Cologne

Just like in Vienna, there are many different Christmas markets in Cologne.  The biggest, most popular and best known is the one in front of the famous Cologne Cathedral.  It is most fitting as this cathedral was specifically built to house the relics of the magi (three kings).  With over 4 million visitors expected each year & 150 stalls it certainly is one to make a bee line for although it wasn't our highest scoring market of the trip.

 This was the end of the markets for us as next stop was Amsterdam which didn't seem to have any, or at least none that we could find.

 Cathedral markets Score 7/10 
As expected this was very busy with lots of gluehwein stalls. It had a great big Christmas tree & lots of pretty lights. The highlight is the fantastic backdrop of the huge cathedral.
Cologne Harbour Christmas markets (in the grounds of the chocolate factory) Score 5/10 
This is a small market on both sides of the river. It has mostly handcrafts, not very busy but also not much atmosphere & it didn't feel Christmassy. I would give this a miss if you are short of time.





Cologne old town  Score 7/10
There were many different themes to this market as you strolled from one theme to another.  The main one is the dwarfs or Heinzelmannchen. Legend has it they were little creatures who use to do all the housework until an inquisitive housewife annoyed them and they never came back. They were all over the roofs of huts and in decorations. We had the usual gluewein but in the best cup of the trip and is now highly prized in our home for drinking coffee. Another theme was antiques so a whole stretch was devoted to antiques.  There was also a large ice rink here where you can hire skates and try your hand (or foot) at ice skating.
























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