For the best panoramic view of the the city of Cologne, take a ride on the first and only cable-car system in Europe designed to span a major river. In operation since 1957, the enclosed gondolas cross the river beside the Zoobrücke (Zoo Bridge) between the Rheinpark in Deutz and the zoo. You get a great view of the massive cathedral and the river traffic along the Rhine. The trip takes about 15 minutes each way.