Cologne

Vibrant metropolis on the Rhine

Cologne is a perfect destination for a city break by train. From Switzerland, you can travel quickly and comfortably via Frankfurt or Basel to this multifaceted city, which combines history, culture and modern life in a unique way. Whether it's the famous Cologne Cathedral, the colourful Old Town or the riverside promenade along the Rhine - Cologne offers the right experience for every taste. Discover a city that will delight you with its warm Rhenish hospitality and diverse cultural programme.

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Highlights

The UNESCO World Heritage Site is the city's landmark and one of the most impressive Gothic cathedrals in Europe. The climb up the tower is rewarded with a breathtaking panoramic view over Cologne and the Rhine.
Cafés and parks along the promenade invite you to linger. The Hohenzollern Bridge is famous for its numerous love locks and also offers a wonderful view of the cathedral. Perfect for relaxing moments and photos.
This is the cheerful and traditional greeting during the Cologne Carnival. It expresses the joy, fun and exuberant atmosphere that make the carnival season in Cologne so unique.
Stroll through narrow alleyways with historic buildings, enjoy a Kölsch in one of the traditional breweries and experience the lively flair between colourful half-timbered houses. An absolute must for every guest is the famous Kölsch - the freshly tapped beer that has taken the hearts of Cologne's locals by storm. You can enjoy the original Kölsch straight from the barrel in the cosy breweries in the old town.
The journey to Cologne is particularly relaxed thanks to excellent rail connections. Direct connections from Switzerland, usually via Frankfurt or Basel, bring you to the Rhine metropolis in comfort and in a climate-friendly way - ideal for a sustainable city break.

Insider Tips

The Belgian Quarter - Cologne's creative heart

This charming neighbourhood is known for its alternative boutiques, cosy cafés and lively bars. Less touristy than the Old Town, the Belgian Quarter exudes urban flair and a relaxed atmosphere that invites you to stroll, discover and linger. This is where modern creativity meets the Cologne way of life - a real highlight on any city trip to Cologne.

The city forest - a green oasis in the city

The city forest is a real highlight for nature lovers. With its quiet hiking trails, idyllic lakes and extensive green spaces, it invites you to take relaxing walks and spend days out in nature - ideal for escaping the hustle and bustle of the city and recharging your batteries.

Events

02.10.2025 18:00 - 02.10.2025 23:00 | Im Stadtgebiet, 50667 Köln
The 23rd Cologne Theater Night promises a journey through the diverse world of performing arts on October 2nd and 3rd. With around 150 performances, it unfolds a creative symbiosis across 25 stages, ranging from opera to cabaret, dance, performance, and acrobatics. This cultural exchange takes place in unique venues: in the HeizkraUwerk Süd of RheinEnergie AG and in the CCCC CreaXon Centre for Contemporary Circus. These local institutions provide space for an impressive spectacle and contribute to regionality by preserving Cologne's cultural identity. This year's event is dedicated to the concept of encounter: artistic interactions that allow the audience to profoundly engage in society. The event contributes to social inclusion by allowing various forms of expression to coexist. On October 3rd, children's and youth theaters offer a specially curated program from 12 to 5 PM, introducing younger visitors to the world of theater, an experience that is both enriching and entertaining.
03.10.2025 17:00 - 03.10.2025 19:00 | Heumarkt, 50676 Köln
24.10.2025 19:30 - 25.10.2025 00:30 | Alter Markt 36-42, 50667 Köln
With the experience ‘Creepy Old Cologne - Travelling through time on dark paths’, TIMERIDE offers a differentiated perspective on Cologne's city history and deliberately creates points of friction with romanticised ideas of past centuries. The focus is on lesser-known legends and authentic historical events that impressively convey how closely light and shadow, social splendour and individual tragedy were once interwoven. The virtual journey through forgotten alleyways and corners of the city provides context to Cologne legends and myths; historical events are taken up through critically reflected narratives and make it possible to experience how the dark and sinister has always functioned as a mirror of social fears and desires.
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26.10.2025 15:00 - 26.10.2025 17:00 | Erich-Klibansky-Platz, 50667 Köln
From Moses Hess and Karl Marx to Max I. Bodenheimer, Rahel Apfel and David Wolffsohn - Cologne was a centre of Zionist ideas and initiatives in the 19th and 20th centuries, where groundbreaking impulses for the founding of a Jewish state were set. On this tour we immerse ourselves in the lively debates and political struggles, that made Cologne an important place for the Zionist movement. Discover Cologne's connection to the founding of Tel Aviv and the importance of Konrad Adenauer for German-Israeli relations and join us on a journey into a fascinating era full of new beginnings, visions and controversial discussions! Attention: Only in German
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08.11.2025 14:00 - 08.11.2025 16:00 | Heumarkt, 50676 Köln
Treat yourself to an enjoyable and entertaining afternoon in Cologne's famous cafés and let yourself be whisked away into the world of handmade chocolates, pastries, cakes, ice cream and tarts. We will visit three cafés in Cologne's historic city centre. A variety of treats await us here - try homemade delicacies and learn interesting facts about the discovery of coffee and the most expensive cake in the world. Is there a traditional pastry in Cologne? Find out about the lustful chocolate relationship in which Louis XIV was involved at his court. Leave everyday life behind and enjoy a sweet treat. Attention: Only in German
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14.11.2025 11:00 - 14.11.2025 22:00 | Im Zollhafen 2, 50678 Köln
Modern and in a picturesque setting right on the Rhine, next to the Chocolate Museum, the modern harbour Christmas market presents itself with 70 stalls in snow-white pagoda tents that remind of ships' sails. In addition to high-quality goods and handicrafts, there are culinary delights from the region and all over the world, and on the large, real three-master wooden ship, hot mulled wine invites you to linger. A varied entertainment program including shanties and pirates and the "Lighthouse Spelunke" underline the christmassy harbour atmosphere. As a further highlight, a Ferris wheel with an impressive 48m height is integrated again this year – with an incomparable view over Cologne, the Cathedral and the Rhine and of course the sparkling harbour Christmas market.
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17.11.2025 11:00 - 17.11.2025 21:00 | Roncalliplatz, 50667 Köln
In the middle of Cologne, the Christmas market at Cologne Cathedral (Weihnachtsmarkt am Kölner Dom) awaits its visitors with a huge decorated Christmas tree at the foot of the impressive Cathedral. From this heart of the Christmas market, a sparkling tent of starlight is spread out above the Roncalliplatz. Every year, countless visitors are invited to stroll and browse through this market, sampling the selected handicrafts and organic culinary delicacies and enjoying a diverse Christmas stage programme featuring more than 100 free events. The Christmas market at Cologne Cathedral is additionally ISO-certified as a sustainable event. Special tip: From Tuesday to Thursday there is a children's programme at the Christmas market with Punch and Judy shows, face painting and plays.
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18.11.2025 00:00 - 19.11.2025 00:00 | Im Stadtgebiet, 50667 Köln
From 18 to 23 November 2025, Cologne will once again be the epicentre of the short film: the 19th Cologne Short Film Festival (KFFK) will open its doors and provide an inspiring stage for aspiring filmmakers.
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28.11.2025 15:30 - 28.11.2025 18:00 | Deutz-Mülheimer Straße 132, 51063 Köln
In the 10th anniversary edition of the Cologne Christmas Circus, the audience is thrilled with a mix of stunning comedy, astonishing illusions, and top-notch acrobatics. This year's program emphasizes not only the artistry but also the diversity and creativity that make the circus a unique experience. For example, the award-winning artist collective from China impresses with their performance of the 'Flying Icarian Games', which has already won the Golden Clown in Monte Carlo. Added to this is the comedian Fraser from New Zealand, who bridges tradition and modernity with unexpected twists and humorous interactions. This composition of culture and entertainment offers visitors the opportunity to delve deep into a world full of wonder and magic, thus creating a meaningful moment in the festive season of the city of Cologne.
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02.01.2026 20:00 | Heumarkt, 50676 Köln
03.01.2026 18:30 - 04.01.2026 00:30 | Willy-Brandt-Platz 3, 50679 Köln
The "Lachende Kölnarena" will once again transform the LANXESS arena into a vibrant center of Cologne carnival traditions from January to February 2026. Over the course of 15 evenings, musicians, dancers, and speakers will gather to celebrate the essence of carnival with humor, joie de vivre, and cultural diversity. Visitors can expect a multifaceted program ranging from renowned Kölsch bands like Bläck Fööss to dance groups from traditional guard formations and the iconic Cologne Triumvirate.

12.02.2026 00:00 - 13.02.2026 00:00 | Im Stadtgebiet, 50667 Köln
When is Carnival? During the six days between Weiberfastnacht — the Women’s Carnival — and Veilchendienstag — Violet Tuesday — the revellers, who are known as Jecken, come out in force to celebrate Carnival, which is also known as the “fifth season” of the year. As the saying has it, on Ash Wednesday it’s all over — but in the meantime, Cologne is turned upside down all over again every year. In fact, the street Carnival actually starts in the Alter Markt (Old Market) at 11:11 a.m. on Thursday — Weiberfastnacht — and continues until the evening of Violet Tuesday. The Street Carnival in Cologne is a unique folk festival in the Rhineland that casts its spell over millions of visitors year after year. If you travel here to enjoy the age-old traditions of smooching and swaying, you’re in good hands in the Carnival stronghold of Cologne with its 480 Carnival associations. The official course of the carnival days The fifth season begins long before the week of street carnival. The starting Signal for the upcoming session is given on 11.11. (Eleventh in Eleventh) and the time until Weiberfastnacht is bridged with meetings and foolish events.
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03.07.2026 18:00 - 04.07.2026 00:00 | Im Stadtgebiet, 50667 Köln
The Night of Technology on July 3, 2026 opens the doors to over 50 exciting stations throughout the city of Cologne. Visitors will have the opportunity to take part in unique guided tours and take a look behind the scenes of innovative technical professions.
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