Köln Christmas Market

Yesterday, after returning from Barcelona, we decided to stop off in Köln (or Cologne) on our way home.  We had been wanting to see this town that's over 2000 years old, and hadn't made it yet.  So, when we realized we'd be driving through to get to and from our airport near Dusseldorf, we figured it would be a great opportunity!

Köln is known for its cathedral, or Dom.  It is nearly 1000 years old and is truly magnificent.  Köln is also known for a certain kind of beer, Kölsch, and groups of guys come there often for guys weekends. Further, one of the biggest Christmas Markets in Germany is held there, so of course we had to go!

We only spent a few hours in the city, but it was enough to explore the outside of the Dom, go to 2 of the 7 Christmas Markets in the city, and to have dinner at a typical Kölnish restaurant. 

These markets were probably the most beautifully decorated that we've seen.  I was actually able to get some pictures, because it was more spread out than others. Plus, since the temps were above freezing, we could enjoy it more!

After we toured the first part of the market we went for dinner.  We found a crazy little pub that served typical Köln dishes and their famous beer.  The beer was just normal, and the food was OK but a bit weird for me (pig knuckles and such...ew. I had turkey curry, not so typical, but safer for me!) The most photo worthy part of dinner though was that the kids' apple juice came with ice-a real rarity in Europe!

After dinner, we walked to the Dom.  The biggest of the markets was in front of it, so we couldn't even get near the entrance.  It was amazing enough from outside though, and made a beautiful backdrop for the market.  We wandered the stalls, I collected another Glühwein mug, and made a major Nutcracker purchase! (This might save me the trip to Seiffen, but maybe not!)

Here are our new family members, happily at home!