Cologne Germany?

[mcvgums]

I am headed to Cologne Germany in March for business. Does anyone know of any car/porsche related things to do in that area?
I will post pics upon return!!

Thanks Mark

[Rick Lee]

I'm sure there are others, but the only Porsche dealership I know of in that area is called Porsche Zentrum Rhein-Oberberg and it's right near Bergisch Gladbach. That's about 20 min. due east of Cologne after you cross the Rhein. I uesd to live there so I know plenty of other stuff to see and do in that area. Just can't remember much P-car stuff. Still, you'll see lots of cool cars on the road. It's not too far to go see the factory in Stuttgart; under 4 hrs. by car and Ruf is another 90 min. from there. Oh, Nuerburg Ring isn't far from Cologne at all. Best Koelsch beer is called Frueh Koelsch and they have a restaurant right in the Altstadt. Can't miss it. Best gyro I ever had in my life was in Cologne too. Place is called Ferkulum and I think it's near the university.

[Rick Lee]

A few shots.

[widgeon13]

I believe either Hertz or Avis will rent Porsche's for anyone, it ain't cheap but fun to drive if you can find a stretch of Autobahn that does not have speed limit. Just don't pass anyone on the right.

[LeRoux Strydom]

Go visit the Nürburgring with your rental car for a few laps of fun.

Afterwards, proceed to the Kölner Dom (big old church) right in the centre of the old town (Altstad) of Cologne, then find a restaurant/pub called Früh am Dom located right next to the church square (on the south side). Once seated inside, if there is room, order yourself a "Halves Hahn" (a local sandwich) and several glasses of the local beer called Kölsch. Have a good time.

[Victor]

That's a strange picture. The word under the name "Willi Hoeller" (Grosschlachterei) sort of means something like "Wholesale Butchery".

Must be good money in the meat bizzo?

[Rick Lee]

They stored some cars at the butcher across from the dealership. And Leroux is right - the Frueh Koelsch place is called Frueh am Dom. Can't miss it.

[layzee]

Rental cars on the Ring is seriously high risk.

The rental car companies pay bounties to local employees who watch cars at the ring all day long. If you are caught expect to be billed thousands for wear and tear and banned from renting from them worldwide for the rest of your life.

Avis rents 997s and Audi RS4s but it isn't cheap. 200 euro per day with a 200km per day limit. They apparently measure tire tread when you return it and bill you for it if they consider it to be excessive.

[mcvgums]

We definitely plan on going to the RING, I was told you could rent cars there. I don't know whether that means at the track or at the airport?
Anyone done this?

[layzee]

There are specialist companies that rent track-prepped cars.

Check out www.nurburgring.org.uk - has all the info you need.

[mcvgums]

I am leaving Thursday and we are renting a car for the track from the list you guys provided. Any other notes: restaurants, attractions to see when we spend the day at the RING?

[Rick Lee]

You'll never complain about gas prices here again after a rental car in Germany.

[Overpaid Slacker]

Wow. When I lived in the Netherlands, I dated a German girl from Osnabruck, and we spent some time in Köln. I've been to that exact Porsche dealership, as well as to the Kölner Dom and Früh am Dom!

There's a kartoffelhaus nearby that was my favorite place in Germany (potato-based EVERYTHING!), which name I can't remember.

But, dayum it's a small world.

JP

[LeRoux Strydom]

Originally posted by Overpaid Slacker
snip .... But, dayum it's a small world.
JP

You don't say!!

[Joeaksa]

Originally posted by Overpaid Slacker
Wow. When I lived in the Netherlands, I dated a German girl from Osnabruck, and we spent some time in Köln. I've been to that exact Porsche dealership, as well as to the Kölner Dom and Früh am Dom!

There's a kartoffelhaus nearby that was my favorite place in Germany (potato-based EVERYTHING!), which name I can't remember.

But, dayum it's a small world.

JP

If you want the world to get smaller, I worked out of Osnabruck airport and lived 20 klicks South of Osnabruck for 3 years.

Very nice area and lots of cute ladies in that area!

Joe

PS, yes they do like potatos there! Have to side with Rick and love the Doner Kebap (Gyros) that they have in Germany.

[Overpaid Slacker]

LeRoux -- what's also strange is that you and I have probably been to a number of the same places in South Africa. I lived/travelled there for about a year... geez, 13 years ago.

Now it's a small world in which I'm getting old.

Joe - I like the gyros, but favored the other processed meat snacks -- the incredible variety of wurst... especially the currywurst! I was there last for Carnival, and it was the best kind of chaos and mayhem.


JP

[LeRoux Strydom]

JP - do tell more about your travel down south?

Closest I have ever been to your part of upstate NY was at Niagara Falls on the Canadian side.

The German thing comes from when my wife and I lived in Stuttgart back in 1989 with many subsequent visits.

[fingpilot]

Even stranger?


Hugh R is there right now...... I believe he is from Santa Barbara.

[Rick Lee]

Osnabrueck is a nice town. I have a dear friend, whose father's 993 was the first Porsche I ever drove, who's from Bad Rothenfelde, near Osnabrueck. If you're near there, check out the salt wall, which is great for your sinuses.

[Joeaksa]

Originally posted by Rick Lee
Osnabrueck is a nice town. I have a dear friend, whose father's 993 was the first Porsche I ever drove, who's from Bad Rothenfelde, near Osnabrueck. If you're near there, check out the salt wall, which is great for your sinuses.

This is getting worse and worse... I lived just outside of Bad Rotenfelde. We lived in Bad Laer, about 4 clicks West of BR. Rick, was this guy one of the Doctors at the heart center there? If so I bet I know him....

OS, agree and love the currywurst, with pommes and curry katsup and a Weitzen.