Our time in Cologne was fleeting – but well-spent. We needed to return to Paris to catch our flight home, but decided to detour through western Germany. I believe we were in the country for 24 hours total.

Really, there were three main attractions to Cologne: the Schokoladenmuseum (Chocolate Museum), the Kölner Dom (Cologne Cathedral), and, of course, refreshing kölsch beer. We were able to experience and appreciate these things along with a few unexpected surprises.

Let’s start with the Chocolate Museum. Ever in Cologne? Go there. Ever in Cologne with kids? GO THERE. Ever in Cologne with kids on their birthday? You are now “the coolest grown-up EVER.” Plus – free admission on your birthday. Just saying.

Yes, there were free chocolate samples. Yes, there were antique chocolate molds and wrappers and vending machines to ooh and ahh at. And yes, we got to watch attendants pressing out perfect squares of chocolate on a conveyor belt to be boxed and opened by one lucky recipient. There was even a simulated rainforest you could walk through! I was, however, expecting slightly more of a Willy Wonka aspect to the whole thing. Confession: I couldn’t get the Oompa Loompa song out of my head the entire time we were there.

We wandered around town for a bit and found Hohenzollernbrücke, or Hohenzollern Bridge. The steel bridge allows high-speed trains to pass in and out of the city – but has earned popularity for its endless mass of lovers’ locks. Traditionally, couples in love have attached padlocks to the bridge and then tossed the key into the Rhein River. The padlocks come in every different color and most are engraved with initials. What a sight to see – I was in awe! Read more on Hohenzollernbrücke here.

Across the bridge is Kölntriangle, Cologne’s Triangle Tower with an impeccable observatory. We took the elevator all the way to the top (scaling tall structures seemed to be the theme of the entire trip). We were able to spot the Chocolate Museum, Hohenzollern Bridge, and the Cathedral. Really, the Cathedral is visible everywhere in Cologne. You literally can not miss it.

Next door to the Cathedral is Gaffel Kölsch Brauhaus, serving frosty beers and delicious German food. Having grown up in Wisconsin, I felt most at home in Germany. These beer halls are everywhere in Milwaukee, and always the place for a family gathering. Seriously – can’t afford an overseas trip? Visit Milwaukee, Wisconsin – it’s the closest thing to an authentic German experience.

We decided to dedicate our final afternoon in Cologne entirely to the Cathedral. Inside, outside, and up to the very top. (We climbed this thing too, of course. Sans elevator.) The entire structure is a marvel – not to mention it’s withstood bombings of both World Wars. A true gothic cathedral, full of worshippers and mourners and tourists alike. You can’t step foot inside and not be in complete awe of your surroundings. Sidenote: rumor has it, the Three Wise Men are buried here. Pictured are some highlights.

Sadly, my adventures in Europe have come to an end. I could go on and on, but… there may not be enough space on the Internet. Thanks for looking – stay tuned for the next adventure!