There are so many great options for day trips from Cologne, it can be hard to choose. Whether you want to see historic castles or visit another city, Cologne is surrounded by some amazing places. Here’s my guide to all the best day trips from Cologne including the top things to do!
Table of contents
Cologne really is in such a great spot if you’re looking to get out of the city and explore. Most of these Cologne day trips are not too far away and are easily accessible by train.
The best day trips from Cologne: Where you should go
What you need to know
- Where can you travel to from Cologne? Cologne is in a great location surrounded by big cities and small towns. It entirely depends on where you want to go!
- Is it easy to travel from Cologne? I found it really easy to travel out of Cologne. Cologne train station is well connected to pretty much anywhere you want to go. You’ll be able to reach most places on a regional train.
- What’s the best day trip from Cologne? This depends on what you want to see. There are castles, cities, palaces and more to see on these day trips from Cologne.
Drachenfels + Drachenburg Castle
Crowned by the ruins of a once great castle, the Drachenfels (Dragon’s Rock) is a hill towering over 1000ft high shrowded in mystery and allure. On your way to the top, you’ll find Drachenburg Castle, while the ruins of Burg Drachenfels sit at the summit. Embark on a journey to uncover the legend of the dragon that supposedly inhabited these lands as you explore these enchanting fairytale castles. This is certainly one of the best day trips from Cologne if you’re into hiking and castles!
- Drachenburg Castle (Schloss Drachenburg): If you’ve visited a castle in Germany, you’ll understand its allure, and Schloss Drachenburg truly lives up to expectations. The castle is something straight out of a fairytale, both inside and out. The interior has been incredibly maintained and restored while the beautiful gardens add to the storybook effect. It’s easily one of my favourite castles in Germany!
- Burg Drachenfels: If you can make it to the top of Drachenfels you’ll find the ruins of Burg Drachenfels. It’s a surreal experience to stand here and look out over incredible views of the Rhine. Below, a restaurant and spacious plaza offer breathtaking near-360-degree views of the valley below.
- Drachenfels Railway: It’s a tough climb to the top, some parts are really steep and had me struggling. If you don’t fancy walking there’s the historic Drachenfels Railway. This is the oldest cog railway in Germany and provides a direct route from the hill’s base to the summit, with a stop in between to visit Drachenburg Castle.
Ruedesheim Am Rhein – Cable cars and tradition
A wine lovers’ paradise, Ruedesheim Am Rhein is one of the best day trips from Cologne for those looking for a serene escape by the Rhein. With its vineyard-clad surroundings and captivating old town, Rüdesheim has emerged as a popular stop along the Rhine. With its picturesque setting and charming ambience, I can’t recommend a visit enough!
- Drosselgasse: The epitome of traditional German medieval flair, Drosselgasse is a narrow alley winding through Ruedesheim’s Old Town. You’ll find no shortage of wineries and timbered buildings, be sure to head down the side streets to find the best of the quaint little shops and restaurants.
- Cable cars and Niederwald Monument: Embark on a unique adventure by soaring over the city to visit the Niederwald Monument. Since their construction in 1954, the Cable Cars have been ferrying visitors up to the monument, which commemorates German Unification.
Marburg – A fairytale town
A picturesque city crowned by a castle on the hill, Marburg is one of the best day trips from Cologne if you’re looking for medieval tradition. It houses the oldest Protestant university in the world, counting the Brothers Grimm among its notable alumni, adding a touch of fairy tale allure to this enchanting town.
- Marbuger Schloss (Marburg Castle): Originally built in the 11th century, the castle has undergone numerous renovations and expansions over the centuries changing from a house to a grand castle, reflecting various architectural styles. Overseeing the town from above, Marburg Castle is now home to a museum with exhibitions detailing the history of the site.
- Grimm Path fairytale trail: Embark on the fairytale trail winding through the city, where traditional fairytale characters lurk among the buildings and alleyways. Don’t miss Cinderella’s shoe tucked away in the castle fountain!
Mainz – For culture and wine
Brimming with cobbled streets and timbered buildings and known for its wine and carnival celebrations, Mainz is a town with a great blend of history and culture. Once an important site in the Holy Roman Empire, Mainz has now evolved into a popular spot for visitors, offering museums, churches, a palace and more, making it one of the best day trips from Cologne!
- Mainz Cathedral: Also known as St. Martin’s Cathedral, Mainz Cathedral is a magnificent Romanesque and Gothic masterpiece that dominates the city’s skyline. The structure is over 1000 years old with crypts housing the remains of over 40 archbishops.
- Johannes Gutenberg University Botanical Garden: Featuring themed gardens and tropical greenhouses, the Botanical Garden is a great option for something to do outdoors. A must-see is the Sand Dunes landscape, which presents plants from the post-ice-age period.
Bruhl – A town for royals
Home to the exquisite Schloss Augustusburg, Bruhl is a small town just south of Cologne full of charm and personality. Surrounded by scenic landscapes, Bruhl is one of the best day trips from Cologne if you want relaxation and royalty!
- Max Ernst Museum: Max Ernst, a leading figure in surrealism, gained recognition through his prowess in painting, sculpture, and printmaking. His hometown of Brühl pays homage to his life and art via the museum. It offers visitors the opportunity to explore and learn about his remarkable creations.
- Schloss Augustusburg: Built in the 18th century and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this Rococo masterpiece has served as the residency of past Archbishops and Electors. Grab a ticket for a guided tour to see the opulent interiors then head outside to explore the beautiful gardens.
Aachen – The former imperial city
Located on Germany’s western border and once serving as Emperor Charlemagne’s imperial city, Aachen boasts a rich and diverse history. Known for its stunning cathedral, town hall, and thermal spas, there’s a wide array of attractions to explore here. Be sure not to miss the Three-Country Point, where the borders of the Netherlands, Germany, and Belgium meet together!
- Aachen Cathedral: The final resting place of Charmalenge and coronation site to former kings, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is steeped in history. Within the cathedral treasury lie invaluable artefacts spanning over 1000 years, such as the Proserpine sarcophagus and the Golden Book Cover, offering a glimpse into the rich heritage of the region.
- Archaeological Pavillion: Peer down into the ground to see what are believed to be Roman foundations at this extraordinary site. The site has been preserved for public viewing underneath glass with a steel pavilion erected over the top for comfortable viewing. This is a literal glimpse into the past and is such an interesting place to see!
Bonn – For Haribo and history
With its storybook buildings and cobbled streets, Bonn is full of history and personality. Home to Poppelsdorf Palace, the birthplace of Beethoven as well as incredible botanical gardens, there’s such a wide variety of things to see and do. This is another great day trip from Cologne if you don’t want to travel too far and one that I really love!
- Poppelsdorf Palace: A palace in the heart of the city, the striking yellow facade of Poppelsdorf Palace is a must-see. Also home to the Botanical Gardens, the outside spaces and greenhouses around Poppelsdorf Palace are home to thousands of varieties of plants as well as different themed gardens.
- Haribo factory outlet store: If you have a sweet tooth, a visit here is compulsory. With a huge Haribo pick and mix as well as what feels like hundreds of varieties from different countries at discounted prices you’re sure to find a bag (or 6) to suit your taste!
- Beethoven House Museum: Sited at the actual birthplace of Beethoven, this incredible museum features exhibits showcasing Beethoven’s life and work. See manuscripts, paintings, instruments and more as you explore the composer’s past.
Düsseldorf – A mix of old and new
The vibrant capital of North Rhine-Westphalia and also located on the banks of the Rhine, Düsseldorf offers a great blend of history and modernity. Only a short train ride away, Düsseldorf is one of the best day trips from Cologne if you don’t want to travel too far. From the charming Old Town with its cobblestone streets to the dynamic modern architecture in the surrounding areas, Düsseldorf offers a great mix of past and present.
- Medienhafen (Media Harbour): One of the most popular tourist spots in Dusseldorf, Medienhafen is the result of a project to revitalise and modernise the harbour area. It’s home to landmarks such as the Frank Gehry buildings & the Rhineturm (Rhine Tower)
- Königsallee shopping: One of the most lavish shopping streets in Germany, Königsallee is home to lots of well-known luxury brands. From Tiffany to Burberry you’ll find all the famous brands here.
- Carlsplatz Market: One of my favourite spots in Dusseldorf has to be Carlsplatz Market. Overflowing with fresh produce, bread, flowers, cheese and souvenirs, this a great place to stop by when you’re hungry!
Frankfurt – The modern powerhouse
Quite unlike most other destinations on this list, Frankfurt is as a bustling financial centre where skyscrapers command the skyline. However, beyond its corporate facade, the city reveals a charming old town and delightful green areas waiting to be explored. This is one of the best day trips from Cologne if you’re looking for something different!
- Frankfurt Old Town: Following the destruction in a bombing raid, the Old Town has been reconstructed with traditional timbered buildings, offering a step back in time within the busy city. Explore iconic landmarks like the Römer, Frankfurt’s historic town hall, and the stunning Gothic architecture of Old St. Nicholas Church.
Summary
While there’s so much to see within Cologne, it’s always great to be able to get out of the city. Most of these places are located along the Rhine River making them easy to access. Hopefully this guide will help you discover some great day trips from Cologne!
