Responsible Tourism in Cologne, Germany

Cologne is a city that takes the environment seriously and encourages you to do the same, so making a responsible visit to the city helps you blend in right in with the locals. Whether you’re traveling to Cologne for business or pleasure there are ways to make your visit more sustainable while still having fun.

Get Around in a Green Fashion

If renting a car is on your list for your Cologne vacation, make sure you ask for a car with a green environmental sticker which will allow you to enter the Low Emission Zone in the city where only cars with the approved sticker are allowed. If your rental doesn’t include this sticker but meets requirements, then follow these instructions  – or ask your hotel in Cologne to help with arranging as most keep forms on hand.

Looking to keep yourself in form while exploring? You’re going to love the call a bike system which allows you to rent a bicycle for the duration of your visit. This is a popular local method of transportation, so you will find plenty of places to return the bike to and continue sightseeing by foot.

Cologne Image courtesy of Janayna Velozo Fickr

Go Skinny Dipping in a Sauna

Are you feeling brave and adventurous? Relax, unwind, and detox with the locals at one of the many beautiful saunas around the city. There’s just one thing to note: they’re co-ed and bathing suits are banned. There’s nothing more natural than going au natural, and this is the place to (quite literally) let it all hang out. You need not worry, as this is a commonplace activity. In general, leering doesn’t take place and isn’t welcomed – decency and respect rule the saunas.

Help the Local Economy – Drink Local Beer

Kölsch is the local brew of Cologne which is similar in color to straw and tastes rather light, due to its smooth flavor. it’s an easy drink, so beware! While there are many imitations of Kölsch, there are rules stipulating that in order to be called Kölsch it must be brewed in Cologne in order to qualify so rest assured when you order that you’re supporting locals. Relax, order a double, and beware of the humor of the waiters, they’re famous for their wisecracks! This is a list of some of the many varieties of pubs C ologne has to offer, where you can find everything from cavern-like settings to clean and modern breweries boarding on gastropubs.

Fresh Air In the Sky!
Image courtesy of Markus Hommann

Enjoy the Fresh Air

How many times throughout childhood did your parents tell you to go outside and play? Mom and Dad know best, and there’s nothing that compares to the sunshine and crisp, clean air. Cologne has done a wonderful job preserving their atmosphere and has many parks and gardens where you can explore nature to your hearts content. From a short jaunt through any of these naturally beautiful areas in and around the city, to the adventurous cable cars, you will be glad you made the decision to protect and preserve this city while visiting it.