Cologne
Köln50°57′ N 6°57′ ECityPop. 1,025,523The Rhineland
Cologne works well as a base for a Rhineland Christmas market trip, with four big markets in the centre and fast trains to Aachen, Düsseldorf and Bonn. In 2026 the cathedral market's square sits over a garage under repair, so keep a little flexibility in your plans.
Photo Superbass · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0 and others, credited in the gallery
Who should base here
Cologne puts four big Christmas markets within walking distance of the cathedral, and the trains from Köln Hbf make Aachen, Düsseldorf, Bonn and Koblenz easy day trips. Stay near the cathedral or in the Altstadt and you can drop your shopping at the hotel between markets.
The name
Colonia
The name comes from the Latin colonia, the rank Rome gave the town in AD 50 as Colonia Claudia Ara Agrippinensium.
latin
SourceEat in Cologne
Früh am DomBrewery tavern
The Früh brewery's tavern has stood across from the cathedral since 1904, serving Kölsch and Rhineland cooking.
Drink in Cologne
Brauerei PäffgenBrewery tavern
Päffgen has brewed Kölsch since 1883 and serves it from the cask at its brewhouse on Friesenstraße, open daily from 12:00.
Take the train from Cologne
- Cologne to Aachenfastest 33 min, published by Deutsche Bahn (checked Oct 10, 2026) · timetable
- Cologne to Bonnfastest 20 min, published by Deutsche Bahn (checked Oct 10, 2026) · timetable
- Cologne to Dusseldorffastest 21 min, published by Deutsche Bahn (checked Oct 10, 2026) · timetable
The cathedral market on Roncalliplatz, the Markt der Engel on Neumarkt and Heinzels Wintermärchen on the Heumarkt and Alter Markt open within a week of each other, on 16 and 23 November 2026, and you can walk the loop between them in an evening. The harbour market at the Chocolate Museum opens first, on 13 November, and keeps going to 3 January.
Plan around two quirks. Every market here except the harbour market stays shut on Totensonntag, 22 November, and most of them close for good on 23 December. The cathedral now charges sightseers €12, though anyone who comes for a service gets in free.
Worth knowing
- Book a room you can cancel, since the cathedral market's square could lose space to garage repairs in 2026.
- Come on a weekday if you can; Advent Saturdays are the busiest days at every market in the centre.
Quick answers about Cologne
When do the Cologne Christmas markets open in 2026?
Cologne's harbour market opens on 13 November 2026, the cathedral market and the Markt der Engel on 16 November, and Heinzels Wintermärchen on the Heumarkt on 23 November. All of them except the harbour market close on Totensonntag, 22 November.
Are Cologne's Christmas markets open after Christmas?
Some are. Heinzels Wintermärchen on the Heumarkt reopens on 26 December 2026 and runs to 10 January 2027, and the harbour market runs to 3 January. The cathedral market and the Markt der Engel close on 23 December.
Does Cologne Cathedral charge admission?
Yes, for sightseeing. Since 1 July 2026 Cologne Cathedral charges €12 for adults and €6 reduced, children up to 13 go free, and attending a service stays free.
What does the name Cologne mean?
Cologne comes from the local name Colonia, meaning the name comes from the Latin colonia, the rank Rome gave the town in AD 50 as Colonia Claudia Ara Agrippinensium.
Is Cologne a good place to stay?
Cologne puts four big Christmas markets within walking distance of the cathedral, and the trains from Köln Hbf make Aachen, Düsseldorf, Bonn and Koblenz easy day trips. Stay near the cathedral or in the Altstadt and you can drop your shopping at the hotel between markets.
Within 12 km
Places to stay nearby
In the journal and guides
