Cologne Cathedral History Architecture and Visiting Tips

Cologne Cathedral History Architecture and Visiting Tips

The first thing you notice in Cologne isn’t the river or the old town it’s the cathedral. You step out of the train station and it’s simply there, rising straight up from the square, dark and intricate, impossible to ignore. It doesn’t feel placed for …

Visiting Marksburg Castle from the Rhine

Visiting Marksburg Castle from the Rhine

We took the train from Mainz on New Year’s Day, not entirely sure what would actually be open. As the train followed the Rhine, we listened to the Rick Steves Audio Guide Best of the Rhine that we downloaded from his app. Hearing stories of …

Viktualienmarkt Munich

Viktualienmarkt Munich

Some places feel less like attractions and more like part of a city’s daily rhythm. Viktualienmarkt is very much that kind of place. Located just a few minutes from Marienplatz, Viktualienmarkt has been feeding Munich for more than two centuries. It was established in 1807, …

Heinzels Wintermärchen Market, Cologne, Germany

Heinzels Wintermärchen Market, Cologne, Germany

I was a little worried that Heinzels Wintermärchen might already be closed. Many Christmas markets across Germany shut down on December 24 or 25, and we were visiting Cologne just after Christmas. To our surprise, this market was still open and not just open, but …

Asam Church a Baroque Showcase Built Between 1733-1746

Asam Church a Baroque Showcase Built Between 1733-1746

Over the Top Asam Church wasn’t built to be subtle. From the very beginning, it was designed as a showcase. A small space filled deliberately with every ornate detail its creators could imagine. Built in the 18th century by two brothers, Cosmas Damian and Egid …

The Organ at Mainz Cathedral on New Year’s Eve

The Organ at Mainz Cathedral on New Year’s Eve

We walked into Mainz Cathedral on New Year’s Eve without any real plan other than to take a quick look inside. The cathedral was dim, calm, and heavy with history. Then the organ began to play. It wasn’t loud in an overpowering way, but it filled the …

A Relaxing Riverside Stay at the Hilton Mainz

A Relaxing Riverside Stay at the Hilton Mainz

Our stay at the Hilton Mainz was one of those hotel experiences that quietly checks every box, comfort, location, service, and then adds a little magic on top. We spent two nights here over New Year’s Eve, and I wouldn’t hesitate to stay again. Here …

Experiencing Kölsch Beer in Cologne

Experiencing Kölsch Beer in Cologne

Cologne offers no shortage of unforgettable sights none more striking than its soaring cathedral but one of our favorite memories came not from looking up, but from sitting down with a glass of Kölsch. Serving Kolsch Beer Kölsch is served in skinny little glasses called Stangen, …

Why Is Cologne Called Cologne? Visiting the House of 4711

Why Is Cologne Called Cologne? Visiting the House of 4711

If you’ve ever wondered why perfume is sometimes called cologne, the answer lies in the heart of Cologne, Germany at a historic address known around the world. Near the Cologne Cathedral, House of 4711 is more than a fragrance shop. It’s a piece of European …

Our European Christmas by Train

Our European Christmas by Train

A 15 day holiday through England, Belgium, and Germany Traveling through Europe by train in December turned out to be one of our favorite ways to experience the season. Christmas markets, historic cities, winter landscapes, and effortless rail travel made this trip feel both magical …