Located in the heart of the city, Cologne's Chocolate Museum is a veritable paradise for sweet-tooths and chocoholics. Its distinctive mascot, the North African character used to advertise Sarotti, is synonymous with high-quality chocolate in Germany. The museum has proved a hit with visitors thanks to the hand-on nature of its exhibitions. Guided tours explore the history of chocolate, from its origins as the "food of the Gods" in Aztec mythology to today's mass-produced million-sellers. Educational activities and special children's tours are available. The museum is closed on Mondays, carnival days, 24, 25 and 31 December and 1 January.

For chocolate lovers, a visit to the Cologne Chocolate Museum is the perfect treat. Opened in 1993 and located in the picturesque heart of Cologne, the museum is one of a kind. Visitors can learn all about chocolate, from the different types available to the cultivation and history of the cocoa bean.

A sweet treat on the banks of the Rhine

The Chocolate Museum's successful combination of historical and modern architecture is both fascinating and appealing. Usually, chocolatiers do no give the public access to in their production facilities, but there is one place where it is possible to watch them hard at work; the Lindt-Imhoff Chocolate Museum in Cologne on the banks of the Rhine. The warm, chocolaty aroma envelops you as soon as you enter the building. Easter bunnies, Santas, truffles and bars – a tour of the futuristic glass and aluminium building will teach visitors everything they want to know about the production and history of chocolate.

The Chocolate Museum has 4,000m² of exhibition space and approximately 2,000 exhibits, making it a memorable experience for anyone with a sweet tooth. Visitors are taken on a journey spanning 3,000 years of the history of chocolate, with photos documenting the home of the cocoa bean, its cultivation and harvest. In the Tropics Hall, visitors have the chance to experience the tropical climate for themselves. The chocolate production area located at the top of the museum is one of its highlights, stretching across two levels and showing visitors how bars of chocolate, truffles and hollow figures are produced. Near the museum entrance there is a three-metre-high chocolate fountain, overflowing with warm, liquid chocolate – visitors can dip a waffle into it and taste the delicious substance. At this museum, visitors can not only see the exhibits, but also smell, taste and touch them!