Cologne Carnival – The largest carnival in Germany
16 – 22 February 2023
Cologne Carnival
is one of the biggest and most famous in Germany.
Carnival has been celebrated in Cologne for centuries, and today there are over 160 carnival societies, which all organize carnival festivities.
Officially Cologne Carnival kicks off on 11 November at 11:11, but it’s the last five days – called crazy days – that most people think of when talking about the Cologne Carnival.
Main Dates of Cologne Carnival for 2023
- Crazy Days: 16 – 22 February 2023
- Weiberfastnacht (Shrove Thursday): 16 February 2023
- Rosenmontagszug (Rose Monday Parade): 20 February 2023
More about Cologne Carnival
Anyone who has visited Cologne outside of Carnival time would find the city hard to recognise with the metamorphosis at this crazy time of year.
There are parties everywhere – in the streets, pubs and public squares – with everyone dressed in bright costumes.
Your costume will probably be more fun than fancy – it’s worn to keep you warm as much as to show you are joining in the carnival spirit!
Closing times for bars and pubs don’t exist during the festival, meaning that a whole lot of fun takes place over these five days.
When raising a glass, forget Prost; the carnival greeting is Alaaf!
It all starts with a day for the ladies – Weiberfastnacht (Shrove Thursday) – where you’ll see women in fancy dress heading for the Alter Markt, where Carnival officially opened by the Dreigestirn (the Prince, the Peasant, and the Virgin)
The climax is the parade through the city centre on Rose Monday.
It begins at 10:30, a route of 6 km, has over 70 decorated floats and takes over 3 hours.
The float participants throw flowers, sweets, and other small gifts to the crowds.
Maybe you’ll catch a bottle of the city’s famous Eau de Cologne.
Hotel Tips
Where to stay during Cologne Carnival?
Carnival is one of the busiest times in Cologne, so book as early as you can.
Enjoy local hospitality at the small, family-run hotel, Mauritius Komforthotel.
It’s located in the Old Town, and only a minutes walk away from the Dom and the central train station.
Just one of many options as Cologne has over 250 hotels.
Getting to Cologne
Cologne is on the Rhine in West Germany.
It’s easily accessible by road and train and by Cologne-Bonn Airport.
You can quickly get to the city from the airport by its good rail and bus links.
Link; https://www.cologne-bonn-airport.com/en/parking-arrival/bus-rail-services.html
Cologne has an excellent public transport network of buses, trams, and subway.
Frankfurt and Dusseldorf Airports are alternative options with good rail connections to Cologne.
More about Cologne
This 2,000-year-old city on the banks of the Rhine River is the country’s oldest city.
Its most famous landmark is the Cologne Cathedral (The Dom), a twin-spired example of High Gothic architecture.
Much of Cologne was destroyed in World War II, and the Old Town you see today has been faithfully rebuilt.
Visit a local “Brauhaus” (brewery) for some hearty German food and wash it down with a “Kolsch” (the local brew).
More things to do in Cologne
More from Germany
Duckstein Beer Festival Hamburg, 23 June – 2 July 2023
Duckstein Beer Festival in Hamburg with Music, design, international street theatre, fine dining and, of course, the Duckstein beer.
Stuttgart Wine Festival Weindorf, 30 August – 10 September 2023
Stuttgart Wine Festival Weindorf is attracting people from all over the world to experience wine and food from this district of Germany.
Historical Burgenfest, Manderscheid, Germany, 26-27 August 2023
Manderscheid in Germany is again bringing the Middle Ages back to life at the last weekend in August with the Historical Burgenfest.
Winzerfest Wine Festival Hamburg, Germany, 24 – 27 August 2023
The St. Pauli Wine festival in Hamburg. You can enjoy wine, music, food, and the great Hamburg atmosphere every year in August.
Rheingau Wine Festival in Frankfurt, 30 August – 8 September 2023
Rheingau Wine Festival in Frankfurt invites you to try good wine from the Rheingau region —over 600 wines at about 30 wine stalls.
Störtebeker medieval games,Rugen Island, 24 June – 9 Sept. 2023
One of the most popular events on Rugen Island is the annual Störtebeker medieval games in Ralswiek. Ongoing games are Mondays to Saturdays.
Rothenburg Imperial City Festival, 1 – 3 September 2023
Imperial City Festival is reviving that old atmosphere and traditional professions. Everything from old equipment to original fashion.
Southside Festival, Neuhausen ob Eck, Germany, 16-18 June 2023
Hurricane Festival takes place in Scheessel, Germany. This music festival features big international and German names alongside newcomers.
Hurricane Festival in Scheessel, Germany, 16 – 18 June 2023
Hurricane Festival takes place in Scheessel, Germany. This music festival features big international and German names alongside newcomers.
The lovely Rugen Island in Germany
Rügen Island in Germany offers a paradise-like setting on the Baltic Sea with spectacular scenery, beech and white chalk cliffs.
What to see and do in Hamburg, Germany
With 1.7 million inhabitants, Hamburg is a big city, but it still not feels like that. Many attractions and festivals to enjoy in this city!
The village Sellin on Rugen Island
Sellin is a smaller resort than Binz but has a lovely sandy beach and a friendly atmosphere. Here is a beautiful pier with a nice restaurant.
Dürkheimer Wurstmarkt, Bad Dürkheim 8 – 18 September 2023
Wurstmarkt wine festival in Bad Dürkheim, one of Germany's most traditional and entertaining festivals, annually two weekends in September.
Munich Springfestival “Frühlingsfest”, 21 April – 7 May 2023
Munich Springfest, Frühlingsfest is a lovely celebration of spring, one of Europe's biggest Spring Festivals and Oktoberfest's little sister.
Tollwood Summer Festival in Munich. 16 June – 16 July 2023
Tollwood Summer Festival - Theatre performances, art exhibitions, live music from all over the world, and the colourful “Market of Ideas”.
Theme and fun park; Europa Park in Rust, Germany
Europa Park is one of the world's most beautiful theme parks. It attracts over 5 million people from all over the world each year.
Elb-Jazz Festival in Hamburg, 9 – 10 June 2023
Unique venues in the harbour, excellent music and a perfect atmosphere - that's Elbjazz Festival in Hamburg, Germany.
Maschsee Lake Festival Hannover, Germany 26 July-13 Aug. 2023
Maschsee Lake Festival 3 weeks in July-August. Lovely atmosphere by the Lake Maschsee in Hannover, with drinks, food and international artists
Dusseldorf Funfair on the Rhine, 14 – 23 July 2023
Dusseldorf Funfair is one of the biggest outdoor celebrations in Germany, with over 4 million visitors.
KeNaKo Africa Festival in Berlin, 20 – 30 July 2023
A pleasant festival every summer at Alexanderplatz in Berlin. Learn more about this big continent at the KeNaKo Africa festival.
Dixieland Festival Dresden, Germany 14 – 21 May 2023
Dixieland Festival Dresden, an old-time swing jazz festival, has been running for over 50 years and attracts over 500,000 visitors yearly.
Reeperbahn Festival, Hamburg, Germany 20 – 23 September 2023
Reeperbahn Festival is a big music festival in Hamburg in September—one of the largest club festivals with over 600 events and 70 venues.
Mainz Wine Festival, Germany. 24 August – 3 September 2023
Mainz Wine Festival lets you discover the infinite lightness of the wine for two weekends in the beautiful Mainz City Park.
Hamburg Port Birthday Festival, 5 – 7 May 2023
Hafengeburtstag, Port Birthday Festival in Hamburg, is the world's biggest port festival. A celebration of the founding of Hamburg port.
Blue Wave Festival with Blues on Rugen Island, 8 – 11 June 2023
The Blue Wave Festival for blues, jazz and funk on Rugen takes place four days in June every year. It's the largest music festival in Rugen.
Culture Festival Frankfurt, 25 – 27 August 2023
The Museum Embankment Festival in Frankfurt is one of the largest Culture Festivals globally and attracts over 3 million visitors every year
Stuttgart Springfest “Fruhlingsfest” Germany, 22 April-14 May 2023
Stuttgart Springfest is held over three weeks in spring; it's one of the biggest spring festivals in Europe.
Oktoberfest in Munich 16 September – 3 October 2023
It all started with a royal wedding and ended with the most famous beer festival in Europe and probably worldwide. Oktoberfest in Munich.
Berlin Beer Week Festival, 1 – 10 September 2023
Breweries from Berlin and worldwide and craft beer establishments from all over the city present their products at Berlin Beer Week
The most famous Christmas markets in Berlin
Feel the Christmas spirit at some of the Christmas markets in Berlin. Information and tips about the most Popular and Exciting markets.
Carnival of Cultures Festival in Berlin, 26 – 29 May 2023
Carnival of Cultures Festival in Berlin - every year during the Pentecost weekend. The main attraction is the carnival parade on Sunday.
Munich Strong Beer Festival Starkbierzeit, 10 March – 2 April 2023
In Munich, the strong beer festival Starkbierzeit has crowds half as large and beer twice as strong as the Oktoberfest.
Cologne Carnival, Germany, 16 – 22 February 2023
Cologne Carnival is known as the "fifth season" in this Rhineland city, and the festivities culminate in a big parade on Rose Monday.
4 days in Cologne for the Carnival
Berlinale – Berlin International Film Festival, 16 – 26 February 2023
Berlin International Film Festival "Berlinale" is one of the largest film festivals and most reputable media events. It is held in February.
World Club Dome Music Festival in Frankfurt, 9 – 11 June 2023
World Club Dome in Frankfurt in June - One of the biggest and best European electronic music parties!
Gourmet Festival in Düsseldorf, 25 – 27 August 2023
Gourmet Festival Düsseldorf in August every year at the famous "Königs Alle". Good food, soft drinks, cocktails, beer, wine, and more.
New Years Eve Celebration – Silvester in Berlin
New Year celebration in Berlin. The highlight is the big show and concert with famous artists at the Brandenburg Gate on New Years Eve
Tollwood Winterfestival, Munich, 24 November – 31 December 2022
Tollwood Winterfestival Munich with concerts, exhibitions, lectures, performances, and markets. It ends with a big Silvester party on NYE.
Enjoy some Beautiful and Cosy Christmas Markets in Hamburg
Hamburg has some of the best Christmas Markets in northern Germany. Romantic, magical and exciting Christmas markets all over Hamburg.
Dresden Christmas Markets, 23 November – 24 December 2022
Enjoy Christmas time in Germany and take a peek at the great atmosphere at Dresden Christmas Markets and Striezelmarkt.
Bremen Christmas Market, 21 November – 23 December 2022
Roasted almonds, cinnamon, Glühwein, and 180 festively decorated stalls make a delightful Christmas experience in Bremen.
Frankfurt Christmas Market, 21 November – 22 December 2022
Frankfurt Christmas market attracts thousands of people. Explore the beautiful decorated Römerberg and Paulsplatz and a giant Christmas tree.
Nuremberg Christmas Market, 25 November – 24 December 2022
Nuremberg´s Christmas market is special because it is a unique mix of history, tradition, art and food. An atmospheric German city to visit.
Christmas Market at Charlottenburg Palace, Berlin, 21 Nov. – 26 Dec. 2022
The Christmas market at Charlottenburg Palace in Berlin is beautiful. With the castle and decorations, it all gives a cosy atmosphere.
Events and Festivals in Berlin
Always something going on in Berlin; an overview of some of the most visited annual events and festivals. For all tastes and styles.
Swing and Boggie days in Dresden at the Dixieland Festival
Everywhere you go, you are caught up in the sound of the fabulous swing music that quickly had you tapping your feet and swaying to the beat.
Lollapalooza Music Festival in Berlin, 24 – 25 September 2022
Lollapalooza Berlin is regularly sold-out with over 70,000 music fans. The Lollapalooza Festival is held in the Olympiastadion & Olympiapark.
The light is the art at Festival Of Lights in Berlin, 7 – 16 October 2022
All major attractions in Berlin are illuminated for nine days in October and lighted up in beautiful colours for the Festival of Lights.
Dresden, Germany – Rich History, Events and Lots to See and Do
What to see and do in this delightful German city, Dresden. Beautiful buildings, Dixieland Festival and a wonderful Christmas Market.
Attractions and what to see and do in Berlin
Lots of attractions, landmarks, museums and historical monuments in Berlin.
Here you'll find a few tips on what to see in Berlin.
Here you'll find a few tips on what to see in Berlin.
Getting Christmas inspiration in Hamburg and Copenhagen
December darkness can be prepared with some Christmas lights in most cities in Europe. Copenhagen and Hamburg are some of the best Christmas cities to visit
The attractive Sylt Island in Germany
Because Sylt Island is a little bit like a "Germany's Mallorca", it is perhaps not surprising that you experience an extraordinary service.
Spring Festival “Fruhlingsfest” in Munich and Stuttgart
The design and music experience – The awesome Nhow hotel in Berlin
Dive into Europe’s tropical holiday world – Tropical Islands Resort in Germany
Usedom – The shared Island
The whole island is one long sandy beach and you can enjoy…
Latest Posts
Medieval Festival Horsens, Denmark, 25 – 26 August 2023May 23, 2023 - 19:37
Ghent Jazz Festival, Belgium 5 – 15 July 2023May 23, 2023 - 16:17
Ferie Messium, Medieval Festival, San Gimignano Italy 16 – 18 June 2023May 22, 2023 - 08:11
Jazz à Juan in Juan les Pins, France. 10 – 21 July 2023May 21, 2023 - 03:10
Liverpool International Music Festival, 15 – 31 August 2023May 21, 2023 - 02:43
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. 4 – 26 August 2023May 21, 2023 - 02:10
Edinburgh International Festival, 4 – 27 August 2023May 21, 2023 - 01:45
Let’s Rock Exeter – 80s Pop and Rock – Saturday 1 July 2023May 21, 2023 - 00:32
LOOPFEST, Shrewsbury Town Centre, UK, 8 July 2023May 20, 2023 - 01:14
Edinburgh Food Festival, 4 – 6 August 2023May 19, 2023 - 22:31
