Win a magical Christmas break in Cologne

Looking for the perfect short break this Christmas? Set on the banks of the River Rhine, Cologne - Germany's fourth largest city - is a magical place to go during the festive season.

If it's Christmas markets you're looking for, you're in for a treat. Every December, no less than seven markets light up the picturesque old town and the square in front of the majestic cathedral, known locally as The Dom - which also happens to be one of the most impressive Gothic buildings in Europe.

Each market has its own theme, but they'll all lure you with their delicious wafts of roasted almonds and Glühwein (German mulled wine).

The Radisson Blu Hotel Cologne

Beyond the dazzle of the Christmas shopping, you can take in beautiful old timber inns and houses, classic beer kellers, and cuisine that was made for beating the winter chill, like Gulaschsuppe Oma Früh im Brotlaib, a loaf of bread filled with stew.

There are also excellent museums and art galleries, including the main one Wallraf-Richartz Museum, which showcases collections from the 13th to 20th centuries, and stunning Romanesque churches, like the Church of Saint Ursula, which make great sightseeing pit stops.

And one thing you definitely won't want to miss is the Chocolate Museum by the river at Rheinauhafen 1a, which is also where you'll find the 'medieval' Christmas market.

The best bit? We've teamed up with Germanwings and the Radisson Blu Hotel Cologne to offer one AOL Travel reader and a guest a two-night stay at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Cologne, including breakfast and return flights.

Enter the competition here.

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