours, 10 Euro for four hours to 12.50 Euro for a day pass. Children under five pay 2.50 Euro.
For a less commercial excursion, there is plenty of time for recreation in the Siebengebirge hills, Germany’s oldest conservation area. Each of the seven mountains, including the Drachenfels ruins, here offer a fantastic view of the Rhine Valley. Or for an even better view of the Rhine, take the Rheinseillbahn cable cars. Several Cologne attractions including The Zoo, Botanic Garden and Skulpturenpark are easily reached by cable car.
For more information about activities in Cologne, visit http://www.koeln.de
Soccer
Fun Facts
- Italian expatriate Johann Maria Farina created a fragrance and named it after his hometown. That of course is famously known as eau de Cologne or "water from Cologne." The original fragrance is still produced in Cologne today.
- The Hohenzollernbrücke is the busiest railway bridge in the world with 1,000 trains crossing it every day
- There are 24 different breweries producing Kölsch in the city, fewer than there used to be but brewing more beer.
- It is said that if you put all of Cologne's bars end to end they would stretch for 6 miles.
- Referred to as the “Art Capital of the Rhine"
Key Links
Photo credits:
All Cologne photos courtesy of Cologne Tourism.
Soccer Goalie Photo - © Amy Moseley 2006
Water Polo Photo - © Rita Skarbek 2006
Chicago 2006 Opening Ceremony – © John Faier 2006
|
| |
|
|
