Cologne Brewhouse Trail
A signposted circular walk through the old town linking ten historic brewhouses — past the cathedral, the town hall and the Rhine. Walk, take in the sights and enjoy a freshly poured Kölsch along the way.
The Cologne Brewhouse Trail is a leisurely circular walk through the old town that links ten of the city's best-known brewhouses with its landmarks. Between the cathedral, the Heinzelmännchen fountain, the town hall and the Fischmarkt, one brewhouse follows the next — perfect for tasting the top-fermented Kölsch where it belongs to the city's culture. You can walk it on your own or book a guided tour.
Source: Wikipedia
At a glance
- Type
- signposted circular walk through the old town
- Stations
- ten historic brewhouses
- Established
- 1997
- Initiators
- Hans Sion, the Hans Sion Foundation and Franz Mathar
- On offer
- self-guided walk or guided tour via the Cologne Brewers' Association
The trail was created in 1997 at the suggestion of brewhouse landlord Hans Sion — the very name that still hangs over one of the ten brewhouses on the route.
Things to do here
- Walk the signposted circuit to all ten brewhouses
- Try a freshly poured Kölsch in one of the brewhouses
- Book a guided walk via the Cologne Brewers' Association
- Taste Cologne classics such as Halver Hahn or Himmel un Ääd
The ten stations
The trail passes Brauhaus Sion, Gaffel am Dom, Früh am Dom, Peters Brauhaus, the Gaffel Haus, the Haxenhaus zum Rheingarten, Sünner im Walfisch, the Bierhaus en d'r Salzgass, Gilden im Zims and the Malzmühle brewery. The route ties them to notable spots in the old town — from Roncalliplatz by the cathedral via St. Andreas and the town hall to the Alter Markt and the Fischmarkt.
Kölsch, Köbes and Kranz
Kölsch is part of the walk: top-fermented, pale and served in the slim 0.2-litre 'Stange'. Refills are brought by the 'Köbes' in his blue apron, often in a 'Kranz' — a round tray full of glasses. It goes well with hearty classics such as Halver Hahn or Himmel un Ääd.
Timeline
- 1997Hans Sion, the Hans Sion Foundation and Franz Mathar establish the brewhouse trail
The 10 stations
Traditional brewhouse on Unter Taschenmacher near Alter Markt — starting point of the trail.
Wikipedia ↗Gaffel brewhouse in the listed Deichmannhaus by the main station.
Wikipedia ↗Traditional Kölsch brewhouse on Roncalliplatz, right by the cathedral.
Wikipedia ↗Traditional brewhouse on Mühlengasse with splendid Art Nouveau interior.
Wikipedia ↗Gaffel brewhouse on Alter Markt.
Wikipedia ↗Historic beer and dining house on Frankenwerft, overlooking the Rhine.
Wikipedia ↗Sünner Kölsch in the historic “Zum Walfisch” house.
Wikipedia ↗Päffgen beer house on Salzgasse.
Wikipedia ↗Gilden Kölsch in the Zims house on Heumarkt.
Wikipedia ↗Malzmühle brewery (Mühlen Kölsch) on Heumarkt — end point in the southern old town.
Wikipedia ↗Gallery
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Sources & links
- Wikipedia (retrieved 2026-07-01)
- Official website (retrieved 2026-07-02)
- web.archive.org (retrieved 2026-07-02)
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