Rhine River Christmas Afternoon Cruise in Cologne
Active
2h
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
An afternoon cruise on the Rhine whilst enjoying relaxing live music is sure to make you smile, before or after you stroll around the renowned Cologne Christmas Markets.
Available options
Rhine River Christmas Afternoon Cruise in Cologne
What's included
Live entertainment
What you'll see
Your Rhine River cruise begins at 3pm at Rheingarten in central Cologne, where you'll board in time for a 3:30pm departure.
Enjoy the wintry panorama of Cologne Old Town (Altstadt) on board the new comfortable saloon vessel MS RheinEnergie or MS RheinFantasie. The elegant interior design and superior furnishings add to the warm atmosphere onboard this ship. Even Santa Claus makes an appearance (Friday, Saturday and Sunday cruises only) to add to the festive ambiance on board.
Experience the most beautiful stretches of the Rhine with its stunning landscape and fairytale castles, and capture the true essence of Christmas in style, and see Cologne highlights such as Kolner Dom (Cologne Cathedral) and Hohenzollernbrücke.
Your cruise concludes at your original departure point after two hours.
What's not included
Food and drinks
Gratuities
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.1
41 reviews
5★
20
4★
9
3★
9
2★
2
1★
1
Tripadvisor
3.7
18 reviews
5★
7
4★
5
3★
2
2★
2
1★
2
Important information
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Meeting point
Look for the chalkboards located at landing stages 3 and 7. Here you will find out where your ship will be departing from.
Please arrive 30 minutes before the activity.
Important notes
Mit dem Ticket haben Sie direkten Zugang an Bord.
About Cologne
Cologne, located on the Rhine River, is known for its stunning Gothic cathedral, vibrant cultural scene, and rich history. The city offers a mix of medieval charm and modern attractions, making it a captivating destination for travelers.
Top Attractions
Cologne Cathedral
A UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Germany's most famous landmarks, this Gothic masterpiece took over 600 years to complete.
Historical/Architectural
1-2 hours
Free entry, €6 for tower climb
Rhine River Cruise
A scenic cruise along the Rhine River offers beautiful views of Cologne and other riverside cities.
Adventure/Cultural
1-2 hours
€15-€30
Chocolate Museum
An interactive museum dedicated to the history and production of chocolate, with tastings included.
Museum
1-2 hours
€12.50
Cologne Zoo
One of the oldest and most renowned zoos in Germany, home to a wide variety of animals and beautiful gardens.
Nature
2-3 hours
€21
Old Town (Altstadt)
The historic heart of Cologne, filled with charming streets, traditional pubs, and medieval architecture.
Historical/Cultural
1-2 hours
Free to explore
Must-Try Local Dishes
Himmel un Ääd
A traditional dish made with mashed potatoes, apples, and blood sausage.
Dinner
Contains pork and gluten.
Rievkooche
Potato pancakes, often served with apple sauce or sour cream.
Snack
Vegetarian, can be made gluten-free.
Halve Hahn
A rye bread roll topped with roast beef, mustard, and onions.
Lunch
Contains beef and gluten.
Kölsch
A local beer, light and refreshing, served in small glasses.
Drink
Contains gluten.
Popular Activities
Rhine River cruises
Hiking in the surrounding hills
Biking along the Rhine
Spas and wellness centers
River walks
Coffee shops and cafes
Museum visits
Art galleries
Best Time to Visit
May to September
This is the best time to visit Cologne due to pleasant weather and numerous outdoor events. The city is lively with festivals and tourists.
15°C to 25°C
59°F to 77°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: German
- Widely spoken: English, French, Dutch
- English: Widely spoken, especially among younger people and in tourist areas
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Time Zone
GMT+1 (CET), GMT+2 (CEST during daylight saving time)
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Cologne is generally safe, with low crime rates. However, like any major city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions against pickpocketing and petty theft.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight.
- • Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps.
- • Be cautious of strangers approaching you with petitions or surveys.
Getting there
By air
- Cologne Bonn Airport • 15 km from city center
By train
Cologne Central Station
By bus
Cologne Central Bus Station
Getting around
Public transport
Trams and buses are efficient and frequent. The KVB app is useful for schedules and tickets.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Taxi Cologne, Mytaxi
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Deutz
Südstadt
Belgian Quarter
Day trips
Bonn
25 km • Half day to full day
The former capital of West Germany, Bonn offers a mix of history, culture, and scenic beauty along the Rhine.
Dusseldorf
40 km • Full day
A vibrant city known for its fashion, art, and nightlife, Dusseldorf offers a mix of modern and historic attractions.
Burg Eltz
100 km • Full day
A stunning medieval castle nestled in the hills above the Moselle River, offering a glimpse into the past.
Festivals
Cologne Carnival • February/March (Weeks leading up to Ash Wednesday)
Cologne Lights • December
Cologne Pride • July
Pro tips
- Visit the Cologne Cathedral early in the morning to avoid long queues and crowds.
- Explore the city's vibrant nightlife in the Belgian Quarter or the Old Town.
- Take a Rhine River cruise to see the city from a different perspective.
- Try local Kölsch beer in traditional breweries like Brauhaus Früh am Dom or Peters Brauhaus.
- Visit the Chocolate Museum for a unique and interactive experience.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
