Krisztián C.
Yelp
'Weinachtmärkte' or Christmas markets are a very big tradition in Germany, and offer an amazing atmosphere during the rush for presents. It's a kind of a 'pit stop' on your way for point A to point B, a trip to a magic world built around the incredible holiday of Christmas.
'Glühwein', ' Reibekuchen' or waffle are only some of the most important components that make you revisit them again and again and again....
The one on Rudolfplatz is in my opinion one of the most magical Christmas markets from Cologne. Even if not the most popular, or most beautiful, this one offers you a different approach, by taking you directly in the middle of the market, making you a part of it.
The parallel distribution of corridors offers a gut decongestion and distribution of the visitors, and so walking through the small houses becomes more comfortable than on other of it's kind.
The only thing that I would mention as a negativ part, is the lack of place to buy, and then enjoy your 'Glühwein'. Trying to collect all of the visitors at only one selling point can transform the magical dream location, into a nightmare, where you could easily get burn your hand with some hot drinks, by trying to get out of the crowd waiting for the same thing.
My TIP: if you are in for a magical place to visit, start with the 'Weinachtsmarkt' on Rudolfplatz. It might not be the most beautifull in Cologne, but it is there, and it is different!