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Cologne Guide

Stories, tips, and insider knowledge about Cologne.

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Beer barrels stacked at Haus Töller
Published on March 12, 2026

Kölsch vs. Altbier – Two cities, two beers – and a centuries-old rivalry

There are many questions in life. Some are philosophical. Some are existential. And some simply divide two cities on the Rhine: Kölsch or Altbier?

Brewhouse of the Sünner Brewery (exterior view)
Published on March 4, 2026

Brewery Tour Cologne? – The Best Alternative: Beer House Tour in the Old Town

Many visitors in Cologne first look for a brewery tour or brewery visit. Sounds logical: Cologne is world-famous for its beer – Kölsch.

Brauerei zur Malzmühle – From malt beer to a modern Kölsch brand
Published on February 25, 2026

Brauerei zur Malzmühle – From malt beer to a modern Kölsch brand

1858: No Kölsch yet – but the start of a legend When Hubert Koch founded his brewery at Heumarkt in 1858, he probably didn’t know that it would one day become one of Cologne’s most famous beer houses. Back then, “Kölsch” as we know it today wasn’t brewed here yet. The t

Bachelor party in Cologne – organize it yourself or celebrate with a guide?
Published on February 17, 2026

Bachelor party in Cologne – organize it yourself or celebrate with a guide?

Before their bachelor/bachelorette party in Cologne, many groups ask themselves: “Can’t we just organise this ourselves?” In short: of course you can plan your bachelor/bachelorette party in Cologne yourself. There are plenty of bars, and plenty of beer houses too – and Cologne’s Old Tow

Beer Hall Tour in Cologne: Self-Guided or with a Guide? – An Honest Comparison
Published on February 16, 2026

Beer Hall Tour in Cologne: Self-Guided or with a Guide? – An Honest Comparison

A lot of visitors ask themselves before their trip to Cologne: “Can’t you just do a beer house tour on your own?” In short: Of course you can go from beer house to beer house on your own. Many also refer to it as a beer hall tour through Cologne’s Old Town—typically a route of 3–4

Illustration of the history of the Three Wise Men in Cologne with Cologne Cathedral, Shrine of the Three Kings, Rainald von Dassel and a map from Milan to Cologne (Source: ChatGPT)
Published on January 6, 2026

Did Cologne invent the Three Wise Men?

The true story behind the greatest relics coup of the Middle Ages The greatest relics coup of the Middle Ages Imagine: It’s the year 1164. A man named Rainald von Dassel enters Cologne with a large entourage – carrying bones that supposedly belong to the most famous figures in Christianity: th

Kölsch and Cologne Cathedral – symbols of Cologne's beer history and Germany's oldest purity law.
Published on October 6, 2025

German Purity Law Exposed

Why Cologne already had similar rules in the 15th century and Kölsch is currently the only top-fermented beer that legally must be brewed according to the Purity Law.

Published on September 30, 2025

Company Events in Cologne, a Different Way – Teambuilding in the Beer House

Cologne offers something no conference room in the world can: Kölsch, beer houses, and an unparalleled team spirit.

What is a beer house in Cologne? – What can you expect?
Published on September 30, 2025

What is a beer house in Cologne? – What can you expect?

Immerse yourself in the Cologne beer house scene with our insider guide. Learn about the traditions, the Köbes, and the rules of conduct when enjoying a Kölsch in the city’s legendary beer houses.