Köln Maps

Cologne (Köln in German) is a city in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, located on the Rhine River with approximately 1.025 million inhabitants, making it Germany's fourth-largest city. Founded by Romans in 38 BC as Colonia Claudia Ara Agrippinensium, it has been an important trade and cultural center for over two millennia. The city's strategic location on the Rhine contributed to its historical significance as a major trading hub.

The Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, dominates the city skyline with its twin spires reaching 157 meters. This Gothic masterpiece took over 600 years to complete, with construction beginning in 1248 and finishing in 1880. The cathedral houses the Shrine of the Three Kings, believed to contain relics of the Magi, and features magnificent stained glass windows. The Great St. Martin Church (Groß St. Martin), a Romanesque church from the 12th century, stands prominently near the Rhine.

The Roman-Germanic Museum displays archaeological finds from Roman Cologne, including the famous Dionysus mosaic. The Museum Ludwig houses one of Europe's most important modern art collections, with major works by Picasso, Warhol, and Lichtenstein. The Hohenzollern Bridge, adorned with thousands of "love locks," connects both sides of the Rhine and offers spectacular cathedral views.

Cologne is famous for Eau de Cologne (Kölnisch Wasser), the fragrance created here in the 18th century. The Farina Fragrance Museum documents this history at the birthplace of modern perfume. The city is renowned for its carnival celebration (Kölner Karneval), one of Germany's largest street festivals, held annually before Lent.

The city's economy encompasses media and television production, with numerous broadcasting companies headquartered here, insurance and banking services, and chemical industries. The University of Cologne, founded in 1388, is one of Europe's oldest universities. Cologne's Old Town, though heavily damaged in World War II, has been partially reconstructed and features traditional brewhouses serving Kölsch beer. The city maintains a vibrant cultural scene with opera houses, theaters, and art galleries, while its Christmas markets attract millions of visitors annually.

The Facts:
State: North Rhine-Westphalia.
Regierungsbezirk: Cologne.
District: Urban districts of Germany.
Population: ~ 1,024,621 (2025)
Metropolitan population: ~ 3,580,000.