The best places to visit Cologne Germany in Winter

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The best places to visit Cologne Germany in Winter
Germany’s fourth-largest city is a great destination for slow, stress-free travel. It’s a laid-back city that feels unassuming, yet surprising. Cologne (Köln in German) is the opposite of pompous. It’s a city of clowns, Kölsch (locals), and immigrants. Don’t come to Cologne for beautiful architecture and sophisticated art. Come to…
The best places to visit Cologne Germany in Winter
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Germany’s fourth-largest city is a great destination for slow, stress-free travel. It’s a laid-back city that feels unassuming, yet surprising. Cologne (Köln in German) is the opposite of pompous. It’s a city of clowns, Kölsch (locals), and immigrants. Don’t come to Cologne for beautiful architecture and sophisticated art. Come to Cologne for vibrant local culture, lots of celebration, and Kölsch beer.

In winter, when Christmas markets are in full swing and Karneval (Carnival) festivities are underway, Köln is especially vibrant. When you plan your winter trip to Cologne, timing is everything. I recommend either coming to Köln specifically for the Christmas Markets (late November – late December) or for Karneval (Shrove Thursday – Shrove Tuesday: the days leading up to Ash Wednesday).

Cologne is about “Experience,” not “Sites.” And winter is the perfect season to experience Cologne in all its revelry. Here’s a no-BS guide to the best places to visit Cologne in winter, based on our experience living in the city for one year and subsequent visits.

Fischmarkt, Cologne, Germany

1. Bathe in Claudius Therme

Claudius Therme, Cologne in Winter, Germany Photo Credit: Claudius Therme

It doesn’t snow in Cologne in winter, but it does rain. Rain can be a huge bummer when you’re on vacation, but it doesn’t have to be. If the weather forecast isn’t promising, head directly to Claudius Therme.

Claudius Therme is a thermal bath and sauna complex sprawling across Cologne’s Rheinpark. This large wellness facility comprises numerous thermal pools, indoor and outdoor saunas, relaxation rooms, and several cafés and restaurants. You can spend a whole day sauntering between pools and saunas (see map).

Visiting a Therme in Germany is an experience in and of itself. If it’s your first time, read this post about Sauna etiquette.

And, if you’re inspired to visit more thermal spas in Germany, we highly recommend Carolus Thermen in Aachen (we wrote about it in Best Cologne Day Trips) and Palais Thermal in Bad Wildbad, and Friedrichsbad in Baden Baden (we wrote about these bathhouses in our Black Forest travel guide).

2. Drink Kölsch in a Brauhaus

Brauhaus Sünner im Walfisch, Cologne in Winter, Germany Brauhaus Sünner im Walfisch

Another winter-appropriate activity to do in Cologne is drinking beer in a traditional Brauhaus. Cologne without its brewhouses is like Vienna without its Kaffeehäuser, or Istanbul without its Lokantas.

In Cologne, there’s only one beer you can (or ought) to drink. That beer is Kölsch, and don’t even try to order something else.

Kölsch is a light beer served in a small cylinder-shaped glass. You never have to worry about ordering another glass, because servers will typically bring you fresh glasses of Kölsch until you place a Bierdeckel (coaster) on top of your glass. Here are some of our favorite Brauhäuser:

Lommerzheim in Deutz (Siegesstraße 18, 50679 Köln)

Früh am Dom in the Innenstadt(Am Hof 12, 50667 Köln)

Die Hausbraurei Päffgen near Friesenplatz (Friesenstraße 64-66, 50670 Köln)

3. Dine on Keupstraße in Mülheim District

Büyük Harran Doy Doy, Cologne, Germany Büyük Harran Doy Doy

Keupstraße is a vibrant, commercial street brimming with Turkish and Kurdish owned businesses. Catering to Turkish residents, but welcoming to everyone, this immigrant street is one of our favorite places in Cologne for food.

Every shop window entices you with fresh pastries, baklava, pide, and of course kebab. When you want a really delicious Turkish feast, head to Büyük Harran Doy Doy (Keupstraße 40, 51063 Köln). Their Adana kebab is phenomenal.

4. Visit Cologne’s Christmas Markets

Cologne is a city that loves festivities and celebrations, especially during Christmas. You can easily participate in the merriment of the advent season by attending a Christmas Market (Christkindlmarkt in German).

Cologne flaunts 7 different Christmas markets, each boasting a unique theme and vibe. Though each market is worthy of a visit, make sure you don’t miss the Heinzelmännchen market at Alter Markt, the Cathedral market at the Kölner Dom, and the Angel’s Christmas Market at Neumarkt.

Grab a mug of hot Glühwein (mulled wine) and a slice of Raclette-Brot, and soak in the festive atmosphere.

Entrance Fee: There’s no entrance fee at any of the markets
When are the markets open: Late November until December 23rd.
Best time to visit: Early December (it’s not as crowded as mid-late December).

5. Participate in Karneval Festivities

Rosenmontag, Karneval in Cologne - Winter in Cologne Rosenmontag

The people of Cologne love a good party. And, luckily for them, the ultimate party – Karneval – lasts a whole season. Karneval starts on November 11th each year and ends at midnight before Ash Wednesday.

Though the “fifth season” lasts several months, the main Karneval festivities take place between Weiberfastnacht (Shrove Thursday) and Shrove Tuesday. Depending on the year, that could be late February or early March.

Watching the official parade on Rosenmontag (Carnival Monday) is a must. But our favorite Karneval tradition is the Nubbelverbrennung or the burning of the Nubbel. On the evening before Ash Wednesday, locals gather to burn the Nubbel, a symbolic straw figure representing all sins committed during the Karneval season. After the burning, participants link arms and sing Karneval Lieder (songs) for the last time. It feels like a pagan sacrificial ritual and IT’S AMAZING!!!!!!!

Where to Stay in Cologne in Winter

25Hours Hotel Koeln The Circle

Rudolfplatz Christmas Market, Cologne in Winter

25hours Hotel Koeln The Circle is a fun hotel that dazzles with its futuristic space-themed interior design. From the lobby entrance to the rooftop bar, every detail has been carefully crafted to create a cheerful and playful space.

A delicious breakfast buffet is served on the top floor in the restaurant Neni. From this light-filled dining area decked in plants, you’re treated to views of the city and even the Dom.

If it’s raining during your stay, head to the hotel’s sauna and wellness area. It’s small, but it’ll warm you up in a hurry. You can request a free sauna bag, containing a bathrobe and towel, when you check-in.

25hours Hotel Koeln the Circle, where to stay in Cologne

While our room was lovely, it felt a bit tight. The bedroom space is utilized very economically, so there’s not a lot of extra room. Also, it was noisier than we expected. We could hear running water and other noises from other floors/rooms.

Source: moonhoneytravelers