Cologne Facts
11 entries about Cologne
Bützchen
Bützchen – the Rhineland peck on the cheek. During Cologne Carnival, this closed-lip kiss is a cherished ritual of affection that anyone can give and receive.
Cologne Bridge Green
The distinctive green of Cologne’s Rhine bridges goes back to Konrad Adenauer – a particularly weatherproof chromium-oxide paint, first used in 1929 on the Mülheim Bridge.
Cologne Dreigestirn
Prince, Peasant and Virgin: Cologne's Dreigestirn reigns over its carnival folk every session – and is steeped in historical symbolism.
Eau de Cologne
From Cologne to the world: a fragrance water with over 300 years of history, travelling from European royal courts to Turkish living rooms.
Heinzelmännchen – Cologne's House Spirits and Their Fountain
Legend, sculpture, and city history combined: the Heinzelmännchen Fountain near Cologne Cathedral tells the tale of industrious night spirits who were once watched one time too many.
Kölner Klüngel
Nepotism, networking, or corruption? Cologne's phenomenon of the "Klüngel" has a history spanning over 700 years – and far more layers of meaning than one might expect.
Kölsch
A pale, top-fermented full beer that, under the Kölsch Convention of 1986, may only be brewed in Cologne and its surrounding area — with a brewing history stretching back to 1250.
Kölsch (Language)
Kölsch is the most widely spoken variant of Ripuarian – a dialect with roots in Frankish, documented in writing since the 12th century.
The Rhineland Basic Law
Eleven Rhineland sayings in dialect – collected in 2001 by Konrad Beikircher, yet who originally wrote them and when remains unknown to this day.
Tünnes and Schäl
Two puppet characters from Cologne's Hänneschen Theatre – the good-natured Tünnes and the crafty Schäl. Since 1803, they have shaped Cologne's folk culture to this day.
