Carnival is the first thing that springs to mind when Germans think about Cologne, where it is celebrated in a particularly lavish and traditional fashion. Over five fun-packed days it's the Jecken (carnival jesters) that hold court at the carnival festivities.

A cheer for Cologne
"Kölle Alaaf" – a cheer for the city of Cologne – is the cry that rings out at the opening of the carnival season. This spectacular event culminates in a crazy Rose Monday parade, when people call on the passing floats to throw them sweets and bunches of flowers. Come along and get swept up in the Rheinish carnival atmosphere!

Cologne can look back on a long and eventful history, and you can see evidence of this all over the city. Cologne Cathedral is Germany's largest cathedral and a designated UNESCO World Heritage site. The city's Rheingarten park and old quarter are a firm favourite with locals and tourists alike, a great place to enjoy a stroll and stop off at one of the traditional breweries. You'll find a striking group of twelve large Romanesque churches in the city centre.

Cologne's art exhibitions and music events are internationally renowned. Be it opera, musicals or rock concerts, Cologne's music scene is innovative and multi-faceted. The Cologne Philharmonic is one of Europe's foremost concert venues with numerous events every year. The Cologne Arena is Germany's largest entertainment venue, while the Tanzbrunnen is one of the loveliest outdoor venues on the Rhine.