Köln

Köln (also known as Cologne, but let’s not confuse matters) is a city in western Germany that has an interesting history and a unique culture. Here’s everything you need to know about this charming and quirky city:

History

Köln was founded by some ancient Germans a really long time ago, and then it became part of the Roman Empire. After the Romans left, it was ruled by a bunch of different people, including Charlemagne, some archbishops, and Napoleon. During World War II, Köln was heavily bombed, but they rebuilt the city and now it’s all nice and shiny.

Culture

Köln is famous for a few things, including:

• Kölsch beer: This is a light, hoppy beer that’s brewed only in Köln. It’s served in small glasses, and if you don’t specifically say you don’t want any more, the waitstaff will keep bringing you more.
• Carnival: Every year, Köln goes crazy for Carnival (or “Karneval” in German). People dress up in costumes, drink Kölsch, and sing traditional songs like “Kölsche Jung” (which has the delightful lyric “dat es ne jode Jung, dat es ne Kölsche Jung”).
• The Cathedral: Köln’s cathedral (or “Dom” in German) is a big, impressive church that took like 500 years to build. It’s really hard to miss, because it’s huge and it’s right in the city center. Inside, there are some nice stained glass windows and a bunch of bones (which the Germans call “relics” but we all know what they really are).

Food

Köln has some tasty food that you should definitely try if you’re ever in town. Here are some popular dishes:

• Himmel un Ääd: This translates to “heaven and earth” and it’s a mix of mashed potatoes, applesauce, and black pudding (which is a type of blood sausage). It sounds weird but it’s actually really good.
• Schnitzel: Yes, schnitzel is technically Austrian, but the Germans have adopted it as their own. In Köln, they like to serve it with a fried egg on top, because why not?
• Halve Hahn: This is not actually half a chicken, despite what the name (which means “half a rooster”) might lead you to believe. It’s a rye bread roll with cheese, onions, and mustard. It’s a good snack to have while you’re drinking Kölsch.

Conclusion

So there you have it: Köln is a city with a rich history, a fun-loving culture, and some delicious food and drink. If you ever get the chance to visit, make sure you try some Kölsch and sing “Kölsche Jung” at the top of your lungs.