Hi there!
It's been a while since the last post, but it has been a busy time for me: exams, presentations and the final lectures. Anyway I have 3 free-time recommendations near Cologne for tonight: a mini-hike to Drachenfels, Frisbee near Adenauerweiher and karting in Rodenkirchen.
It's been a while since the last post, but it has been a busy time for me: exams, presentations and the final lectures. Anyway I have 3 free-time recommendations near Cologne for tonight: a mini-hike to Drachenfels, Frisbee near Adenauerweiher and karting in Rodenkirchen.
Let's start with the hiking trip to gain a little courage. Drachenfels, or the Cliff of the Dragon is a result of the hercynical orogenesis and part of the Siebengebirge area. You can find it between the towns of Könnigswinter and Bad Honnef and it reaches the "impressive" height of 321m. It's being love by the dutch so it's called the highest mountain in the Netherlands.
The cliff incorporates volcanic rocks and it was exploited even by the Romans. A large part of it was used for the construction of the Cologne Cathedral.
On the top of the hill you can find the ruins of a fortress that was build in 1138 by the Bishop of Cologne to protect the area from attacks coming from the south. In 1634 it was destroyed during the 30 years war and was never rebuilt.
Instead, in 1882 the baron Stepan von Sarter funded the construction of a neo-gothical castle: Schloss Drachenburg. The place was visited by Lord Byron and Heinrich Heine and therefore received international awareness. If you look at it from a certain angle it look like the Peleș Castle in Romania.
There are a couple of legends regarding this place and the most famous tells the Story of the Rings of the Nibelungs. Sigfried, the renowned hero fought the mighty dragon Fafnir in this place, so that's why is called the cliff of the dragon.
In order to reach this place you can take the train, that will take you to the feet of the mountain, or by car and park free of charge near the entrance. The hike until the top of the hill takes about an hour and from place to place you can stop and admire the view. There's also a funicular railway for the lazy people. It costs 10 Euros both ways or 8 one way.
Obviously after the hike you can stop at the Haribo factory in Bonn to buy some delicious jelly and replace the lost energy.
The cliff incorporates volcanic rocks and it was exploited even by the Romans. A large part of it was used for the construction of the Cologne Cathedral.
On the top of the hill you can find the ruins of a fortress that was build in 1138 by the Bishop of Cologne to protect the area from attacks coming from the south. In 1634 it was destroyed during the 30 years war and was never rebuilt.
Instead, in 1882 the baron Stepan von Sarter funded the construction of a neo-gothical castle: Schloss Drachenburg. The place was visited by Lord Byron and Heinrich Heine and therefore received international awareness. If you look at it from a certain angle it look like the Peleș Castle in Romania.
There are a couple of legends regarding this place and the most famous tells the Story of the Rings of the Nibelungs. Sigfried, the renowned hero fought the mighty dragon Fafnir in this place, so that's why is called the cliff of the dragon.
In order to reach this place you can take the train, that will take you to the feet of the mountain, or by car and park free of charge near the entrance. The hike until the top of the hill takes about an hour and from place to place you can stop and admire the view. There's also a funicular railway for the lazy people. It costs 10 Euros both ways or 8 one way.
Obviously after the hike you can stop at the Haribo factory in Bonn to buy some delicious jelly and replace the lost energy.
And because the weekend was so sunny we went for a Frisbee round in the Adenauerweiher park. The area is open, perfect for a picnic, a walk, jogging or a bicycle ride.
In the south of Cologne, if you're a kart fan, you can find one of the coolest indoor karting circuit. The lap has 380m, many thight curves and a bridge. The karts are new, the employees are nice and the atmosphere is unforgettable. After 60 laps and a best lap of 28 seconds (the record being 21) we took a break in one of the guest rooms. The beer was better than usual. For those who are interested you can find more information here.
In the south of Cologne, if you're a kart fan, you can find one of the coolest indoor karting circuit. The lap has 380m, many thight curves and a bridge. The karts are new, the employees are nice and the atmosphere is unforgettable. After 60 laps and a best lap of 28 seconds (the record being 21) we took a break in one of the guest rooms. The beer was better than usual. For those who are interested you can find more information here.
See you next time!
R.C.
R.C.
