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© Rolf Heinrich, Köln · CC BY 3.0

Rheinauhafen Open-Air Cinema

The Naturstrom-Openairkino, with a floating screen and a view of the cathedral.

Every summer the Rheinauhafen harbour basin turns into an open-air cinema: the screen floats on the water while the audience sits on the bank with a view of Cologne Cathedral.

At a glance

Official name
Naturstrom-Openairkino (branded "Open Air Kino Köln")
Location
Rheinauhafen harbour basin, view of Cologne Cathedral
Screen
around 100 square metres, floats on the water
Season
every summer
Doors open
from 7pm
Film starts
at nightfall, usually around 10pm
Programme
blockbusters, arthouse films, documentaries, classics

Programme and atmosphere

With its floating screen of around 100 square metres, the Naturstrom-Openairkino ranks among the city's largest open-air cinemas. The line-up mixes current blockbusters, arthouse films, documentaries and classics, alongside live specials featuring comedy, poetry and music. A stage with a catwalk in front of the screen is used for these special formats, and small interactive moments such as song requests or quiz games occasionally involve the audience before the show begins.

A typical evening

Doors open at 7pm, with the programme ahead of the main film usually starting around 9:30pm. The film itself only begins once it gets dark, typically around 10pm. Screenings go ahead even in unsettled or changeable weather; short-notice cancellations are announced on the organiser's website by 7pm.

Map

Blue dots: other places nearby — tap to explore.

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