The Cologne Rodenkirchen Bridge is a suspension bridge over the Rhine. Completed in 1954, it has a main span of 378 metres. It was built from 1938 to 1941, after the design of Paul Bonatz and the planning of Fritz Leonhardt, for the Autobahn Cologne-Aachen. Today the Bundesautobahn 4 is the southern wing of the Cologne Beltway. The bridge was destroyed in an airstrike on January 14, 1945. Rebuilding took place between 1952 and 1954, with the old pylons re-used. The new bridge was built with only 3350 tons of steel, as opposed to the old bridge which was constructed with 6100 tons. Because of the increasing traffic on the bridge, in 1990 it was expanded with an equal bridge. The expansion was finished in 1995.

Rodenkirchen has been known as an enviable village, due to its location near the Rhine. It has also been known as a preferred residential place for the area's wealthiest citizens as well as tourists. Villa Malta is one of those residences of the Malta mayor, Steisel. Built in an Art-Nouveau style, the structure is now home to a restaurant.

Zum Treppchen is a restaurant with a wonderful view over the Rhine and Rodenkirchen Bridge. The old restaurant has been famous since the 1960s for serving tasty food and local beer. Due to its location, the restaurant is considered one of the best local restaurants not only in Rodenkirchen but in the whole of Cologne.

The Old Church of St. Maternus, or the "Chapel", as it usually called, is located close to the Rhine waterfront. The church consists of two areas with choir and vestry. It was formed in different architectural periods. The older part, the nave, with its semicircular apse, is probably from the tenth century. In the fifteenth century, a nave with Gothic windows was constructed, and in the seventeenth century a west tower in front of it was added. In this massive tower, several rooms have been set up where in earlier centuries masses were held. The old church graveyard in a small area adjacent to the church still exists. The gravestones are very weathered and the inscriptions have become difficult to read.

St. Maternus is a church built between 1865 and 1867. It was built in a Neo-Gothic style under the design of the architect Vincenz Statz. The church is also remarkable for its stained glass windows designed by Hanns Kirchner. The altars of the church were designed by Elmar Hillebrand.

Kammeroper is a modern youth opera in the center of the Rodenkirchen district. The ensemble hosts a variety of shows, so it is a perfect example of young culture in Germany for tourists to enjoy. The Opera has its own symphonic orchestra. Kammeroper has also shows for children.

Friedenswald is a recreation area which consists of designed meadows and different paths. The park features a variety of rare trees, so it is well-protected. For the children's enjoyment, there is artificial sand so the park is a wonderful area to relax or play a game.

If you are passionate about plants, Forstbotanischer Garten in Cologne is definitely a place to visit. This garden specializing in sylvan botany is set over 25 hectares. Established in the year 1964, the garden has on display a stunning diversity of 3000 species of groves, both native and foreign.
Visitors come here in great numbers to browse through the Japanese peonies, azaleas and Katsura trees, the North American redwoods and cedar and the Rhododendron Canyon. This canyon reflects the military past of this exquisite garden. Till the Second World War ended, this part of Forstbotanischer Garten was used as an infantry base. It was located on the city fortresses’ outer ring.
Forest of Peace is a botanical area in this garden that showcases Germany’s diplomatic relationship with countries across the world. Plants from respective countries are grown here. Forming an outer green belt around the city, this garden is open to public on all days.
The natural area close to the Forstbotanischer Garten was created in the 1980s. Here, a lot of additional trees were planted and the area came to be known as the Friedenswald. This area spanning twenty hectares contains coniferous and deciduous forest shrubs and trees from all over the world in a large meadow.
Enjoy the exotic range of native trees in this garden. Do not miss out the heather garden, Rhododendron ravine, Japanese plantings, peonies and North American plants.