2021.12 Germany and Christmas Markets (part 7)

2021.12 Germany and christmas markets (Part 7) – Cologne Christmas Markets

We had a day trip to Cologne.  We visited several Christmas Markets, with the bonus of visiting the Chocolate Museum!

Cologne

The driving distance between Dusseldorf and Cologne is approximately an hour.  We drove instead of taking a train.  As this area of Germany is densely populated don’t expect many, if any free sections of the Autobahn.  We were able to park in a garage south of the Cathedral, right beside the Rhine.  This was a central spot to our destinations for the day. 

Chocolate Museum

Our first stop was the Chocolate Museum.  As you can tell from the sign, Lindt was the cooperating partner for the museum during our visit.  With signs in both German and English we were able to navigate all the exhibits with ease.  The Museum is well done, covering the history, current practices, ingredients, and most importantly, the ways of forming and creating chocolate creations.  There were a few options that were not available during our visit, however, I don’t think it took anything away from our visit.  (Even with the Chocolate Fountain not in operation during our visit)

White, Milk & Dark Chocolate mixes

Subtle Lindt branding

Large and complex chocolate molds

Historical shop layout

Ornate and expensive creations

One can design almost anything with Chocolate

Museum Cafe

After our visit, we had a snack.  I couldn’t turn down the option to have some hot chocolate and cake before noon!

The museum is built on a small island in the Rhine river, so we did watch a few barges travel past.  Given the size of the river, it’s easy to understand how the Romans didn’t venture far across the river.

This museum also had an excellent gift shop, as it was a complete chocolate shop with a massive selection of hand crafted treats.  We grabbed a few items along with varieties that we don’t get in Canada.  Just about anything that has chocolate was available including cupcakes and doughnuts:

Christmas Markets – Hafen/Christmas Museum

Immediately outside of the museum on the tiny island was a small Christmas market.  Outside of its nautical theme, we couldn’t tell any difference in items available from other markets.  The ship theme was at least unique compared to other markets.

This market had a larger quantity of crafts, household items, available for sale.  This was a good indication, as the next market we visited had an even greater variety of items for sale.

Christmas Market – Heumarkt/Alterstadt

Skating at Heumarkt Market

A complete track to skate

During our visit, I couldn’t tell where the Heumarkt ended and the next market started as there was maybe a 100m break in an area that narrowed and appeared to not be a good spot to have stalls.  Heumarkt was unique as it had an ice skating track, and two-storey stall to eat and watch the skaters, and lots of crafts. 

Little Miss purchased a customized mug, that they did the lettering on-site.  We grabbed a drink while we waited for the mug to be cured in their kiln.  The mugs we drank from were a series in which it appeared they’d have new additions every year.  When we indicated to the attendant we’d take the mugs home, he quickly found clean ones for us to take, quite helpful and considerate.

Another stall featured a woodworking artist who was transforming a large tree trunk into a sculpture with a chainsaw and other tools.  It was a little odd to hear a chainsaw in the market, but with many people watching it was as much spectacle, as was an artist working.

The Alterstadt market felt like a continuation, albeit along a street and not in a large square.

Right before getting to the Cathedral square there was a tiny market that seemed to have been setup just because there was an open space!

Cologne Cathedral Square Christmas Market

Now this was a market!  Absolutely filled with people and stalls, the layout of the market also gave me a maze-like feeling. 

Unlike some markets being setup in rows, this market seemed to only have pathways on angles.  Navigating the market was part of the enjoyment as we would stop and ask ourselves “Have we been down that way?”

This market had a large selection of non-food items for purchase.  One example was a rubber duck stall that had many designs ranging from politicians, or comic book heroes, to monarchs and historical characters.  We did purchase some as gifts. 

This was also the first market that felt like there were tour groups visiting as we noticed more English being spoken.  At this point, I realized that the other markets we had visited are setup and geared for the local population, and doesn’t attract North Americans in as great numbers as the market in front of Cologne Cathedral.

With several purchases and gifts acquired we returned to the car and made the drive back to Dusseldorf.  We stopped at a mall due to it being right beside the highway, however didn’t find anything we wanted for dinner and returned to Casita Mexicana before returning to the hotel.

Christmas Market – Countryside

As mentioned from the end of the Hilton Dusseldorf post, we spent a few days with relatives.  We are fortunate as every time we have visited them, the vibe we got was of warm welcomes, comfort, relaxation and the feeling as if it hadn’t been years since our last visit.  This time was poignant as it was the first time visiting since a relative had passed away in 2020, and obviously we couldn’t travel for the funeral.  We enjoyed our time with them and went to a Christmas market near them in the countryside.  It was much larger than I imagined!

This was the only Eggnog flavoured item that I liked.  And being served in a glass made from the same as an ice cream cone, a crunchy end to the drink.

After our visit it was time to return to Frankfurt where we’d had a day trip planned solely because I didn’t want frequent flyer points to expire.