Köln: Spires, Stories, and Sweet Things by the Rhine

It’s almost impossible to arrive in Cologne and not be stopped in your tracks by the sheer scale of the Kölner Dom, Cologne Cathedral. It looms large over the city’s skyline, a Gothic masterpiece that somehow feels both grounded in stone and floating in time. 

Cologne Cathedral: A Monument of Devotion and Endurance

The Cologne Cathedral isn’t just big—it’s massive. Towering at over 157 meters (about 515 feet), it’s one of the tallest cathedrals in Europe, and it took over 600 years to complete. Construction began in 1248 and wasn’t finished until 1880. It’s hard to wrap your head around that kind of timeline.

Inside, the cathedral is as awe-inspiring as it is from the outside. Soaring stained glass windows throw soft color across the stone columns. There’s a reverent hush—even with the usual crowd of tourists—broken only by the occasional gasp or whispered “wow.” The Shrine of the Three Kings, said to house the relics of the Magi, draws many pilgrims, but even if you're not religious, the artistry and symbolism in every corner are mesmerizing.

If you’re up for a bit of a challenge (and your knees agree), climbing the 533 steps to the South Tower is a must. The view from the top is unreal—an endless stretch of rooftops, the winding Rhine, and the steady beat of modern life surrounding this ancient marvel.

Sweet Detour: The Cologne Chocolate Museum

After all those stairs, we figured we earned a little treat and luckily, Cologne has just the place: the Lindt's Schokoladenmuseum (Chocolate Museum). Sitting right on the riverfront, the museum is part exhibit, part Willy Wonka dreamland.

Inside, you get a fascinating look at the journey of chocolate—from ancient Mayan cacao ceremonies to modern-day sustainable farming. There are vintage machines, historical artifacts, and plenty of hands-on stations where you can see (and smell) chocolate being made.

The highlight, of course, is the giant chocolate fountain—a golden structure with molten chocolate flowing into a pool where museum staff dip fresh wafers for you to try. It’s not a gimmick. It’s pure, creamy joy.

And yes, there’s a full Lindt shop on-site, which we may have spent a little too much time in.

A City That Balances Wonder

Cologne is the kind of place that surprises you. You come for the history and the architecture, but you stay for the warm, walkable streets, the riverside cafés, and the unassuming way the old and new blend together. One moment you're gazing up at medieval stained glass, and the next you're sipping espresso by the Rhine, watching riverboats drift by.

Whether you’re drawn by the grandeur of its cathedral or the sweetness of its chocolate factory (or both, like us), Köln leaves a lasting impression—deep, warm, and maybe just a little sugar-dusted.

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Tips if You Go:

• The Cathedral is free to enter, but the tower climb and treasury have a small fee.

• The Chocolate Museum is popular so buy tickets in advance online if you’re visiting during peak seasons.

• Don’t miss walking across the Hohenzollern Bridge for a great photo of the cathedral (and thousands of love locks).