Cologne Carnival – The largest carnival in Germany
8 – 14 February 2024
Cologne Carnival
is one of the biggest and most famous in Germany. Discover the Cologne Carnival, the largest carnival 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: 8 – 14 February 2024
- Weiberfastnacht (Shrove Thursday): 8 February 2024
- Rosenmontagszug (Rose Monday Parade): 12 February 2024
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 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).
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