Our Favorite Destinations in Cologne (Part 1): Zündorf

We love Cologne and we love living in Cologne. And we recently realized that it might be worthwhile for some of you to get to know our favorite spots. So this is part one of our favorite destinations in Cologne: Zündorf.

A few weeks ago, when COVID-19 prevented us from doing anything that isn't outside, we decided to take one of our 'surprise trips' (we don't check what we'll find before going) to the end of one of our trolley lines—in this case line 7 to Zündorf. Crossing through several different parts of the city, the trip itself can be an adventure. When we took this trip on a sunny day in April, one person on our trolley rapped (yes!) about their current experience on being on the trolley. Another one had to finish their cigarette and then did a few chin-ups (and again: yes!).

When we arrived, the place didn't seem too impressive. But as we know from a previous surprise trip: we had to be patient. About ten minutes from the trolley stop, we were rewarded with a beautiful view of the Rhine (or rather a lake, the Groov, that used to be a creek of the Rhine). We bought some ice cream and explored the promenade with its bars and restaurants. At the riverside, we watched the Rhine and the ships passing by.

As we walked along the Rhine, we found something even more stunning: a beach! We had no idea that Cologne had such a beautiful beach and even though it's smallish and probably crowded during summer, we can't wait to get back when the spread of COVID-19 is less worrying—so maybe 2021? (We can't imagine that it is safe this summer, given that the beach is pretty small and already was quite crowded on a sunny, but coolish April afternoon.)

But even if you cannot (or do not want to) spend your day at this beach, Zündorf is totally worth a trip: the surrounding nature is diverse and the architecture beautiful. You can pet domestic animals, play miniature golf, and go to the playground (or bring your kids there). You'll even find a public swimming pool!

We hope you'll do this trip and enjoy it as much as we did!

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