Rhine & geography

The Rhine is Cologne's lifeline. It separates the left bank with the cathedral and old town from right-bank Deutz with its trade fair and concert venues. Promenades, beer gardens and the modern Rheinauhafen with its striking Kranhäuser line the waterfront.

At 405 km², Cologne is generously sized – and surprisingly green: about 45 % of the city is park, forest or water. The „Grüngürtel" green belt loops through the city like a ring.

Striking bridges such as the Hohenzollernbrücke and the Deutz Bridge span the river.