Discover the Cologne fortress on two wheels

Discover the Cologne fortress on two wheels

A bike tour not only opens up historical insights into the former military use of the region, but also offers a way to enjoy the variety of Cologne landscape. This tour, which extends over 25 kilometers, begins at the Rodenkirchen motorway bridge and leads past historical forts and picturesque waters that are reminiscent of various aspects of Cologne history.

A look at the history of the fortress plants

The "Fortress Cöln" was built between 1873 and 1886 and is considered the largest defense system in the German Reich. It enclosed the city with a fortification ring of 45 kilometers and 182 fort. This system was dragged in 1919 by the Versailles Treaty, which means that the listed throat barracks were preserved. It was important to make the decision of the then mayor Konrad Adenauer to integrate the barracks into the newly created green belt. These decisions are still important today, since they prevent the loss of valuable architectural contemporary witnesses and promote their future use as leisure and recreational locations.

The bike tour: from fortress buildings to 5295930 leisure opportunities

The bike tour initially leads to the intermediate work VIIIB, where there is a fortress museum. This is a valuable place to find out about the Prussian fortress plants and their military -historical importance. It continues along the military ring, where the BAB 555, the oldest motorway in Germany, is passed on. This was built in the Weimar Republic and is another historical part of the region.

nature and relaxation in the Cologne green belt

One of the highlights of the bike tour is the Kalscheurer pond, located in the outer green belt. Here cyclists can take a break in the beer garden or drive a round pedal boat. According to insiders, this place offers one of the most beautiful sunsets that can be experienced in Cologne. This opportunity to relax and encounter with nature not only makes the tour a historical walk, but also a trip to the countryside.

cultural treasures: rediscover old forts

On the way you can discover the fort VI, also known as the capstone. This fort gives a good impression of the past of the Cologne fortress plants. The large number of information boards within the old walls provides information about the respective importance of these historical places. It is impressive to see how historical buildings are used by sports clubs and art forces today, which underlines the versatility and potential of this infrastructure.

preservation of the inheritance by use

The intermediate work III B is particularly worth mentioning, where the workshop of the artificial tension Andreas "Molino" Müller is housed. Historical craft is held up here and the legacy of the old craftsmanship is preserved. Visits in such workshops show what the integration of old buildings into modern lifestyles can look like. This connection of tradition and modernity not only makes the bike tour informative, but also inspiring.

conclusion of the tour: goal and end

The bike tour ends at the S-Bahnhof Köln-Longerich, where cyclists can go back to the city after 25 kilometers. This tour impressively shows how historical sites can be integrated into today's life and at the same time offers a perspective on the history of Cologne, which remains alive.

For an unforgettable experience, the green belt offers numerous places to stop, from beer gardens to boot rows to small restaurants. The city administration also developed a series of bike tours that invites you to explore the historical and natural treasures of Cologne.

- Nag