Located in eastern Germany, Leipzig is the largest city in the state of Saxony and has a history stretching back over 1,000 years. Known as the birthplace of the composer Johann Sebastian Bach, Leipzig has a rich cultural heritage, celebrated through the annual Bach Festival, and is associated with other influential composers including Mendelssohn and Wagner. Home to the Gewandhaus Orchestra, one of the oldest symphony orchestras in the world, and the famous Gewandhaus Concert Hall, Leipzig is renowned for its vibrant arts scene. The city played a key role in the peaceful revolution of 1989, contributing to the reunification of Germany.
Cologne is a city in western Germany and one of the oldest cities in the country. It is located on the Rhine and is the largest city in North Rhine-Westphalia. With a history dating back more than 2000 years, Cologne has a rich cultural tradition and a variety of sights to offer.
One of the most famous attractions is undoubtedly Cologne Cathedral, an impressive Gothic cathedral and the city's landmark. The cathedral is one of the largest churches in the world and attracts millions of visitors every year. In addition to the cathedral, Cologne has numerous other historic churches and buildings, such as the city hall, the Gürzenich, the Romanesque churches of St. Maria im Kapitol and St. Aposteln, to name but a few.
Cologne also has a lively cultural scene. The city is home to numerous museums, including the Museum Ludwig with an extensive collection of modern art and the Roman-Germanic Museum, which presents the city's Roman history. Cologne also offers a variety of theatres, music events and festivals throughout the year.
The people of Cologne are known for their hospitality and joie de vivre. The city is famous for its lively nightlife and carnival tradition. The Cologne Carnival is one of the largest and most colourful carnival festivals in Germany and attracts thousands of visitors every year.
Cologne is also an important business location. Numerous companies from a wide range of sectors are based here, including the automotive industry, media and insurance companies. Kölnmesse is one of the largest trade fair companies in Germany and attracts many international exhibitors and visitors every year.
In addition to its cultural wealth, Cologne is also a popular shopping city. The city centre offers a variety of shopping opportunities, from large shopping centres to small boutiques and shops. The main shopping street, Schildergasse, is one of the most visited shopping streets in Germany.
All in all, Cologne is a dynamic and diverse city with a fascinating history, a rich cultural offering, a lively nightlife and a friendly atmosphere. There is much to discover and experience, whether you are interested in history and architecture, want to attend cultural events or simply enjoy the Rhenish way of life.
St Thomas Church
Visit the historic St Thomas Church, known for its association with the composer Johann Sebastian Bach. Bach served as choirmaster here and his remains are buried in the church. See the beautiful architecture and enjoy performances by the famous St Thomas Boys Choir.
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Leipzig Zoo
Explore one of Germany's oldest and most modern zoos. Leipzig Zoo is home to a wide range of animals from all over the world, including rare and endangered species. It offers educational programmes, daily animal shows and beautifully designed habitats.
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Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra
Take in a concert by the renowned Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra. The orchestra performs in the Gewandhaus Concert Hall, renowned for its exceptional acoustics and elegant ambience. Experience world-class musicianship and enjoy a diverse repertoire of classical and contemporary music.
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Bach Museum (Bach Museum Leipzig)
Immerse yourself in the world of Johann Sebastian Bach at the Bach Museum. Learn about the life and work of this influential composer through exhibits, interactive displays and historical artefacts. The museum offers insights into Bach's music, his family and the cultural context of his time.
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Leipzig Botanical Gardens
Relax and explore the tranquil Leipzig Botanical Gardens. This expansive green space features a wide variety of plant species, themed gardens and greenhouses. It's a peaceful place to stroll, enjoy nature and appreciate the beauty of flora from around the world.
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Museum of Fine Arts
Discover a diverse collection of artworks at the Museum of Fine Arts. The museum showcases European art from the Middle Ages to the present day, with a special focus on German Expressionism and the New Leipzig School. See paintings, sculptures and installations by renowned artists.
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Leipzig Old Town
Take a stroll through Leipzig's charming Old Town. Wander the narrow cobbled streets, admire the beautifully restored historic buildings and explore the local shops, cafes and restaurants. Don't miss Leipzig Market Square with its impressive Renaissance-style Old Town Hall.
Monument to the Battle of the Nations
Visit this monumental structure commemorating the Battle of Leipzig during the Napoleonic Wars. The monument stands as a symbol of the city's historical significance and offers a panoramic view from its viewing platform.
A sweet delicacy made from shortcrust pastry and marzipan, traditionally shaped like a lark and often purchased as a souvenir or enjoyed for special occasions.
A sweet delicacy made from shortcrust pastry and marzipan, traditionally shaped like a lark and often purchased as a souvenir or enjoyed for special occasions.
A historic tavern and wine bar in Leipzig, famous for its association with Johann Wolfgang von Goethe's work "Faust." It is a popular meeting place for locals and tourists alike, offering traditional Saxon dishes and a wide selection of wines.
One of the oldest and most traditional trade fairs in the world, regularly held in Leipzig. It serves as an important meeting point for companies from various industries and attracts visitors from around the globe.
A unique project celebrating the city's rich musical history. The Notenspur is a walking tour through Leipzig, marking various locations associated with the most famous composers and musicians of the city, including Johann Sebastian Bach, Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy, and Richard Wagner.
Leipzig is proud of its many green spaces and parks. The city is known for its commitment to sustainability and maintaining a balance between urban development and nature. Leipzig's parks, such as Clara-Zetkin-Park and Johannapark, offer opportunities for leisure, relaxation and outdoor activities.
Carnival
Rhine River
Eau de Cologne
Kölsch Beer
Rheinisch Feiere
The public transportation system in Cologne is well-developed and offers a variety of ways to get around the city. The system is operated by the Kölner Verkehrs-Betriebe (KVB) and includes subways, trams, buses, and ferries.
The subway is the fastest way to get around Cologne. It has five lines that connect the city center with the suburbs. The trams are another good option for getting around the city. They are a bit slower than the subway, but they stop more often and are therefore more flexible. The buses are the most comprehensive mode of transportation in Cologne. They also go to places that are not served by the subway or trams.
The ferries are a good way to cross the Rhine. They operate between the cathedral and the Rheinauhafen.
The fares for public transportation in Cologne are relatively affordable. A single ticket costs €2.90. There are also day, week, and monthly passes available.
The public transportation system in Cologne is an important part of the city's life. It is a convenient and affordable way to get around the city.
Here are some additional general information about the public transportation system in Cologne:
- The system is open 24 hours a day.
- The vehicles are accessible for people with disabilities.
- There is an information system with schedule information and real-time updates.
GENERAL SHOPPING HOURS
Large stores and city center: Mon - Sat 10 am to 8 pm
Smaller stores, stores located outside city center or in smaller towns:
Mon-Fri 9.30 am to 6 or 7 pm and Sat 9.30 am to 2 or 4 pm
All shops are closed on Sundays. Supermarkets generally open earlier, mostly 8 a.m.
Holmes Place Fitness
Köln am Gürzenich: This club offers a wide range of fitness facilities, including a gym, swimming pool, sauna, and steam room.
Gürzenichstraße 6-16
50667 Köln
Tel: +49 221 5981414
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World Gym Cologne
This club is a good option for budget-minded gym-goers. It offers a variety of fitness facilities, including a gym, cardio room, and group fitness classes.
Bonner Wall 122
50677 Köln
Tel: +49 162 9584051
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Muscle Gym Cologne e.V.
This club is a good option for people who want to train with weights. It offers a variety of weight training equipment, as well as group fitness classes.
Bonner Wall 25
50677 Köln
Tel: +49 1520 2941755
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If you have a dog, you will need to register it at the local authorities and pay dog tax for it. You will receive a tag
for the dog’s collar after approx. 2 weeks of paying the invoice. It is obligatory that the dog wears this tag.
mc-Dog Köln West
This kennel offers boarding and daycare services for dogs of all sizes and breeds. They have a large indoor and outdoor play area and offer a variety of activities for dogs to enjoy.
Dürener Str. 424
50858 Köln
Tel: +49 176 80475283
Wooftown Hundetagesstätte Köln
This doggy daycare offers daycare services for dogs of all sizes and breeds. They have a large indoor play area and offer a variety of activities for dogs to enjoy.
Neuer Weyerstraßerweg 143
50969 Köln
Tel: +49 170 4867756
Frieda's Hundebetreuung
Hugo-Junkers-Straße 10a
50739 Köln
info@friedas-hundebetreuung.de
Tel: +49 176-20531110
When choosing a dog boarding kennel or doggy daycare, it is important to consider the following factors:
- The size and breed of your dog.
- The age of your dog.
- The temperament of your dog.
- The services offered by the kennel or daycare.
- The location of the kennel or daycare.
- The price of the services.
On account of repeated attacks on humans by certain dangerous dogs, the state governments in Germany
issued regulations regarding keeping certain dog races which are considered dangerous.
Dangerous dog races according to the HundeVO are amongst others Pitbull Terrier, Staffordshire Terrier, Bull Terrier, Bulldog, Rottweiler.
Dogs that have in the past attacked or bitten humans or other animals without any apparent reason are also categorized as being dangerous.
For these above-mentioned dogs, the owner needs official permission from the relevant local authorities.
On account of repeated attacks on humans by certain dangerous dogs, the state governments in Germany
issued regulations regarding keeping certain dog races which are considered dangerous.
Dangerous dog races according to the HundeVO are amongst others Pitbull Terrier, Staffordshire Terrier, Bull Terrier, Bulldog, Rottweiler.
Dogs that have in the past attacked or bitten humans or other animals without any apparent reason are also categorized as being dangerous.
For these above-mentioned dogs, the owner needs official permission from the relevant local authorities.
Where to Eat and Drink Around the Immigration Office – Cologne
