Cologne Information - Athletics Australia

Cologne
Useful information about Cologne
The language – German is the language but there are many Germans
who speak English. Most restaurants and café’s will have staff that speak
English and also have a menu in English. Try to learn some German
however. It is not difficult to learn some language and it will help if you
are intending to be on future Australian teams as Cologne will be used
again as a base.
Public transport – Cologne has a system of trams that run above ground
through the suburbs and underground through the city area. This system
is known as the KVB. Tickets can be purchased from ticket machines on
the trams and underground stations. There are also KVB shops where
weekly and monthly tickets can be purchased. Ticket inspectors
frequently board these trains and the fines for not having a ticket are
quite heavy.
Mobile Phones – It is cheapest to remove your Australian SIM and
purchase a German SIM from a Mobile phone shop while here. Costs
about E$20 for a SIM and this gives you E$15 credit. Texting only it will last
you a month. Ask the shop staff about data or your other needs (usually
included in the pre-paid plan).
Bicycles everywhere – Look-out! Cologne is quite flat and has bike paths
along all main streets. These are usually (but not always) distinguished
from the road or footpath by red paving or asphalt. Cyclists ride at speed
along many of these so you need to take great care when walking on
footpaths and crossing roads. Do not stray onto a bicycle path when
walking. It is worth noting that the cyclists must ride on the cycle path
going in the same direction as the traffic. When first arriving in Cologne,
until you get used to these bikes, it is wise to walk on the footpath on the
side of the road heading into the traffic. You can then see the bikes
coming!
Drinking water – you can safely drink the water from the tap in Cologne.
Some locals and athletes prefer to buy bottled water but this is not
essential. If this is your choice however then purchase it from the
Supermarket or the Sports University Cafeteria as it is much cheaper.
Distance running in Cologne – The forest and distance running areas
around Cologne are superb. Heavily treed areas provide shade and
cool temperatures even in warm weather and the surface is either dirt
or grass. The entry into the forest is about 400m from the Regent hotel or
it can be accessed from the University end as well. The University also
has some very large open grass fields for those seeking this as a training
surface.
Transport after arriving into Frankfurt Airport
From Frankfurt International Airport to Cologne HBF Train Station
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Qantas / Emirates International flights from Australia arrive at
Frankfurt International airport Terminal 2.
Proceed through passport control (no forms to be filled in) and
collect bags from carousel.
Exit arrivals area through customs and walk 40m. Turn right to front
section of departures area and follow the over-head signs that
direct you up an escalator toward the “Skytrain” or “Trains”.
Follow Skytrain signs through a cafeteria area and go up
escalator.
Catch the Skytrain to Terminal 1 (one stop).
Alight train and go down the escalators to the ground floor
(Departures).
Walk along the inside-front of the “Departures” area past the
yellow-fronted Lufthansa departure desks (LHS), then look for the
over-head sign “To Long distance trains” that leads you to another
escalator on RHS.
Go up this escalator and turn right at the top.
Continue to follow signs “To Long distance trains”. This will lead you
to a walkway where you turn left. Follow this to the end – about
120m.
Cross over the open area to the “DB Bahn” ticket office on your
left. There is also a “DB Bahn” “Information Office” on your right
Purchase a ticket for the ICE train to Cologne HBF station. The cost
in 2014 was Euro$67 for a one-way ticket 2nd class.
The ICE trains depart from platform 6 about every 30 minutes.
Check the overhead signs on the platform for details before
boarding
Seat yourself in a second-class carriage. The trip to Cologne takes
about 50 minutes depending on the number of stops
When on the train the next station of arrival is announced over the
PA system and also appears on the electronic sign above the exit
to each carriage. Exit the train at Cologne HBF station.
There is a glass walled lift located about the middle of the station
that you can use to go down one level if you have heavy bags on
wheels. If not, use the stairs. You will now be in an underground
Mall.
Take the exit at the end where the Information counter and local
train services are located. This is on the side of the Dom, a very
large and famous church in Cologne. Turn to your right (facing
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away from the exit doors) and you will see the taxi rank diagonally
across the courtyard.
The taxi ride to the “Ameron Regent Hotel” will cost you around
E$15.00. For clarity of instructions the “g” in Regent in German is
pronounced as “guh” not “g” as in the MCG. The address is
Metatengurtel 15, D-50933, Koln. The phone number is +49 221
5499.
Ask for a receipt from the driver on arrival if you are entitled to be
reimbursed for the cost.
Tram travel in Cologne
 Tickets can be purchased on the trams. On the ticket machine
select your language (on the bottom you will see flags of different
countries).
 A “short trip” is considered to be 4 stops and costs E$1.90
 A medium trip is anything longer that you are likely to have to
travel to get around Cologne for daily tasks and costs E$2.80
 Ticket inspectors frequently board these trams and the fines for not
having a ticket are quite heavy. For the sake of a small fare don’t
place yourself at risk! Think of the media back-lash in Australia if a
team member gets caught and they find out!
 Ten trip tickets can be purchased on trams or go to the KVB Centre
for ticket sales that is located directly opposite “Venloer
Strasse/Gurtel” tramstop – two stops up from the Regent when you
catch the tram at Oskar-Jager Strasse/Gurtel tram stop. The KVB
ticket office is on the right hand side of the road facing away from
the Regent. Purchase a 10 trip or weekly for “short trips” and it
works out much cheaper.
From The Regent Hotel to the University Track in Cologne
By tram to the track – takes about 20 minutes total
 Exit the hotel, turn left, walk 20m to the traffic lights, cross the road
to your right.
 Walk straight ahead to the next set of lights then turn left; cross the
road.
 On the other side of the road is another set of lights where you
cross to Aachener Strasse/Gurtel (tram stop).
 Catch the number 1 tram.
 Locate the ticket machine. Select “English” at the bottom and
choose the fare indicated by the top LHS icon (short trip). Cost is
E$1.90 for the trip to Junkesdorf (University stop). Insert coins –
machine will issue ticket and any change.
 Exit tram at Junkersdorf and cross the tracks, follow the path, past
LHS of the Kiosk and eventually along the RHS of the indoor sports
hall and gym.
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Walk past this building, turn left at the end of the next building, up
the steps and follow the pathway straight ahead. You will see the
University cafeteria on your RHS. You can purchase bottled water
here if needed.
Continue straight ahead until you reach the road.
Turn right and walk along the pathway on the RHS on the road.
The outdoor track is about 60m further along on the LHS of this
road.
Enter the track and place your bag in the covered area of the
grandstand.
When training at this track you should keep your training pass with
you in your bag in case asked for it. This track is used for the Sports
University classes so please be considerate and avoid interfering
with them. For example you cannot use the grass infield if they are
conducting classes for discuss or javelin or other activities on this
area. Common sense applies to using other areas as well.
Walking to the track – takes about 35 minutes – about 3.0kms
A healthy option for coaches and other staff is to walk to and from the
track each day. For athletes it is a good idea to get some walking done
every day – so perhaps walk back from training to the hotel or at least
walk a few tram stops along the way. You will need to walk a fair bit at
the Camp in Gateshead as well as in the Village in Glasgow so get your
legs used to it now. Walking is a good way to keep those skinfolds down
and you will adapt in a few days.
Route:
 Exit the hotel door and turn right.
 Walk along this street to the “T” intersection.
 Turn left and walk to the traffic lights. Cross right at the lights and
then cross left at the lights on the other side. Turn right at the other
side and walk straight ahead.
 From here the route follows the tram track – continue for
about1.5km
 Turn left when you get to the last set of traffic lights before the
Junkersdorf tram stop (you can see it 150m ahead).
 Follow the long straight road that it leads down into the University.
Walk about 600m on the RHS of this road. Go past the sentry box.
The track is a further 60m down on the LHS of this road.
Walking back to the hotel after training:
The walk back is easier than the walk to the track as there is a fair bit of
gentle downhill slope in the first half of the journey. There are some
coffee shops along the way but stay away from those lovely German
pastries and cakes! The fresh salad rolls from these Cologne bakeries
make a nice cheap lunch however.
Route:
 Exiting the gate to the track, cross the road and turn right.
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Walk to the end of this road and cross over to the right before
crossing the tramline at the lights.
On the other side of the tramline turn right and follow the footpath.
Take care where the tramline crosses the path diagonally about
150m beyond the “Rheinenergie stadium” tram-stop.
Walk past the white hotel and straight ahead until you come to
the traffic lights where the “Merzcnich” bakery (big yellow sign) is
on the corner.
Turn left and cross the road at these lights and then turn right and
cross again to where the REWE supermarket is on corner.
From here the shortest way to the hotel is along the back street. If
going this way turn left at REWE, walk 50m and then turn right at
the first street. The hotel is located on the LHS at the end of this
street.
A slightly longer way back is to continue straight ahead from REWE
until you get to the next tram intersection. Turn left here and walk
straight ahead. The hotel is on your left after you cross the road at
the next lights.
From The Regent Hotel to the ASV Training Track
The University track is closed on Saturday afternoons and Sundays so
those needing to access a track for “track or jumps” (not throws) training
on then should use the local club track – this is the ASV track.
Route:
By tram and walking to the ASV track – takes about 20 minutes total
 Exit the hotel, turn left, walk 20m to the traffic lights, cross the road
to your right, walk straight ahead to the next set of lights then turn
left, crossing the road.
 10m the other side of the road is another set of lights where you
cross to the “Aachener Strasse/Gurtel” (tram stop).
 Catch the number 1 tram to “Rhinenergie Stadion” tram stop.
 Exit the tram and walk to the traffic lights directly ahead.
 Cross the tracks, walk straight ahead to the parkland in front of
Rheinenergie Stadium.
 If the oval is empty you can walk diagonally to your left across the
grass to the far LHS corner and the road (if not walk up the centre
path).
 Turn left at the road and follow it to the end. You will see the ASV
track.
 You can enter the track without needing to see anyone. Place
your bag on the far side of the track (grandstand side).
 When training at this track please understand that it is for ASV
community fitness and club members so please be considerate
and avoid interfering with anything else that is going on. For
example you cannot use the grass infield if they are playing other
sports on this. Common sense applies. This field cannot be used for
throws.
Short cut to the ASV track:
There is a short cut to the ASV track from the “Alter Militarring” tramstop,
but you need to accompany someone who knows it before you attempt
to use it yourself. The short cut passes through an isolated area and
should only be used when walking in groups and not used after dark.
The Swimming Pool (if you want to do pool sessions or just cool off)
Route:
By tram and walking to the Pool – takes about 20 minutes total
 Go to the “Aarchener Strasse/Gurtel” tram stop and catch the
number 1 to the “Rheinenergy Stadion” stop.
 Walk to the traffic lights directly ahead and cross the tracks to your
left.
 Walk straight ahead to the parkland in front of Rhein Stadium. If
the oval is empty you can walk diagonally to your left across the
grass to the far LHS corner and the road that is there.
 Turn left at the road and follow the road / pathway.
 The swimming pool complex is about 50m along this road on your
RHS.
 The pool charges an entry fee.
 Don’t forget towel and bathers – training attire not permitted in
pool.
 Note: the pool is outdoor and not heated
Shopping:
Walking to nearby shops
 Out the hotel door turn right and it is a 400m walk to the “HIT”
Supermarket on the LHS toward the end of this street.
 Walk another 100m to the end of this street, turn left walk 50m and
you are at the REWE Supermarket
 Directly across the road from REWE you will see the TEMMA
Supermarket that sells only natural produce (sort of a health foods
supermarket with fruit, vegetables, nuts, berries, grains cereals,
wine - all naturally produced).
 On the opposite corner to TEMMA is the Merzcnich bakery selling
fresh bread, rolls, pastries, cakes etc.
 Walk along this side of the road toward the track and you will find
a couple of chemist shops (APOTHEKE).
 There are two “Sparkasse” (bank) ATM’s.
 There is a Newsagent / card shop / bookshop and ice cream
shop.
 A Post office / DHL agent for sending large items / excess
baggage home.
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The Schmitz & Nittenwilm Café and bakery is just a little further
along (good place to stop for lunch if walking back from the track
after training).
The city by tram (NOTE: most shops in Cologne are shut on Sundays)
 Exit the hotel, turn left, walk 20m to the traffic lights and cross the
road to your right, walk to the road directly in front and cross
directly over at lights to the Archener Strasse/Gurtel tram stop on
your right.
 Catch the No.1 “Bensberg” tram to “Neumarkt” (pronounced
“noinmark”) stop (cost E$1.90)
 From here you can walk through the city shopping area as far as
the Dom. Shopping is good and there are plenty of restaurants
Laundry
There is a Laundromat situated just past Vanloer Strasse/Gurtel tram stop
on the RHS of the road beyond the traffic lights. Catch the tram 100m
north of the Regent hotel on the far-side track at “Oskar-Jager
Strasse/Gurtel” tram stop. Fare is E$1.90. Get off at the second stop, walk
to the end of the station, turn right and cross the road. Turn left, cross at
the lights and walk in the same direction the tram was travelling. The
Laundromat is about 50m up from the corner.
Washing instructions are in German but…
 Select a machine, put your clothes inside, turn the handle to lock
the door
 Washing powder is free in 2014 but if this changes costs E$0.50. Put
a cup under the powder outlet on the control unit where the light
appears and press the button.
 Put powder in both sides of the drawer on the top front of the
machine.
 Go back to control unit on the wall and put in E$3.50.
 Select your machine number, press the button and hold 2
seconds.
 Go back to your machine and turn the dial to start the wash
process. Takes 40 minutes to complete.
 The machine can be unlocked at the finish to remove your
clothes.
Drying:
 Place clothes in the dryer and close the door.
 NOTE: Do not put more than one washing machine load in a single
dryer at a time as the drying will take four times as long!
 Go to the control unit, put E$0.50 in ONLY and press the dryer
number.
 Go back to the dryer and press the START button.
 The dryer will run for 10 minutes.
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If your clothes need more drying time repeat dot points 2 & 3
above.
Remove hot clothes from the dryer and FOLD them before putting
in your carry bag to take back to the hotel. If you don’t fold hot
clothes they will crease badly and be very difficult to straighten
out.
Local easily accessible Restaurants (when you need a break from the
Hotel)
Staff in most restaurants speak English and will have a menu in English if
you ask
Restaurants on Aarchener Strasse (the road leading up to the track)
Bento-Box (Japanese – traditional and western dishes)
Catch the tram at Aarchener Stasse/Gurtel toward the University and
travel 2 stops to “Clarenbachstift tram stop. Cross to the RHS of the road
to Bento Box.
Taco-Loco (Mexican dishes)
Catch the tram at Aarchener Stasse/Gurtel toward the University and
travel to Alter Militarring tram stop (4 stops).
Exit tram and cross to the RHS of the road to Taco Loco.
The White Hotel (Traditional German Schnitzels, steaks, fish etc.)
Catch the tram at Aarchener Stasse/Gurtel toward the University and
travel to Alter Militarring tram stop (4 stops).
Exit tram, cross the tracks & road at the lights to the LHS & the White Hotel.
Restaurants on Venloer Strasse (the final road you walk cross when going
to the Laundromat)
Catch the tram 100m north of the Regent hotel on the far-side track at
“Oskar-Jager Strasse/Gurtel” tram stop. Fare is E$1.90. Get off at the
second stop, walk to the end of the station, turn right and cross the road
and walk straight ahead.
The Crepes Restaurant (Savoury and dessert crepes)
Walk about 300m along Venloer Strasse until you get to the “Back-werk”
Bakery on the corner (there is a small old church on the other corner of
this street). Turn right and it is about 20m along on the RHS.
Ninja - Sushi (Japanese – traditional and western variety dishes)
Walk about 400m along Venloer Strasse. It is about 20m past the Post
Office on the RHS of the road.
Limona (traditional German and western dishes)
A further 20m along Venloer Strasse from Ninja. Steaks, grilled salmon,
pasta etc.
Piccola – the original one! (Italian Pizza, pasta and salads) – famous with
Aussies .
Walk about 450m along Venloerstrasser. It is on the LHS of the road. It has
outside tables covered by a red awning as well as seating inside. Don’t
leave Cologne without trying this one if you like Italian food.