Cologne Rhine Tour

The Cologne Rhine Tour is a laid-back cycling route that provides a first, scenic impression of Cologne. The path runs alongside impressive panoramas and offers fascinating cultural and culinary highlights – perfect for capturing introductory impressions of this multifaceted Rhine metropolis.

The route

The starting point of the tour is the Cologne Cathedral, a unique eye-catcher and unmistakable landmark of the city. From there, you head straight to the Rhine riverbank and follow the river northward. The route leads to the Mülheim Bridge, marking the transition into the lively district of Mülheim.

After a detour through Old Mülheim and past the transforming Mülheim Harbor, the journey continues southward to the Rhine Park. This expansive park invites visitors to take a relaxing break amidst greenery and is a popular destination for Cologne's locals. Through the Rhine Boulevard, which offers spectacular views of the Cathedral and the Old Town of Cologne, the path passes Deutz – along the spacious Deutzer Freiheit and the Deutz Harbor – before reaching the Poller Meadows.

The Poller Meadows not only offer ideal opportunities for short riverside breaks but also provide impressive perspectives of the Rheinauhafen panorama and, from the South Bridge, magnificent views of Cologne. The often-cited Cologne contrast between tradition and modernity becomes especially tangible here, thanks to perspectives with the Cathedral and the crane houses. The tour concludes with the crossing of the Rodenkirchen Bridge back to the western side of the Rhine. From there, the path winds along the river back to the Cathedral.

Unique experiences along the Route  

Right at the start of the tour, fascinating spots await off the main route: Near the Zoo Bridge, detours into the Sculpture Park or the Flora gardens with their historic layouts are well worth it. In the Rhine Park, a stroll through the iconic garden paths is enchanting, while the observation deck at the Triangle Tower provides panoramic views – an unmatched view of the city and the Rhine.

Shortly thereafter, you’ll reach one of the most popular photo spots: the Hohenzollern Bridge with the Cathedral towering behind it – a motif that has adorned the city’s postcards for ages. For ambitious photographers, the South Bridge offers best perspectives of the Rheinauhafen with its exceptional architecture.

At the northern end of the Rheinauhafen, the German Sport and Olympic Museum and the Chocolate Museum await your visit. Both are excellent stops, particularly for families or those enthusiastic about the history of indulgence and sports.

Culinary delights along the way  

The route also shines with a multitude of tempting stops for breaks. Right at the beginning, the beer garden "Schwimmbad" offers a relaxed atmosphere for an initial replenishment. In the Mülheim district, charming cafés like Café Jakobowski and Café Vreiheit exude local charm.

On the eastern side of the Rhine, the café in Rhine Park offers an enjoyable snack with serene green views. For hearty Cologne cuisine, Lommerzheim or the Deutzer Brauhaus embody the authentic Cologne spirit. For a more elegant dining experience, Grissini, Sticky Fingers, or Konstantin are excellent choices – all with fantastic views directly by the Rhine.

Upon returning to the western side of the Rhine, the selection of culinary spots becomes even larger. Along the riverbank near Rodenkirchen, there are numerous opportunities to stop, such as the boathouse "Alte Liebe." 

Towards the end of the bike tour, the Südstadt (South City) and the Rheinauhafen offer countless options for a gastronomic break – from beer gardens to gourmet restaurants, there are virtually no limits.

The tour finally concludes back at the Cologne Cathedral, where traditional breweries provide the perfect conclusion with Cologne specialties and a freshly tapped Kölsch.

Conclusion: urban flair and relaxation by the water  

The Cologne Rhine Tour combines urban life with tranquility and nature. Along the river, the city’s panorama unfolds – diverse and inspiring, from the historic Cathedral to the modern Rhine harbor silhouette. This tour is ideal for curious explorers who want to experience both the city and the river, while discovering the unique character of Cologne.