Cologne, discovered with all senses

Categories: Family and Kids, Sightseeing, Cultural and History, Shopping, Dining, Entertainment

Reevkoche

[ source: Wikipedia]

There are many ways to discover a city. One way is definitely through the taste of local foods and drinks. It's fun, delicious and tells a lot about the cultural heritage. Some dishes are only served or liked in a particular season, depending on the availability. Typical winter dishes will be a bit heavier while starting in early summer; people prefer fresh salads, fruits and vegetables. Tradition also still plays a role in the daily lives of Germans and thinking about the winter season in Cologne (Cologne vacation rentals | Cologne travel guide), one might picture Spekulatius, freshly roasted chestnuts and Reevkoche.

The Spekulatius is a kind of cookie made of short-crust and typical Christmas season flavors like cardamom, clove and cinnamon are added. Sometimes almonds or butter intensify the lovely taste. The Spekulatius is originated in the Rhineland, Westphalia, where it is a typical Christmas cookie, but also home in the Netherlands and Belgium. It's not just a cookie, but traditionally baked in wooden or metal molds, telling the story of St. Nicholas or Santa Claus. On the 6th of December St. Nicholas and his helper visits the children in Germany and gives them presents if they behaved well throughout the past year. The name Spekulatius in fact leaves room for speculations but is believed to stem from the Latin word for Bishop/speculator, with the meaning of an observer or custodian of a Christian community. Spekulatius are baked for the evening of St. Nicholas Day in remembrance of the legendary Bishop Nikolaus von Myra who gave bread to the poor. Another legend, more commonly known is that he gave gold as a present to 3 despaired virgins. In the middle ages he was the patron saint of the corn dealer. That might explain why a windmill is a popular mold for the world famous Spekulatius.

My first visit to Cologne was in winter and when I left the train station in direction of the magnificent cathedral, my eyes got caught by a man with a huge pan in front of him, frying chestnuts; until then I only new horse chestnuts, which you can't eat. Later I found out that they thrive in a climate where also wine grows and that they are mostly cultivated in Italy, Corsica, the former Yugoslavia, Romania, Bulgaria, and in the south-west of Germany. It is because of the Romans in Cologne, who loved to eat chestnuts, that the first trees were planted in the Cologne and Bonn (Bonn vacation rentals | Bonn travel guide) region and they are still loved today.

Another simple specialty that comes as a main or side dish is known in Cologne under the name Reevkoche and is nothing else but a tasty potato fritter. You can enjoy them as a snack while strolling along Cologne's famous shopping milles or try them in a restaurant, traditionally served with brown bread and butter; and sugar beet molasses, apple sauce or cranberries. Reevkoche are an all time favorite and fine cuisine in Cologne serve them with smoked salmon or steak tartar, or topped with ham and melted cheese.

In Christmas season there are many markets around Cologne but one should be specially mentioned talking about traditions. It is called the Medieval Christmas Market, located next to the Chocolate Museum which is famous for its Chocolate Fountain, directly on the banks of the river Rhine and has become a true highlight on the Cologne Christmas Market scene over the past 8 years. Hundreds of thousands of visitors from all over the world join in this event with its own special atmosphere. You will dive in a thrilling world of the picturesque Middle Ages. Medieval craftsmen will be working on their typical products while telling some ancient tales. The air will be full of fine scents: oriental spices, freshly homemade bread, roasted mocha, tasty grilled wild boar and a lot of more exotic treats of the good old days. Try the very special lovers drink (spiced hot red wine); a hot mixture served in old stone jugs, or taste the freshly brewed black Sünner-Beer from a traditional Cologne Brewery. Jugglers, jester and medieval musicians will create a jolly atmosphere and daily changing, authentic cultural program with multiple attractions beginning every hour, make a visit really a special treat for the whole family.

Location, Map, and Driving Directions

About this Article

This travel guide has been written by Monika Petra.

In her own words: When children are born they receive certain gifts to put them to good use or not. In my cradle there must have been at least music and the curiosity for the world we live in. Luckily I could combine those gifts eventually. My live as a jazz vocalist guided me to see and experience many places in Germany and far beyond. As in my music I like to dive in the historical background of given facts, simply to understand the present. During my travel, my circles got wider and wider and since many years I am now living in Thailand, very interesting to say the least. I grew up in Paderborn, lived and studied Jazz in Cologne's Musikhochschule and worked a while in Bayreuth and Kulmbach. My travels throughout Germany took me to all major cities and small towns. It was the people and local differences, be it language, food, traditions and customs, which made it a lot of fun. When finally the wall came down, I was one of those in Berlin posing on the rests of it for the camera. Off course I took the first opportunity to rediscover the new but old states of Germany and finally understood the impact the wall had on all Germans and in regards to the worst part in German history. Being a German living abroad, I discovered in years what I value most about Germany. Rest assured it is a country of rich cultural background still alive today. I visit my home country regularly and stay in touch with my friends, even those back from school. Another thing I always felt passionate about is writing and sharing my experience and thoughts. The internet provides us all with a great opportunity to connect, tell stories, read and learn from others and grow as a global community.

More Germany Travel Related Articles

• Dresden – One of Germany’s most Beautiful Cities
• Best Christmas Markets throughout north and north-west Germany
• Feel Like Royalty at Hohen Niendorf Hunting Lodge
• Romantic Salzwedel, birthplace of the "Baumkuchen"
• The-Military Concierge Company's Guide to Oktoberfest
• Exchanging Dollars to Euros
• Local German Food
• Cologne, discovered with all senses
• Striezelmarkt in Dresden
• Mayweek Festival

Nearby Destinations Where You Can Find Nice Germany Vacation Rentals

Cologne

Founded by the Romans in 38 B.C., Cologne (Köln) lies on the Rhine river, and is the largest city in North Rhine-Westphalia. Besides visiting the awesome Gothic Cathedral, visitors will want to explore the city’s even older Romanesque churches, as…

Related: Cologne travel guide

Düsseldorf

Düsseldorf is famous for its nightlife, carnival, events, and shopping, and also for fashion and trade fairs like the Boot Messe (famous for boats and watersports) and Igedo (fashion). Every year more than 4 Million people visit the big fun fair (Kirmes)…

Related: Düsseldorf travel guide

Aachen

Aachen is a historic spa city in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. It was a favored residence of Charlemagne, and the place of coronation of the medieval Kings of Germany. It is the westernmost city of Germany, located along its borders with Belgium and…

Related: Aachen travel guide

Essen

Essen is a city in the center of the Ruhr Area in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. Located on the Ruhr River, its population of approximately 579,000 (as of June 30, 2008) makes it the 7th- or 8th-largest-city in Germany. The city was appointed European…

Related: Essen travel guide

Brühl

Brühl is a city in Germany, located 20 km south of Cologne, in the Rhein-Erft-Kreis. The town of Brühl was the residence of the Prince Bishops of Cologne. In the 18th century the Prince Bishop Clemens August replaced a former ruined castle and built…

Related: Brühl travel guide

Browse Related Photos (Interactive Slideshow)

The pictures shown are part of our Live Like a German Travel Guide to Germany group on Flickr. If you have great Germany pictures please consider joining that group and sharing them on Flickr. If you tag them with cologne (and they got approved) they will also show up in the slide show above.

Feedback, comments, questions?

If you have visited here please share your experiences with our readers on Facebook. Or, if you have other cool trip suggestions and would like to contribute a travel guide here, please drop me an email. We also are encouraging free-lancers, travel guide writers or publishers who have great Germany related content to send us an email and get in touch with us.