Christmas markets school trips to Cologne

Widely regarded as one of the best Christmas markets in Germany, Cologne features multiple markets all within walking distance of each other. Located beneath the city’s stunning cathedral, each quaint wooden hut is filled with different treasures and mouth-watering treats, which we know your students will love exploring as they enjoy the aromas of hot chestnuts, gingerbread and mulled wine.

We’ve seen students fascinated by the ancient story of chocolate at this chocolate museum, which will explain the delicacy’s importance in Aztec and Mayan culture, its introduction to European society, all the way through to the present day. School groups can also enjoy the delicacies crafted by Lindt chocolatiers here – an experience we know they’ll love.

Pay a visit to Cologne’s spiritual heart at the magnificent Kölner Dom, which is the country’s largest cathedral and tourist attraction. A magnificent monument of Gothic architecture, the cathedral is packed with art and other cultural treasures, such as the largest free-swinging working bell in the world – the 24-tonne Peter Bell – and the richly-bejewelled Shrine of the Three Kings.

Experience the world of sport in a museum like no other at the German Sport & Olympic Museum, which traces Olympic and sporting history back more than 2,500 years. School groups will love learning through the museum’s unique exhibits and activities, which cover everything from ancient Greek athletics to the professional sport of the 21st century.

Nestled in the hills above the Moselle river, Burg Eltz is a beautiful medieval castle still owned by the same family that lived here 33 generations ago. The castle is one of only three on the left bank of the Rhine to have never been destroyed, offering students a unique perspective on life in the Rhineland during the medieval period, and as part of the Holy Roman Empire.

A Koblenz landmark known for its monumental equestrian statue of William I, the first German Emperor. Though the statue was destroyed during the Second World War, a replica was created on the same site in 1993. Alongside its reputation as a symbol of German reunification, the headland also marks the spot where the Mosel river joins the Rhine, making it an excellent excursion for history and geography students alike.

A historic fortress overlooking Koblenz, the Festung Ehrenbreitstein was built in the early 19th century to guard the middle Rhine region – an area which was repeatedly invaded by French troops. Nowadays, it’s home to several museums which students will love exploring as they take in the fantastic views from its ramparts.

Set on the banks of the River Rhine and the Moselle, Koblenz is a beautiful park-filled city that serves as an idyllic hub for exploring the Romantic Rhine and Moselle Valleys. Here, students can develop their understanding on the city’s Roman history, before heading to nearby attractions such as the Deutsches Eck and Ehrenbreitstein Fortress.

The only hill castle on the Rhine to have never been destroyed or to have fallen into disrepair, Marksburg Castle offers students an uninterrupted view into life on the Rhine over the last 700 years. Originally used for protection rather than as a residence for royal families, the castle is one of the principal sites of the Rhine Gorge UNESCO World Heritage site.

A world of magic and adventure, Phantasialand offers students a day away from educational excursions for a jam-packed experience of thrills and spills. Groups can explore six amazing regions based on real-world locations packed with breathtaking shows and award-winning rides. A breath of fresh air in summer and a glittering dreamland in winter, we recommend Phantasialand as an add-on for any trip to the Rhineland region.

Located above the left bank of the Rhine, Rheinfels Castle dates back almost 800 years, becoming the largest fortress in the Middle Rhine Valley between Koblenz and Mainz. Although the site is now a fifth of its former size, it remains as the largest castle that overlooks the Rhine, giving students the opportunity to explore its museum and castle ruins.

See the highlights of the Rhine and Rhineland on one fabulous, relaxing cruise. From the mystic charm and legends of the Rhine Valley to the verdant vineyards of the Rhineland, students will cruise the waters of these two famous rivers on this tour, stopping at towns and villages along the way to explore the area and experience local tradition and delicacies.

Opposite Rheinfels Castle you’ll find the quaint town of Rüdesheim, a winemaking haven that’s famed for its Riesling. In the town’s centre, students will find the romantic laneway of Drosselgasse, which is filled with shops, cafes and restaurants to explore. Nearby, Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet and the Rudesheim Chairlift are also popular excursions for school groups.

Situated in Rüdesheim’s Drosselgasse, this quirky museum is home to a collection of around 350 self-playing mechanical musical instruments, which serenade visitors on their 45-minute tour. An excellent excursion for music lovers and students interested in the region’s heritage, the instruments span three centuries and offer a lighthearted way to spend an hour.

Glide over vineyards and miles of Rhine Valley vistas as you take a cable car up to Rudesheim’s Niederwald Monument, a commemoration of the unification of Germany. An incredible opportunity to see panoramic views over the Rhine as far as the eye can see, this chairlift offers an experience that no visitor should miss.