Just to tick off another WHS on the list, I thought when I started my half day trip from Cologne to Brühl. And to see where for several decades the German presidents received their state guests. Augustusburg was built as a summer residence and hunting lodge for the Archbishop of Cologne and Prince Elector Clemens August. As expected, there was the usual sequence of state rooms as it can be seen in many similar palaces, with furniture, chandeliers, Chinese wallpapers, opulent decorations etc. The most impressive part is undoubtedly the staircase by Johann Balthasar Neumann. The abundant stucco, the sculptures and the precious marble columns appear a bit overdone, but still elegant and harmonious.

After a short walk through the well-kept garden and the forest I reached the Falkenlust hunting lodge. Again, the highlight was the staircase, it is decorated from floor to ceiling with Dutch tiles.

Both palaces and the garden are excellent examples of the Rococo style. All in all, it was a worthwhile trip and I've enjoyed my visit more than I expected.

The guided tour in Augustusburg takes about 45 minutes, Falkenlust can be visited with an audioguide. Brühl is just a short train ride from Cologne, the entrance to the palace is opposite the railway station.