--- title: "Discover Cologne with Mobility in Mind: The City Center" url: "https://www.cologne-tourism.com/tours/detail/discover-cologne-with-mobility-in-mind-the-city-center" description: "This accessible route is suitable for people in wheelchairs or using walkers, as well as for families with strollers. It connects major attractions via paths that are as accessible as possible and invites both tourists and Cologne residents to explore the city center on their own. The GPX file can be downloaded to a mobile device for navigation.Route at a GlanceStarting point: Cologne Tourism Visitor Information Center at the CathedralLength: 2.45 kmElevation gain: 20 m uphill, 10 m downhillMaximum gradient: 3%Maximum gradient: 2%Surface: Mostly paved and easy to ride on; short cobblestone sectionsCurbs: Lowered curbs were taken into account during planningSeating Primarily on Schildergasse, Breite Straße, and OffenbachplatzAccessibility and ServicesRoutes and NavigationThe route was planned with a view to enabling users to navigate as independently as possible. It runs primarily along paved, easily navigable paths. Short sections may be slightly cobblestone. The digital GPX file helps you navigate.RestroomsYou can find locations and information about public restrooms on the AWB website.Please check there in advance for accessibility and current opening hours.Stops and BreaksThe following dining options, among others, are available along or near the route:FRÜH am Dom-Hard Rock Cafe Cologne-TuscoloKaffeeFleck at the Thalia BookstoreSchmittchenSince entrances, furnishings, and restroom facilities are subject to change, we recommend contacting the respective establishment for confirmation.Current Information on AccessibilityAdditional information on wheelchair-accessible entrances, restrooms, and facilities is available on the Wheelmap online map.Please note: Construction sites, events, outdoor dining, or malfunctioning elevators may temporarily affect accessibility. Therefore, please check the current situation before setting out, if possible.The 14 stops1. Cologne CathedralCologne Cathedral is the city’s landmark and a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. Its monumental façade, intricate stonework, and centuries-long construction history make this UNESCO World Heritage Site an impressive starting point for the route.2. WallrafplatzLocated right next to the cathedral, the lively Wallrafplatz connects the historic center with the shopping streets. It is named after Ferdinand Franz Wallraf, whose collection laid the foundation for Cologne’s museum scene.3. Hohe StraßeEven in Roman-era Cologne, one of the most important thoroughfares—the *Cardo Maximus*—ran through here. Today, Hohe Straße follows this historic route through the city center and is one of Cologne’s most famous shopping streets.4. SchildergasseWhere Hohe Straße and Schildergasse meet, the forum of the Roman city once stood. The street owes its name to medieval sign and coat-of-arms painters; today, it is characterized by large stores and a lively urban atmosphere.5. AntoniterkircheThis unassuming church on Schildergasse houses a moving work of art: Ernst Barlach’s “The Floating One.” The sculpture, featuring the facial features of Käthe Kollwitz, commemorates the victims of war and tyranny and is regarded as a powerful memorial to peace.6. NeumarktNeumarkt is one of Cologne’s central squares and transportation hubs. Around the Romanesque Church of St. Aposteln, shopping and culture converge—complemented by the oversized ice cream cone “Dropped Cone” by Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen.7. DuMont FountainThe fountain on Breite Straße was erected to mark the 100th anniversary of the DuMont publishing house. It commemorates Cologne’s long tradition as a city of publishing and media, as well as well-known newspapers such as the “Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger” and the “Express.”8. The Mouse and the WDRIn front of the WDR building stands a sculpture of one of Germany’s most beloved television stars: the Mouse. Since 1971, she has been imparting knowledge in an entertaining way through her comedy and educational stories—and even greets her audience in numerous languages and dialects.9. 4711Glockengasse is home to the flagship store of 4711, one of Cologne’s best-known brands. The historic façade tells the story of the house number that gave the Eau de Cologne its name; inside, the history of the fragrance is vividly presented.10. Cologne Opera and “Liebe deine Stadt”Architecture, music, and art converge at Offenbachplatz. The 1950s opera house is also known for Keith Jarrett’s legendary “The Köln Concert,” while Merlin Bauer’s lettering “Liebe deine Stadt” invites visitors to take a fresh look at the built environment.11. KOLUMBA and Madonna in the RuinsThe KOLUMBA Art Museum impressively combines modern architecture with the ruins of the former St. Kolumba Church. The neighboring chapel, “Madonna in the Ruins,” creates a quiet place where history, art, and memory converge.12. Cologne City MuseumHoused in the former Franz Sauer fashion house, the Cologne City Museum tells the story of Cologne from emotional and surprising perspectives. Its modern, inclusive exhibition concept underscores its commitment to making culture accessible to as many people as possible.13. Minorite ChurchThe Gothic Minorite Church is closely associated with two significant figures: Adolph Kolping championed the causes of journeymen craftsmen and the socially disadvantaged, while the theologian Johannes Duns Scotus shaped European intellectual history.14. MAKK and Cologne’s Museum FoundersThe tour concludes at the Museum of Applied Arts in Cologne, or MAKK for short. Its collections offer diverse perspectives on design and everyday culture; at the same time, the venue pays tribute to Ferdinand Franz Wallraf and Johann Heinrich Richartz, who played a decisive role in the development of Cologne’s museum landscape.Guided Tour and InformationThose who prefer to explore Cologne with a guide can book a city tour along the accessible route. Further information and booking options are available at the Tourist Information office at the Cathedral." language: "en" type: "SportsActivityLocation" image: "https://dam.destination.one/4276751/89d4d24c8a97fe4b7ebc68e504ade28852361d5b1fe1c7944cd8c7a13ba48cb8/love-your-city.jpg" breadcrumb: "Root > Homepage > Special > Tours > Detail" --- GPX Share Discover Cologne with Mobility in Mind: The City Center ======================================================= - Hiking - 2.45 km long - Difficulty: easy - Condition: easy - Asphalt Love Your City High Street Dropped Cone 4711 on Glockengasse St. Anthony's Church and the Weltstadthaus in Cologne KOLUMBA - 0:35 h - 2.45 km - 54 m - 65 m - 11 m - - Start: VisitKöln, Kardinal-Höffner-Platz 1, 50667 Cologne - Destination: Wallrafplatz, 50667 Cologne Experience Cologne in a relaxed and self-directed way ----------------------------------------------------- This accessible route is suitable for people in wheelchairs or using walkers, as well as for families with strollers. It connects major attractions via paths that are as accessible as possible and invites both tourists and Cologne residents to explore the city center on their own. The GPX file can be downloaded to a mobile device for navigation. **Route at a Glance** - Starting point: Cologne Tourism Visitor Information Center at the Cathedral - Length: 2.45 km - Elevation gain: 20 m uphill, 10 m downhill - Maximum gradient: 3% - Maximum gradient: 2% - Surface: Mostly paved and easy to ride on; short cobblestone sections - Curbs: Lowered curbs were taken into account during planning - Seating Primarily on Schildergasse, Breite Straße, and Offenbachplatz **Accessibility and Services** Routes and Navigation The route was planned with a view to enabling users to navigate as independently as possible. It runs primarily along paved, easily navigable paths. Short sections may be slightly cobblestone. The digital GPX file helps you navigate. Restrooms You can find locations and information about public restrooms on the . Please check there in advance for accessibility and current opening hours. Stops and Breaks The following dining options, among others, are available along or near the route: - FRÜH am Dom - -Hard Rock Cafe Cologne - -Tuscolo - KaffeeFleck at the Thalia Bookstore - Schmittchen Since entrances, furnishings, and restroom facilities are subject to change, we recommend contacting the respective establishment for confirmation. Current Information on Accessibility Additional information on wheelchair-accessible entrances, restrooms, and facilities is available on the online map. Please note: Construction sites, events, outdoor dining, or malfunctioning elevators may temporarily affect accessibility. Therefore, please check the current situation before setting out, if possible. **The 14 stops** **1. Cologne Cathedral** Cologne Cathedral is the city’s landmark and a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. Its monumental façade, intricate stonework, and centuries-long construction history make this UNESCO World Heritage Site an impressive starting point for the route. **2. Wallrafplatz** Located right next to the cathedral, the lively Wallrafplatz connects the historic center with the shopping streets. It is named after Ferdinand Franz Wallraf, whose collection laid the foundation for Cologne’s museum scene. **3. Hohe Straße** Even in Roman-era Cologne, one of the most important thoroughfares—the *Cardo Maximus*—ran through here. Today, Hohe Straße follows this historic route through the city center and is one of Cologne’s most famous shopping streets. **4. Schildergasse** Where Hohe Straße and Schildergasse meet, the forum of the Roman city once stood. The street owes its name to medieval sign and coat-of-arms painters; today, it is characterized by large stores and a lively urban atmosphere. **5. Antoniterkirche** This unassuming church on Schildergasse houses a moving work of art: Ernst Barlach’s “The Floating One.” The sculpture, featuring the facial features of Käthe Kollwitz, commemorates the victims of war and tyranny and is regarded as a powerful memorial to peace. **6. Neumarkt** Neumarkt is one of Cologne’s central squares and transportation hubs. Around the Romanesque Church of St. Aposteln, shopping and culture converge—complemented by the oversized ice cream cone “Dropped Cone” by Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen. **7. DuMont Fountain** The fountain on Breite Straße was erected to mark the 100th anniversary of the DuMont publishing house. It commemorates Cologne’s long tradition as a city of publishing and media, as well as well-known newspapers such as the “Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger” and the “Express.” **8. The Mouse and the WDR** In front of the WDR building stands a sculpture of one of Germany’s most beloved television stars: the Mouse. Since 1971, she has been imparting knowledge in an entertaining way through her comedy and educational stories—and even greets her audience in numerous languages and dialects. **9. 4711** Glockengasse is home to the flagship store of 4711, one of Cologne’s best-known brands. The historic façade tells the story of the house number that gave the Eau de Cologne its name; inside, the history of the fragrance is vividly presented. **10. Cologne Opera and “Liebe deine Stadt”** Architecture, music, and art converge at Offenbachplatz. The 1950s opera house is also known for Keith Jarrett’s legendary “The Köln Concert,” while Merlin Bauer’s lettering “Liebe deine Stadt” invites visitors to take a fresh look at the built environment. **11. KOLUMBA and Madonna in the Ruins** The KOLUMBA Art Museum impressively combines modern architecture with the ruins of the former St. Kolumba Church. The neighboring chapel, “Madonna in the Ruins,” creates a quiet place where history, art, and memory converge. **12. Cologne City Museum** Housed in the former Franz Sauer fashion house, the Cologne City Museum tells the story of Cologne from emotional and surprising perspectives. Its modern, inclusive exhibition concept underscores its commitment to making culture accessible to as many people as possible. **13. Minorite Church** The Gothic Minorite Church is closely associated with two significant figures: Adolph Kolping championed the causes of journeymen craftsmen and the socially disadvantaged, while the theologian Johannes Duns Scotus shaped European intellectual history. **14. MAKK and Cologne’s Museum Founders** The tour concludes at the Museum of Applied Arts in Cologne, or MAKK for short. Its collections offer diverse perspectives on design and everyday culture; at the same time, the venue pays tribute to Ferdinand Franz Wallraf and Johann Heinrich Richartz, who played a decisive role in the development of Cologne’s museum landscape. **Guided Tour and Information** Those who prefer to explore Cologne with a guide can book a city tour along the accessible route. Further information and booking options are available at the Tourist Information office at the Cathedral. Read more Useful Information ------------------ Best to visit suitable Depends on weather - Jan - Feb - Mar - Apr - May - Jun - Jul - Aug - Sep - Oct - Nov - Dec Tour information - Barrier-Free - Cultural Interesting - Familiy-Friendly - Good Connection to public Transport - Mainly Shady - Stop at an Inn Nearby ------ View on map Contact 50667 Köln Download GPX file - - - -