Fortuna Köln

If you like underdogs, Fortuna Köln is definitely the team for you. They were founded in 1948, worked their way through the leagues to join the Bundesliga in 1973, but spent most of the last forty years in division 2.

After a brilliant run (knocking out Braunschweig, Borussia Mönchengladbach and Borussia Dortmund on the way they made it to the 1983 German Cup Final only to lose to local rivals FC Köln.

In 1986 they narrowly missed out on promotion.

From 1967 to 2000 the club had massive financial support from its millionaire president, Jean Löring, but when he was ousted in 2000 the club drifted back down the divisions until declared bankrupt and dissolved in 2005.

The current club was re-formed in 2008 and made it back into the third division in 2013/14 and have held on to third tier status ever since.

Getting to Cologne

Cologne is one of the easiest cities in Germany to reach from abroad. It close to the border with Holland, within easy reach of three airports and part of a reliable, cheap and fully integrated regional public transport system.

If you are coming over for a short visit, flying is the best option, and you can usually get a return flight for about £100.

Cologne Bonn Airport.

There are flights here from London Heathrow, London Stanstead, Manchester and Edinburgh and a station right in the middle of the airport. It’s a bit further away, but there are direct trains to Mönchengladbach.

Düsseldorf Airport

There are flights here from Birmingham, London Stanstead, London Heathrow, London Gatwick, Manchester, Cardiff, Glasgow and Newcastle. The airport has a station where you can catch a train to Cologne.

Weeze Airport

There are flights here from London Stanstead, London Luton and Edinburgh. Regular shuttle buses take you to nearby stations where you can get a train to Cologne.

A more leisurely way to get here would be by train – take the Eurostar from London St Pancras to Brussels, change there for Cologne. This costs about £150.

If you are not in a hurry, National Express will take you from London to the Cologne by bus for about £40 return. But be prepared for a very long journey!

Getting to the ground

The simplest way to get to the Süd Stadion by tram. Take the underground (U5) from Cologne station to Friesenplatz and change there onto the S12 going towards Zollstock. Get off at Pohligstrasse (6 stops) and you will see the Süd Stadion.

The stadium is in a residential area and there is not a lot nearby. There is a bar opposite the tram stop. If you walk along the side of the stadium (Am Vorgebirgstor) and turn right into Vorgebirgstrasse you will eventually come to a little shopping arcade with a bakers where you can sit down and have a coffee and a pastry.

Tickets

Games are rarely sold out, so unless it’s a big local derby you will be able to pay on the day. The whole east side of the ground is all standing. It’s not covered, so be prepared to get wet in bad weather. But this is where you will find the best atmosphere. (Ask for “Stehplatz Mitte”). The opposite side is seated and covered. One end is reserved for away fans and the other is not used. The cheapest standing places cost 11 euros and seats cost 25 euros.

If you want to buy in advance there is an Online Ticket Shop, and you can use Print@Home to print your tickets before you leave. The club website also provides a list of places in Cologne where you can buy tickets.

What can I do in Cologne before and after the game?

1. Try some Kölsch in the Altstadt

This is the local beer. Just round the corner from the station, there is a pub called Früh where they brew their own. If you continue into the Altstadt, you will pass numerous more bars and cafes.

2. Visit the cathedral

The imposing Kölner Dom is one of the most famous sights in Europe – its size and splendour will impress even the most reluctant visitor.(Directions: When you come out of the station look to your left. You really can’t miss it).

3. Walk across the Hohenzollern Bridge

This is one of the busiest railway bridges in Europe. You also get a beautiful view of the river and the cathedral from the middle. Look out for the thousands of padlocks couples have put there. (Directions: The bridge crosses the Rhine behind the station).

4. Take a boat trip The Weisse Flotte boat company offers journeys by boat on the Rhine. If you have plenty of time, you might want to spend a day on board travelling up river to Düsseldorf or down-river to Bonn. Alternatively, their 65-minute sightseeing tour shows the main sights and provides a commentary in English. (Directions: Ticket offices and landing stages are on the riverbank).

5. Visit the chocolate museum

Find out everything you ever wanted to know about chocolate. See it being made by hand at the chocolate workshop and observe industrial production methods at the chocolate factory. Of course, you might also want to pause at the three-metre-high chocolate fountain to sample freshly made chocolate. (Directions: Just walk from the station to the riverbank and walk past the Altstadt. It will take you about ten minutes to get there. You can also catch the ‘Schokoexpress – a narrow gauge railway train that sets off from “Burgmauer” next to the tourist information office).

Save money in Cologne with the KölnCard

The 24-hour KölnCard costs 9 euros (19 euros for a group) and entitles you to free public transport and up to 50% reductions at many restaurants and attractions. You can get one at the Tourist Information or from ticket machines at the station.