Köln - Hafen-Weihnachtsmarkt

The Cologne Harbour Christmas Market is one of the most stylish and atmospheric Christmas highlights in the cathedral city. It captivates visitors with its unique maritime backdrop directly on the Rhine, nestled between the modern Rheinauhafen harbour and the historic Chocolate Museum. The entire scene is characterised by the theme of the harbour and seafaring, which is reflected in the decorations, the snow-white pagoda tents of the stalls and the culinary specialities.

The unmissable centrepiece of the market is the towering Cologne Ferris wheel. At a height of almost 50 metres, this modern ride offers a spectacular and incomparable view of the entire Christmas market, the Rhine, the historic Malakoff Tower and, of course, the illuminated Cologne Cathedral from its fully glazed panoramic gondolas. The ride in the enclosed gondolas is a fascinating experience that allows visitors to get up close and personal with the city from a unique perspective.

Another landmark of the market is the imposing three-masted wooden ship ‘Trudel’, which invites visitors to linger and relax. The approximately 70 stalls offer a mixture of high-quality handicrafts, exotic gift ideas and a wide range of food and drinks. The culinary offerings are dominated by maritime accents such as flambéed salmon fresh from the open fire, but also include mulled wine, craft beer specialities and unusual winter drinks such as hot gin cider. The ‘Rhine pirates’ provide entertainment for children with juggling and sailor's yarns, as well as play boats and a children's play tent.

All Cologne Christmas markets are connected by the Christmas Market Express. All information can be found at the following link:

https://bimmelbahnen.com/weihnachtsmarkt-express/

Travel information:

By public transport:

- By train - Cologne Central Station (distance 1.6 km)

- By tram - Heumarkt stop (lines 1, 7, 9) or Severinstraße stop (lines 3, 4)

- By bus - Chocolate Museum bus stop (line 133)

By car:

- Venue: At the Chocolate Museum

Parking:

- Rheinauhafen car park (Harry-Blum-Platz 2)