Car Hire Cologne

Vehicles entering Cologne’s centre must display a “Low Emissions” sticker prominently on their windshield, as part of Germany’s bid to improve air quality in various city hotspots. All our cars are equipped with these, so you’ll have easy access all of Cologne’s top attractions with your hire car.

A network of one-way systems and tight alleyways make up the inner-workings of this historic centre, with major highways including the B9 and B55 forming a ring road around the centre. If you are accessing the city centre from further afield, consider finding a spot at one of Cologne’s Park & Rides.

As soon as you leave the city centre behind, you’ll join one of the multi-lane ring roads that skirt the city centre. These are all linked to Germany’s fabled autobahn network, an impressive feat of German engineering. The autobahn connects Cologne to most other prominent cities across the country.

Though some parts of the autobahn have no speed limit, these tend to be on the quieter, rural stretches of road. Much of the autobahn is restricted to around 80mph (128kmn/h). It’s also worth remembering that Germany drives on the right-hand side of the road, like much of Europe.

If you are wanting to explore more of North Rhine-Westphalia state, Cologne is only hours away from several important German cities including Dortmund, Duisburg and Dusseldorf.

Wander around the winding alleyways and medieval streets of Cologne and you’ll see why this North Rhine-Westphalian city attracts millions of visitors a year. Much of the city was destroyed during WWII bombing raids, but the streets of Cologne have been rebuilt to offer a unique blend of architectural styles and original designs.

Visit the magical Cologne Cathedral

One building that survived Allied raids was Cologne’s iconic cathedral. The dual towers of this magnificent building are the symbol of the city and one of Germany’s most visited landmark.

Construction originally began in 1248, though the Cathedral wasn’t completed for almost 400 years. In 1880, after centuries of delays, the Church of Saint Peter was finally finished in its original design.

Be sure to take the ascent up the steps of the of the tower, the second-tallest in Northern Europe. Atop the lofty spires you’ll find stunning views of Cologne’s cityscape and the wider Rhine region beyond.

Explore the works of the great artists

Cologne’s Museum Ludwig is one of Europe’s premier art galleries. With an impressive collection from modernist pop art and graphic design to classic works of abstract and surrealism, there is plenty for art-lovers and novices alike to enjoy.

Museum Ludwig houses one of the largest collections of Picasso works on the continent, with 900 individual pieces. Guests can also browse pieces by pop artist Andy Warhol as well as famous German painters Otto Dix and August Macke. There’s also an extensive collection of Russian avant-garde pieces to enjoy.

Embrace the city of Chocolate

Indulge your sweet tooth on the banks of the Rhine with Cologne’s popular Chocolate Museum.

Visitors can chart the history of the famous treat through the ages, from its origins in the ancient Mayan and Aztec civilisations of Mesoamerica to the industrial-scale production methods of today’s leading chocolatiers.

Explore a mini-cacao tree rainforest, marvel at the three-metre high chocolate fountain and observe the process of the museum’s own production methods.

Consider Cologne car hire with Hertz and start your German adventure in North Rhine-Westphalia.