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Few people understand the naked delights of naturism (okay cavorting in the nude) like the Germans. They've had a fascination with body culture for a long time, and they make no bones about it. Germany also happens to be one of the gay-friendliest nations on Earth. One of my favorite places in Deutschland is Köln (Cologne) a large city near Bonn (the capital of Western Germany and then of reunited Germany until a few years ago when things moved back to Berlin). Cologne is an ancient city with a history stretching back two millennia. The Romans founded it and it eventually became an important imperial city. Now, it is a German metropolis which bears many World War II scars yet remains unbowed, as evidenced by its soaring Gothic cathedral. Cologne has history, art, great food, and lots to do. What it also has is a dynamic gay community and lots of hot men. I have visited this city many times and never tire of this gay and lesbian stronghold which hosts Europe's largest pride parade. This Naked Traveler wandered into Cologne's parade one year, struggling to overcome jet lag. Friendly, hunky, scantily clad men were everywhere. The tall, well built, blond sporting three days growth of beard and dressed in a long white fairy gown complete with wings, will forever have my gratitude for catching me in his muscled arms when I fell because I was ogling him rather than watching where I was walking. Signs of the Roman founders are all around, in many remaining structures, ruins, and other things. The Roman Tower, a beautiful remnant of the empire from around the year 50, has given its name to one of the finest gay saunas in Europe. Badehaus am Römerturm (badehaus-am-roemerturm.de) is not to be missed. From the luxurious terracotta entry to the glorious pool under a large atrium, to the steam room replete with mosaics, this is a place to relax and enjoy. You can imagine yourself in ancient Rome as you look down at the rows of naked men around the pool, on lounge chairs, on the tiled floor, everywhere. All there to feast your eyes on or more. But some of us have bigger appetites so this sauna provides a café - also a nude hangout, as it opens onto the pool. Exploring gay Köln will take you to two major areas. In the Altstadt (old town) south of Heumarkt you'll find the leather scene and more bears than you can hope to bag. The Rudolfplatz area is where the rest of gay day and night life exists. In either sector, you'll find bars that cater to all segments of the gay world. Chains (chains-cologne.com) calls itself the "best and the biggest leather & fetish cruising bar in Cologne." With action on two floors and "After Work Sex" parties, a sling room, and a darkroom, little is left to the naked imagination. But there is lots of flesh to see and touch. Need a change of pace? The Blue Lounge (blue-lounge.com) is a dance bar for men and women. Regular parties, great music, and a romantic atmosphere combine to make this a place to visit. Billing itself as the place for "bears and butch men" Cox (cox-cologne.de) is a popular venue not only for those guys but for anyone who thinks of himself as an admirer. Take part in their "hairy affairs," their "Karneval" parties or any number of other events they offer. There are plenty more, like ExCorner (excorner.de), a very friendly neighborhood place. The Web site says it all. Or Deck 5 (deck-5.de), a leather bar with sling room and other goodies. There's something for everyone in Cologne and plenty of places to stay. The Gastehaus Köln (gaestehauskoeln.com) is more than gay-friendly, centrally located and cozy. The Hotel Altera Pars (alterapars-koeln.de/de/index02.html) is another. Eating is never a problem. There are lots of places to satisfy your hunger. But if you want a gay place to eat and cruise then Brennerei Weiss will do the trick. When Cologne hosts Gay Games VIII in 2010, the city will be flooded with gay athletes from around the world. It will be a sight for naked eyes. And if that isn't enough to bring you to Cologne, they have a Mr. Gay Köln contest each year. The likes of Patrick Zilleken, 2005's winner, will give you pause and help fortify your naked attitude.  Joe DeMarco's latest projects include The Lavender Raven, an online GLBTQ mystery & more journal, at www.lavenderraven.com, as well as Mysterical-E, www.mystericale.com. Joe's website is www.josephdemarco.com Top |
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