Cologne - where "Every fool is different"

One of Germany's oldest cities, Cologne, can reflect on a 2000-year history dating back to the first Roman settlement, the Colonia Agrippinensium. Awash with precious reminders of this period (get a taste of the town's history at the Roman Germanic Museum), the city is dominated by one of the most famous landmarks in Germany, the awe-inspiring gothic cathedral.

Liberal and hospitable, Cologne's municipal administration has placed considerable importance on its large Gay and Lesbian community. It has even created a special department, the Gay City Management, to look after the needs and wishes of locals and visitors alike.

Nearly 90 Gay & and Lesbian bars and saunas offer a unique infrastructure and plenty of choice for getting to know the locals. Or try mingling during Carnival - Cologne's annual fifth season (the weekend seven weeks prior to Easter). But Cologne has half a dozen other big events where Gay and Lesbians can really let their hair down: Leather on the Rhine, Summer-Blood, Pride Christmas, Colognepride, the Come Together Cup . to name but a few.

Contact the local tourist office in Cologne for hotel packages and/or tickets for any of the above events plus don't forget to order your copy of "out in Cologne":

Koeln Tourismus
Unter Fettenhennen 19
D 50667 Koeln
Email: [email protected]
Or visit the cities' website for further inspiration
www.koelntourismus.de

Recommended viewing: Check out nearby Phantasialand theme park for their truly spectacular Ice Shows with gorgeous skaters, flamboyant costumes and some memorable rock'n roll numbers that will make you wonder why you hadn't been interested in skating before...