Cologne carnival

Permanently closed Glaub Cutlery Museum

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.

Bützchen

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.

Gloria

4.5(3,814)· Google

Former cinema in Cologne's city centre, now a versatile venue for concerts, comedy, readings, parties, and carnival events.

Hänneschen-Theater

4.8(1,975)· Google

Cologne's beloved rod puppet theatre at Eisenmarkt, performing in the local Kölsch dialect since 1802 — home to iconic figures Tünnes and Schäl.

Hahnentorburg

since 1220

4.5(1,049)· Google

Medieval twin-tower gate at Rudolfplatz — Cologne's western gateway, through which crowned kings entered the city after their coronation in Aachen.

Heumarkt

Cologne's second-largest square and one of its oldest — built on a former Rhine island, hence its historic name 'Inselmarkt' (Island Market).

Kölner Dreigestirn

Trio of Prince, Peasant, and Virgin that leads Cologne Carnival — appointed fresh each year by the Festival Committee.

Cologne Ghost Parade

since 1991

Alternative carnival procession and political demonstration: since 1991, it winds through changing Cologne neighborhoods without a formal permit.

Kölner Karnevalsmuseum

4.4(205)· Google

Germany's largest carnival museum in Cologne-Ehrenfeld – tracing carnival history from antiquity to the present (currently closed).

Highlight

Cologne Rose Monday Parade

since 1823 approx. 1 M visitors

Germany'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.

Cologne Coat of Arms

Three golden crowns for the Three Holy Kings and eleven black flames for St. Ursula — a coat of arms shaped by more than 700 years of change.

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.

Severinstorburg

since 1230

4.5(1,188)· Google

One of only four surviving medieval city gate towers in Cologne — a landmark of the Severinsviertel and today a vibrant community venue at Chlodwigplatz.

No longer exists St. John the Evangelist (Cologne-Stammheim)

St. John the Evangelist (Cologne-Stammheim)

Catholic church in Cologne-Stammheim built as a literal "tent of God," its copper roof sweeping all the way to the ground — demolished in 2025.

Stunksitzung

Alternative cabaret carnival session in Cologne that deliberately breaks with formal traditions and provokes with political satire.

Tünnes und Schäl

Traditional Cologne brewhouse at Alter Markt, named after the beloved puppet duo from the Hänneschen Theatre — hearty local food and Kölsch on tap.

Ulrepforte