Germany Cologne skyline from beyond Zoobridge

There is a narrow footbridge out of stones into the Rhine just under the Zoobridge in Cologne. This spot offers a great view towards the skyline at the height of the Rhine, which is also perfect for Cologne Lights, a huge festival in Cologne with an amazing firework at the end.

One additional tip: Take care of boats that are passing nearby, because they cause waves that sometimes flow over the stones. It's probably a good idea to wear waterproof shoes.

If you want to visit this spot for Cologne Lights you have to come early and by early I mean really early! The firework usually starts around 11 pm and you should be there in the afternoon, probably 6 hours or more in advance because there will be a lot of photographers, just waiting for the firework. You must have a tripod to save yourself a good spot and you should take something to sit on with you.

If you are not there for Cologne Lights this is also a great place for sunset photos. I would recommend ND filters and to use those stones as a foreground element in your photo. Usually it's also a good idea to focus stack your images (take one shot with a focussed and sharp foreground and one for the skyline and blend them together to have everything crystal clear).

You can leave your car nearby, but you have to walk a little into the park to get beyond the bridge.