Carnival
22 places in Cologne
Alter Markt
Historic square in Cologne's Altstadt-Nord with a medieval-looking row of buildings — documented as Cologne's market since 922.
Glaub Cutlery Museum
A Cologne specialty museum (1951–1995) housing what was likely one of the world's most extensive cutlery collections — from Stone Age knives to the present day.
© KI-generiert · Google GeminiBützchen
Rhenish word for a closed-lip peck on the cheek — freely and cheerfully exchanged during Cologne Carnival as a lighthearted, no-strings-attached gesture of affection.
Em Golde Kappes
A tradition-steeped Kölsch pub in Nippes since 1913, a listed building and carnival guardhouse, relaunched under Cölner Hofbräu Früh after a 2009 insolvency.
Gilden im Zims
Kölsch brewpub in a Renaissance townhouse on the Heumarkt – with Roman walls in the cellar and a carnival exhibition.
Gloria
Former cinema in Cologne's city centre, now a versatile venue for concerts, comedy, readings, parties, and carnival events.
Groß-Köln (Variety Theatre)
since 1912Cologne's first major popular variety theatre, opened in 1912 on Friesenstraße and destroyed in 1942 – today the site is home to the Sartory-Säle.
Hänneschen-Theater
Cologne's beloved rod puppet theatre at Eisenmarkt, performing in the local Kölsch dialect since 1802 — home to iconic figures Tünnes and Schäl.
Kölner Dreigestirn
Trio of Prince, Peasant, and Virgin that leads Cologne Carnival — appointed fresh each year by the Festival Committee.
Cologne Ghost Parade
since 1991Alternative carnival procession and political demonstration: since 1991, it winds through changing Cologne neighborhoods without a formal permit.
Kölner Karnevalsmuseum
Germany's largest carnival museum in Cologne-Ehrenfeld – tracing carnival history from antiquity to the present (currently closed).
Cologne Rose Monday Parade
since 1823 approx. 1 M visitorsGermany's largest and oldest Rose Monday parade — the "Zoch" has wound its way through Cologne for eight kilometres since 1823.
Kölner Schull- un Veedelszöch
Sunday carnival parade where schools, local clubs, and neighborhood groups march through Cologne's city center and the Vringsveedel.
Mutzen
Rhenish deep-fried pastry for Carnival and New Year's Eve — diamond-shaped dough fried golden in hot oil and dusted with powdered sugar.
Nubbel
A life-size straw effigy that serves as the scapegoat of Rhineland carnival, burned in the night before Ash Wednesday.
Sartory-Säle
Historic Cologne event halls near Friesenplatz, a stage for carnival, concerts and boxing since 1948.
Severinstorburg
since 1230One of only four surviving medieval city gate towers in Cologne — a landmark of the Severinsviertel and today a vibrant community venue at Chlodwigplatz.
Stunksitzung
Alternative cabaret carnival session in Cologne that deliberately breaks with formal traditions and provokes with political satire.
Tazzelwurm (Varieté)
Cologne's first variety theatre after World War II: carnival revues in one of the few larger halls left standing in the devastated city.
Ulrepforte
since 1230Cologne's smallest medieval land gate, dating from the 13th century — scene of a patrician feud in 1268 and today the home base of the Rote Funken carnival society.
Weiberfastnacht
On the Thursday before Ash Wednesday, women seize power for a day — the Rhineland's exuberant unofficial kickoff to street carnival season.
