Cologne's Hidden Rococo Manor Just Around the Corner 🏰🌳

🪴 In June, during this Rhine River journey with Viking Cruises, we arrived in Cologne, Germany. The cruise ship docked right across from Cologne Cathedral, giving us a beautiful mood from the early morning. Besides exploring the city center with friends, I also signed up in advance for the cruise's upgraded itinerary, "Exploring the World Heritage Site of Bruhl Palace." I arrived at this idyllic retreat near Cologne—Schloss Augustusburg and Falkenlust, along with the country lanes and gardens in between. It is one of the most important Baroque and Rococo buildings in Germany in the 18th century and was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984. 🪴 Visiting Schloss Augustusburg requires a guided tour, and photography is only allowed at the central courtyard staircase and one other room. The courtyard staircase is the most splendid part of the entire manor, the most luxurious and exquisite central hall I have ever visited in a manor. It's overwhelming, with green marble walls adorned with various sculptures, and a huge oval dome fresco that makes you feel like you're in a Roman church. 🪴 Passing through the Baroque-style garden and tree-lined paths leads you to another part of the estate—Falkenlust. This is a hunting lodge located within the garden. Although it may not seem large from the outside, it is exquisite and compact on the inside. There is a small blue room decorated with great significance. Photography is allowed inside the hunting lodge, but videography is not. Remember to clean your shoes at the entrance with a machine before entering. 🪴 Overall, this upgraded itinerary experience deserves a full score. The coach bus will pick you up and drop you off right outside the cruise, saving you the trouble of the journey. Experiencing a completely different kind of rural fun here, it feels like the whole person has been relaxed, and it is highly recommended. #MyEurope #CapturedSummer #Germany #Cologne #Europe #EveryFrameIsLove #RelaxedVibesInEurope