Trains from Venlo to Kolín nad Rýnemfrom € 9.00

Are you looking to explore Europe’s iconic Rhine Valley? Look no further than a train ride from Venlo to Cologne! The journey will take you through looming castles, lush vineyards, and rolling hills across the Netherlands and Germany.

The fastest way to make the trip is to take a direct InterCity Express (ICE) train that will cover the 244 km (152 mile) stretch in around 2 hours and 50 minutes. The main stops on the route will be Venlo, Goch, Kleve, Duisburg, Düsseldorf, and Cologne.

Along the way, you will visit important cities like Duisburg and Düsseldorf and charming towns like Goch, which is known for its well-preserved medieval city centre. Make sure to look out the window to take in the classic Rhine Valley sights of vineyards, medieval churches, and castles like the Kaiserswerth and Friemersheim Castle.

At the arrival in Cologne, you’ll be greeted by the city’s iconic Gothic masterpiece: Cathedral of Cologne. The cathedral has been a benchmark of the Rhineland for centuries and is now the most visited landmark in Germany, drawing millions of visitors each year.

So, if you’re looking for an efficient and cost-effective way to travel from Venlo to Cologne in style, don’t forget to take the train! Enjoy the stunning scenery of the Rhine Valley and keep your eyes peeled for the iconic sights of the journey. Bon voyage!

Venlo is a city situated on the banks of the Maas River in the Netherlands. It is bustling with activities, offering inquisitive travelers a great mix of historical sites, architectural wonders, and delicious cuisine. Whether it’s exploring the ruins of a 17th-century castle, wandering through the city’s cobbled streets, or devouring some of the city’s quintessential Dutch food, Venlo has something for everyone. 

Stedelijk Museum: Located in the historic center of Venlo, the Stedelijk Museum is one of the city’s most important museums. It displays a variety of contemporary exhibits featuring local and international art, as well as a permanent collection of Dutch Masters. The permanent collection includes works by Rembrandt, Vermeer, and van Gogh to name a few. Location: Nieuwstraat 63; Hours: Tues-Sun 10:00AM-5:00PM; Entrance Fee: €5; Insider Tip: Don’t miss the Rembrandt Study located in the museum’s gallery.

Venlo Castle: Venlo Castle dates back to the 17th century and is one of the city’s most important historical sites. It served as a governor’s palace for many years until it was destroyed by a tornado in 1721. Today, visitors can explore the castle’s ruins and learn about its history. Location: Kasteelplein 1; Hours: Tues-Sun 10:00AM-5:00PM; Entrance Fee: €4; Insider Tip: Take a guided tour to learn more about the history of the castle.

Maas promenade: The Maas promenade is a popular spot for visitors, stretching along the river’s banks from the old city center to the modern development of Venlo. It’s a great place to take a stroll and take in the views of the city’s skyline. Location: Maas Promenade; Hours: Open all day; Entrance Fee: None; Insider Tip: Make sure to visit the Pottery House on the promenade, one of Venlo’s oldest buildings.

Grote Kerk: Grote Kerk is the largest Protestant church in Venlo and is considered one of the premier examples of Gothic architecture in the city. Visitors can explore the church’s interior and admire its stained glass windows and paintings. Location: Grote Kerkplein 3; Hours: Wed-Sun 10:00AM-5:00PM; Entrance Fee: €2; Insider Tip: Make sure to take a walk around the churchyard, which offers stunning views of the city.

Gaudeamus Museum: Located in the heart of Venlo, the Gaudeamus Museum is a great spot to learn about the city’s history. The museum’s exhibitions tell the story of Venlo’s past and present, with a focus on its political, economic, and cultural heritage. Location: Stokstraat 9; Hours: Tues-Sun 10:00AM-5:00PM; Entrance Fee: €3; Insider Tip: Check out the museum’s café, which offers delicious Dutch food.

Van Beek’s hoeve dairy farm: Van Beek’s hoeve is a family-run dairy farm located just outside of the city. Visitors can step inside the farm and purchase farm-fresh milk, cheese, and cream. Location: Nijestraat 12; Hours: Mon-Sat 9:00AM-5:00PM; Entrance Fee: None; Insider Tip: Buy some of their famous Dutch cheese for a taste of traditional Dutch flavor.

Netherlands Railways Venlo Station: Located in the center of Venlo, the Netherlands Railways Venlo Station is a great place to catch a train to explore the city or beyond. Here, travelers can find an array of transport options, from regular trains to high-speed trains. Location: Uitlegstraat 2; Hours: Open all day; Entrance Fee: Varies; Insider Tip: Use the station’s ticket machines to buy tickets in advance for a discounted rate.

From delicious Dutch cheese to breathtaking architectural works, Venlo is a city that has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a quiet place to wander or an exciting night out, Venlo is the perfect destination.

Cologne, in Germany is a beautiful destination to visit for those interested in history and architecture. With its stunning Romanesque churches, a fascinating Jewish history, and a vibrant arts and entertainment scene, a trip to Cologne is sure to be a memorable one. 

Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom): Located in the heart of the city, the magnificent Cologne Cathedral is the city’s main landmark and a UNESCO World heritage site. It is famous for its impressive Gothic facade, its unique stained glass windows, and its treasury. Visit in the early evening for a breathtaking view of the majestic spires of the Cathedral lit up in the night sky. Location: Domkloster 4, 50667 Köln, Germany. Hours: 6:00 AM–9:30 PM. Entrance Fee: €9.

Augustusburg Castle (Schloss Augustusburg): Set atop a hill in nearby Brühl, Augustusburg Castle is the former residence of the prince-electors of Cologne. Built in the Baroque and Rococo styles, it is a stunning architectural masterpiece. Inside, you can admire the beautiful Golden Gallery and the exquisite Court Chapel. Location: Schlossplatz 2, 50321 Brühl, Germany. Hours: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM. Entrance fee: €7.

Chocolate Museum (Schokoladenmuseum): The Chocolate Museum is a must-visit for any chocoholic. Here, you can learn all about the history of chocolate and sample some delicious treats. With its interactive exhibits, workshops, and a café serving over 20 varieties of hot chocolate, this is sure to be a sweet experience. Insider tip: make sure to try the fondue fountain! Location: Am Schokoladenmuseum 1a, 50678 Köln, Germany. Hours: 10:00 AM–6:00 PM. Entrance Fee: €11.

Wallraf-Richartz Museum & Fondation Corboud (WDR): This world-renowned museum houses an impressive collection of European art, with masterpieces from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. Highlights include paintings by Rubens, Baroque sculptures, and a modern art collection. Location: Martin-Luther-Platz 3, 50676 Köln, Germany. Hours: 10:00 AM–6:00 PM. Entrance Fee: €9.

Cologne Zoo (Zoologischer Garten Köln): Visit the oldest and largest zoo in Germany, located on the banks of the Rhine River. This zoo is home to over 7,500 animals, including many endangered species. It also features a stunning Japanese Garden and an aquarium. Location: Riehler Str. 173, 50735 Köln, Germany. Hours: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM. Entrance Fee: €19.

Roman-Germanic Museum (Römisch-Germanisches Museum): Explore the history of the city by visiting this museum located in the heart of the city. Here, you can see ancient artefacts and relics from the city's past, including the famous Dionysius mosaic. Location: Roncalliplatz 4, 50667 Köln, Germany. Hours: 9:00 AM–6:00 PM. Entrance Fee: €4.

Keulen Restaurant: For a true taste of Cologne, head to Keulen Restaurant. Sample some of the city's classic dishes such as the famous Halver Hahn (cheddar cheese sandwich with onions and mustard) or try some Reibekuchen (potato pancakes). Location: Am Hof 12–14, 50667 Köln, Germany. Hours: 11:00 AM–6:00 PM.

Cologne is an exciting city offering a range of attractions to explore. From its stunning architecture and rich history, to its delicious cuisine and vibrant entertainment, there’s something for everyone in Cologne. Make sure to add it to your travel list!