Welcome to Cologne
The world feels at home in Cologne, where people meet for a Kölsch, a chat or simply a laugh. Life in Cologne is vivacious.
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Take a trip through 2000 years of history and visit cultural monuments from the Roman Empire to modern times.
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Cologne provides over 250 hotels with a total capacity of more than 26,000 beds.
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"Drinking a Kölsch is more than just drinking a beer: it´s like drinking an entire culture." (NYT, 5/07)
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Enjoy the world-famous traditional Cologne Carnival and several top events throughout the year.
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Prime location in the heart of Europe and exemplary infrastructure also a multitude of highly specialised modern economy.
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Cologne’s Schildergasse is the most-visited shopping street in Germany.
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Eau de Cologne
Carnival
The historic Farina-house is situated opposite the Town Hall. In the world's oldest fragrance factory you can see where the fascinating history of Eau de Cologne and modern fragrances began. 
Sunday, 22-07-2018,
Köln Marathon
The Köln Marathon is an big running event for all - running amateur or experienced marathoner. The course goes along the Rhine banks, the Cathedral and other sights. Enjoy the wonderful atmosphere.
At 7th October 2018 the big city marathon takes places. Hundreds of thousands of crazy spectators were along the course - as every year. The starting point is near the trade fair where also after 42,195 km the finish is.
The youngsters may already participate in the kids competitions on the day before. Race day starts with the half marathon. The day's highlight is of course the marathon.
The Köln Marathon Expo (5 th and 6th October 2018 - est.) offers diverse novelties from the fields of running, inline skating, fitness, cyclling, wellness, and health. You may also be provided with information on latest trends and products and you may talk to experts. The event is free and the public is welcome. Please pick up your race packets here. Photo: Christoph Hardt
More information and registration: www.koeln-marathon.de
Find out more: Events
During the "crazy days" the "fifth season" culminates into a huge public festival. People dress up, sing local songs and simply have fun. The "crazy days" of Carnival are celebrated with parties on the streets, in public squares and in pubs - view the photo galleries. more
The most important event in the gay and lesbian calendar in Cologne is the Christopher Street Day. Every year on the first weekend of July half a million participants and visitors celebrate and demonstrate in the city centre. more
On 21st July 2018, the "Kölner Lichter" light up the sky in flames. The impressive firework display is synchronised with music and transforms the view of the Rhine into a colourful sea of banyan lights, waterfalls and hundreds of thousands of sparklers. more
Potokina (September 26 to 29, 2018) is the year's key event for the international photography and imaging specialist trade. Trade dealers from all over the world will come to Cologne to find out about the sector's latest trends, establish business contacts and order products for the period of high turnover in autumn and winter. more
Every year, the city centre of Cologne is touched by the magic of the festivities in the run-up to Christmas. Christmas music, arts and crafts, toys, Christmas decorations and the scent of the Christmas bakeries create a wonderful atmosphere. more
New Year in Cologne – now that really is something to write home about. Each year hundreds of thousands of locals and visitors from all across the planet enjoy the midnight fireworks against the magical backdrop of Cologne’s cityscape. In addition to this, Cologne has plenty of other things on offer. more
The 26th IHF Men’s World Championship (10 - 27 January 2019) is organised in the two handball-loving countries of Germany and Denmark and one main round is played in LANXESS Arena in Cologne (19-23 January). more