We may have only seen a hint of spring so far, but Germans are already embracing the outdoors.
Ice-cream shops are opening after the Winterpause, cafes are sweeping their terraces and cities are gearing up for their spring festivals.
Even when it's still a little chilly outside, Germans will throw on their 'transition jacket' (Übergangsjacke) with a cosy scarf and get out in the sun.
Cologne is one of the best places in Germany to make the most of spring thanks to its location on the Rhine river.
Here's a look at six things you should do in the laid-back city as the weather warms.
READ ALSO: Seven signs that spring has arrived in Germany
Admire the view and cherry blossoms at Rheinpark
Kölners enjoy nothing more than hanging out along the river banks, preferably with a locally brewed beer like Kölsch.
The Rheinpark is one of the best places to do just that. Created in 1957 on a large area of rubble and debris from World War II, the park became a symbol of a new era.
Now it's home to several water features, including 14 listed ornamental fountains, trees, flower beds, benches, a playground, a youth centre and walking paths. In 2007, it was given the title of Germany’s 'Most Beautiful Park'.
You can also take a cable car that connects the Rheinpark to the zoo.
The sprawling space is ideal for enjoying the views with a picnic or skateboarding with friends.
It has a special charm in late March and April when the cherry blossom trees bloom.
Head to Cologne Cathedral
The Kölner Dom or Cologne Cathedral may be an obvious choice but it's one of Germany's most-visited landmarks for a reason.
Construction of this gothic masterpiece began in 1248 and, interrupted by centuries of war, disease and financial strain, wasn’t completed until 1880.
Today, standing at 157 metres tall, it is the world’s third largest Gothic-style cathedral – and a UNESCO World Heritage site – with 10,000 square meters of windows.
Inside is just as impressive, with stained-glass designs, intricate stonework and the Shrine of the Three Kings, one of Christianity’s most important pilgrimage sights. It's no wonder it attracts some 20,000 visitors each day.
Even if you don’t go in, it’s worth seeing the cathedral at different times of day. In spring light, especially towards evening, the stone takes on a softer tone, and the square around it fills with a mix of visitors, street performers and locals passing through.
READ ALSO: What's on in Germany - seven unmissable events this March
Visit the Flora and Botanical Garden
As the city turns green again, one of the best places to visit is the Flora and Botanical Garden. In this green haven, which dates back to 1863, you'll find about 12,000 plant species from all over the world.
Wander around the different garden styles, including English landscape, Italian Renaissance and French Baroque.
You can also stop by the garden café 'Dank Augusta' (Thanks to Augusta) for a coffee or cold drink, or the nearby zoo if you want to extend your visit.
The best thing is it's free to enter.
Explore different neighbourhoods
Whether you want an afternoon of browsing in independent shops or checking out street art, Cologne has you covered.
Find great shops, designers and creatives in the Belgium Quarter – and don't forget to stop by Brüssler Platz for a drink.
There are plenty of restaurants in this area too and the area is home to the Kölnkiosk, a popular neighbourhood venue that serves a changing menu of small bites and meals.
Head to Ehrenfeld, one of the city's most multicultural and popular neighbourhoods for a cooler vibe. Located in the northwest of the city, you'll find live music, excellent food, murals and lots more.
READ ALSO: What to do on a budget in Cologne
Try local specialities
While in Cologne, look out for the classic regional dish, Himmel und Erde, which translates to "Heaven and Earth."
The name originates from its two main ingredients: potatoes and apples. The German dialect word for potato is Erdapfel (earth apple), or Äädappel in the Rhineland. So there are two kinds of "apples" in the dish -- those from trees i.e. from the heavens, and those from the earth.
The mixture is usually accompanied by sautéed onions and often served with sausages, such as blood sausage or bratwurst.
A bit later in spring, you should also look for asparagus dishes as the Germany-wide Spargelzeit (asparagus season) starts. This short but much-anticipated season sees restaurants focus on white asparagus, usually served simply with potatoes, ham or hollandaise sauce.
There is also the chance to enjoy a Kölsch beer (as we may have mentioned once or twice).
READ ALSO: The best words in Germany's regional dialects
Party like a Kölner
Yes, Karneval is over but that doesn't mean the partying has ended.
It's worth visiting Cologne in spring for the various celebrations, and to enjoy the hospitality of the locals.
Unlike other German cities such as Berlin, where people tend to be a little on the gruff side, Kölners are known for being friendly.
Spring Festival on the Rhine Promenade takes place from May 14th to 17th, and invites visitors to see local craftsmanship and design work as well as enjoy culinary offerings. The event aims to highlight "Cologne's openness, joie de vivre and cultural diversity," according to the city.
Those looking for live music should head to the Reggaeville Easter Special 2026, taking place at the Live Music Hall on April 1st.
Meanwhile, the GreenKomm Easter Edition, a well-known gay after-hours party, takes place on April 5th at Nachtflug Cologne, running from 6am to 6pm.
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