What You Need To Know

Cologne is the largest city of Germany’s most populous federal state of North Rhine-Westphalia and the fourth-most populous city in Germany. With slightly over a million inhabitants within its city boundaries, Cologne is the largest city on the Rhine and also the most populous city both of the Rhine-Ruhr Metropolitan Region, which is Germany’s largest and one of Europe’s major metropolitan areas, and of the Rhineland. Centered on the left bank of the Rhine, Cologne is about 45 kilometres southeast of North Rhine-Westphalia’s capital of Düsseldorf and 25 kilometres northwest of Bonn. It is the largest city in the Central Franconian and Ripuarian dialect areas.

Area: 405,1 km²
Population: 1,119 000

Currency

Weather

In Cologne, a city located in Western Germany, in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, as well as in the nearby city of Leverkusen, the climate is sub-oceanic, humid and rainy, influenced by the Atlantic Ocean, from which disturbances arrive throughout the year. Winters are cold but not freezing, while summers are mild.
The wind blows quite frequently, and can be intense, especially from November to March.
Cologne is the largest city of the metropolitan region called Rhine-Ruhr, which includes, in addition to those of the Ruhr, cities such as Düsseldorf, Wuppertal, Leverkusen, Mönchengladbach, and Bonn.
The average temperature ranges from 2.5 °C (36.5 °F) in January to 19 °C (66 °F) in July. Here are the average temperatures.

Language

The people of Cologne, however, enjoy a reputation as among Germany’s most friendly, in no small part due to Kölsch, the local dialect. Cologne’s dialect, part of the Mitteldeutschland group of dialects, reflects something deeper than just its differences from Hochdeutsch (high German). Almost all people here in Cologne speak Standard German, often with a slight, melodic Accent. The actual dialect, Kölsch, is undestood by many and somewhat used by some People, but you will rarely encouter it in day to day conversations.

Health and security

There’s a threat of terrorist attack in Germany. This includes by right-wing extremists and people motivated by conflict in Iraq and Syria.

The German Government has increased security measures, including at airports and major train stations.

Authorities continue to arrest and charge suspected terrorists.

Recent attacks include:

• October 2020 – a stabbing attack in the street in Dresden killing one person and  injuring another
• August 2020 – an extremist deliberately drove a car into several others on a Berlin city motorway injuring several people
• February 2020 – an extremist opened fire on two shisha bars in Hanau near Frankfurt, causing several deaths and injuries
• December 2016 — a truck drove through a crowded Christmas market in Berlin, causing several deaths and injuries
• November and December 2016 — several attempted attacks at Christmas markets, despite tightened security
• July 2016 — a stabbing attack on a train in Bavaria, injuring 5 people (Daesh claimed responsibility)
• July 2016 — a suicide bomber injured 15 at a bar near a music festival in Ansbach, Bavaria

Terrorists may plan more attacks that could happen anywhere at any time.

Recent attacks in European cities have targeted:

• planes and airports
• public transport and transport hubs
• places of worship
• sporting venues
• major events that attract large crowds

Christmas markets and New Year’s celebrations remain vulnerable.

To protect yourself from terrorism:

• be alert to possible threats
• be cautious around known targets, including in crowds and public places
• report suspicious activity or items to police
• monitor the media for new threats
• take official warnings seriously
• follow the advice of local authorities

If there’s an attack, leave the area as soon as it’s safe. Avoid the affected area in case of secondary attacks.

If you visit Christmas markets, avoid busy times. Have an exit plan if there’s a security incident.

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

Violent crime

Violent criminal attacks, not linked to terrorism, have occurred:

• February 2020 – a man drove his car into a crowd at the Rose Monday Parade in Volkmarsen injuring more than 60 people
• December 2018 – a man drove his car into a crowd in Bottrop injuring 4 people
• October 2018 — a hostage was taken at a train station in Cologne
• July 2018 — a man stabbed and injured 12 people on a local bus in Lübeck
• October 2017 — a man stabbed and injured 8 people in Rosenheimer Platz in Munich

Despite these incidents, violent crime isn’t common.

Monitor the media for news on crime.

Petty crime

Street crime, such as pickpocketing and theft from unattended vehicles can occur. Bags and personal items are sometimes stolen on trains.

To protect yourself from petty crime:

• pay attention to your personal security, particularly at night
• secure your valuables when visiting the central districts and larger-city train stations

Harassment

Extremist youth groups have harassed or attacked people for racial reasons or because they seem foreign. This occurs more often in urban areas and in the former East Germany.

Drink spiking

Drink spiking can occur at popular nightclubs and markets, often leading to sexual assault.

To protect yourself from drink spiking:

• don’t accept drinks from strangers or leave drinks alone
• stick with people you trust in bars and nightclubs

This advice pre-dates COVID-19 

Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave. Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won’t pay for these costs.

If you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you’re not insured, you may have to pay many 1000s of dollars up-front for medical care.

Confirm:

• what activities and care your policy covers
• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you’ll be away

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition. Consider whether you may be in a vulnerable category for COVID-19.

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up
• ask if your travel plans may affect your health
• plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.