Carnival
17 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.
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.
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.
