Steel, glass, concrete

This tour leads the way through various points of opposing architecture around the Cologne Cathedral and through the downtown area. Along sacred and profane buildings we want to explore the ruptures and connections within the styles of Cologne’s architecture. Some compositions may strike you as odd, harsh or brute, while others will be perceived as sensitive, tender combinations. In any case, our route will guide you along constantly interchanging styles of architecture. Whether these are appreciated or not is a matter of subjective perception and although we love our weird city’s appearance, we will grant anybody their own judgment and opinion.

What is considered beautiful or ugly is surely subjective. However, it also is a matter of Zeitgeist. Therefore, some styles from the past may leave us bewildered and puzzled. Today in Cologne, we hardly comprehend the omnipotent use of tiles in the 50s and the love for concrete in the 70s. But just as with fashion in clothing, some architectural fashions reappear after years or even decades of neglect. 
The attitude of Cologne’s inhabitants can be subsumed with the local expression: “It is, what it is”. Whether you like it or not, it is exactly the imperfect, strange and convoluted arrangement which gives the town a unique feel, and maybe resulting in the (highly exaggerated) self-conscious opinion of living in the most beautiful city in the world, or Germany, to say the least.

This tour, however, shall not (necessarily) convince you that this is the case. The aim of the tour is to highlight some of Cologne’s modernist architectural features and make them accessible. Contrasts in the cityscape of the town shall be presented and contradictions shall be (possibly) dissolved. Most importantly though, the tour should be a fun experience that allows you to discover and grasp the unique feel of Cologne. We are convinced it will do so.

Useful hints: Take your time! Some of the buildings, especially the religious ones, are accessible and can be visited free of charge. Try your chances, sometimes the beauty of things lies within.

Nobody wants to go hungry or thirsty! Since you are pedaling your way through the town, we thought it might come in handy to have a food guide. You can download it for an overview of restaurants, ice cream parlors and breweries along the way. 

Be careful and take it easy! Although the route is designed to lead you along less frequented roads, city traffic is part of the town. Most tricky are the tracks of our streetcars! See that you cross them with care. An “asphalt tattoo” is surely a Cologne experience you do not want to make and no souvenir you don’t want to take home.

And now: Have fun and enjoy!

You can download the GPX file here: Steel, glass, concrete.