Germany Travel Tip – Discover Cologne

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 says a lot about cultural heritage. Some dishes are only served or enjoyed in a particular season, depending on availability. Typical winter dishes will be a bit heavier starting in early summer; people prefer fresh salads, fruits and vegetables. Tradition also plays a part in everyday life for Germans and, thinking of the winter season in Cologne, one might imagine Spekulatius, freshly roasted chestnuts, and Reevkoche.

The Spekulatius is a kind of shortcrust pastry cookie to which typical flavors of the Christmas season are added, such as cardamom, cloves and cinnamon. Sometimes almonds or butter intensify the delicious flavor. The Spekulatius has its origin in Rhineland, Westphalia, where it is a typical Christmas cookie, but it also has its origin in the Netherlands and Belgium. It is not just a cookie, but is traditionally baked in wooden or metal molds, telling the story of Saint Nicholas or Santa Claus. On December 6, Saint Nicholas and his helper visit children in Germany and give them gifts if they have behaved well during the past year. In fact, the name Spekulatius leaves room for speculation, but it is believed to come from the Latin word for bishop/speculator, meaning watcher or custodian of a Christian community. Spekulatius are baked for the night of Saint Nicholas’ Day in memory of the legendary Bishop Nikolaus von Myra, who gave bread to the poor. Another legend, better known, is that he gave gold to 3 desperate virgins. In the Middle Ages he was the patron saint of the corn merchant. That might explain why a windmill is a popular mold for the world-famous Spekulatius.

My first visit to Cologne was in winter and as I walked out of the train station towards the magnificent cathedral, my eyes fell on a man with a huge frying pan in front of him, frying chestnuts; until then I only have new horse-chestnuts, which cannot be eaten. I later discovered that they thrive in a climate where wine also grows and that they are grown mainly in Italy, Corsica, the former Yugoslavia, Romania, Bulgaria, and in southwestern Germany. It is because of the Romans of Cologne, who loved to eat chestnuts, that the first trees were planted in the Cologne and Bonn region and are still loved today.

Another simple specialty that is presented as a main or side dish is known in Cologne under the name of Reevkoche and is nothing more than a tasty potato fritter. You can enjoy them as a snack while strolling through the famous shopping streets of Cologne or try them in a restaurant, traditionally served with brown bread and butter; and molasses from sugar beets, applesauce, or cranberries. Reevkoche are an all-time favourite, and fine cuisine in Cologne serves them with smoked salmon or steak tartare, or topped with ham and melted cheese.

In the Christmas season there are many markets around Cologne, but one should be mentioned especially when talking about traditions. It’s called the Medieval Christmas Market, located next to the Chocolate Museum, famous for its Chocolate Fountain, directly on the banks of the Rhine River and has become a real highlight on the Cologne Christmas Market scene over the last 8 years. Hundreds of thousands of visitors from all over the world join this event with a special atmosphere. You will plunge into an exciting world of the picturesque Middle Ages. Medieval artisans will work their typical products while telling some old tales. Fine aromas will fill the air: oriental spices, fresh homemade bread, roasted mocha, tasty grilled wild boar and many more exotic delicacies from the good old days. Try the very special lovers drink (hot spiced red wine); a hot mix served in old stone mugs, or try freshly brewed Sünner stout in a traditional Cologne brewery. Jugglers, jesters and medieval musicians will create a joyous atmosphere and an authentic cultural program that changes daily with multiple attractions starting every hour, makes the visit truly a special treat for the whole family.

This is an example of what you can do in Cologne while traveling in Germany. If you’d like to learn more about Cologne, we’ve put together a more comprehensive Cologne travel guide in collaboration with local residents that provides exclusive travel tips you can use while on vacation in Germany.

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