Alter Markt

Left Koblenz early morning and cruised up to Cologne arriving just after 12, the position is very central near the cathedral and the rail bridge, famous for all the padlocks attached to the railings along its, full length. A quick visit to the cathedral but as a service was in process only the entrance area was accessible for visitors. In the afternoon we found the Wallraf-Richartz Museum Gallery. The main exhibition was early church art from the churches in and around Cologne. The painters working in Cologne at that time are known, but none of the frames are signed so they are unable to attribute the paintings specifically. These had been cleaned as when compared to those in the cathedral which were dark and dull the condition of these were excellent and the colours particularly bright and vibrant depicting the bible stories. There was also a good collection of impressionists, with Renoir’s, Cezanne’s, a Van Gogh and a Munch. The plus was entry was free because it was Sunday.Læs mere

Not all green pastures, and tranquil meadows. This northern section of the Rhine is also known as the Industrial Ruins. Slow going and without a GPS it would be even worse.

Rode through Duisburg (couldn't help myself and stopped at a Starbucks for a cappuccino) also Europe's largest inland port, then to Dusseldorf (the Tour de France started here 2 weeks ago), then to Cologne (one of the oldest cities in Germany.

The biggest landmark in Cologne is the gothic style Cologne Cathedral completed in 1880 and took 632 years to build !Læs mere