Dortmund, Wuppertal and Cologne

After three wonderful days exploring Leipzig and an attending a Mendelssohn symphony concert with one of the world's oldest still performing orchestras at the Leipzig Gerwandhaus (Garment House) I caught the fast train to Dortmund via Hanover and continued my ride to Cologne via Wuppertal.

Of course I needed to boost my cycling calories with an authentic Berliner bun (donut) and coffee 'pfannkuchen und ein kaffee bitte' and plenty of spring water to rinse my pearly whites. I learnt that coffee and herbal teas will stain your teeth over time so I always hit the water after a brew.

Leipzig Hauptbhanhof - the largest railway station in Europe by square metre

No need to unpack the bicycle - just walk on - unlike Germany, Italy was a nightmare back in 2013 as the station platforms were half a metre below the carriage step.

The promise of free range goose eggs with an unbelievable colour and rich flavour for my Dortmund rye bread and salad roll.

Thanks for Germany's cycling infrastructure I enjoyed my journey through North West Germany meandering through lovely villages, towns like Wuppertal then following the Rhine river on my way to Cologne.

Wuppertal

No speed limits here on the autobahn and cyclists understandably not allowed on but I do happily use the highways back home in Australia.

Entering the northern outskirts

On my way in from the north I passed through several suburbs of industrial/university complexes being the global headquarters of Bayer the largest agricultural seed and crop chemical supplier in the world who in the previous year purchased the US global giant Monsanto for over US$63 billion. Both companies have had their fair share of controversies relating to due diligence and public health matters. It took me over 40 mins just to pass through this large district.

I wanted to see the tallest cathedral in the world for its sheer stature despite my lapsed Catholic beliefs and is one of the most popular pilgrimages in Germany. This landmark was also seen in one of the most fierce tank battles during WW2 and thank goodness this was untouched. Cologne's early Roman roots are still evident with wharf structures dating back some 1900 years where the Rhine was used as a crucial transport corridor.

Looking west across the Rhine to the Cologne Cathedral

Apartment buildings using a cantilever design - not sure I'd sleep well at night but hey it's German engineering with an architect's statement of confidence.

German outdoor/camping shopping with style

Another delicious baked fish meal and desert