Our three-week journey through Germany, Austria, Belgium, and Amsterdam began in Cologne, also known as Köln.
Stepping off the train, we immediately found ourselves beneath the towering spires of Cologne Cathedral, just outside the station.

Perfectly positioned beside Köln Train Station, the cathedral is one of the easiest and most impressive first stops in Germany.

Köln Cathedral

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is the largest Gothic church in Northern Europe and has the second tallest spires worldwide.

Its scale is hard to grasp until you stand before it.
Even from a full block away, fitting the entire façade into one photo proved challenging.

Cologne Cathedral facade near Cologne Central Station

Cologne Cathedral spire climb

For sweeping views, visitors can climb the cathedral’s 509-step spiral staircase.
The steep ascent rewards you with stunning views of the Rhine River, and admission costs only €2.50.
Entry to the main cathedral remains free.

View of the Rhine River from Cologne Cathedral spire

Despite its imposing exterior, the interior feels surprisingly light and welcoming.
Unlike many Gothic cathedrals that feel dark or heavy, this space was filled with sunlight.
Colorful stained glass cast shifting patterns across the stone nave as we explored.

At the heart of the cathedral sits the Shrine of the Three Kings.
Believed to hold the remains of the Three Wise Men, it draws pilgrims from around the world.
The gold sarcophagus, richly decorated and jewel-studded, is the reason the cathedral was built.

Shrine of the Three Kings inside Cologne Cathedral

Beer Fest Adventure

This visit marked the first day of our European Beer Fest adventure.
After an overnight flight from San Francisco to Düsseldorf, we boarded a train directly to Cologne.
Germany’s rail system made the journey effortless.

We spent several hours exploring the cathedral, climbing the spire, and wandering nearby streets.
Later that day, we continued on to Mainz, where our journey along the Rhine officially began.