Cologne in winter – enchanting metropolis on the Rhine

Winter has Cologne firmly in its grip and the city is transformed into a magical winter wonderland. The temperatures may be chilly, but the atmosphere is warm and welcoming. From the cosy Classik Hotel Antonius, there are plenty of activities to experience the city’s winter splendour. Here are our top three winter tips for an unforgettable experience in Cologne:

1. Cologne Christmas markets – festive splendour on the Rhine

Cologne’s Christmas markets are an absolute must in winter. The city lights up, the streets are decorated with lights and the smell of mulled wine and gingerbread fills the air. We particularly recommend the market at Cologne Cathedral or the market at Rudolfplatz. Here you will not only find traditional treats, but also handmade gifts. From our Classik Hotel Antonius in Dagobertstraße to the market at Cologne Cathedral is about a 15-minute walk or 10 minutes by tram 16 or 18. Rudolfplatz in the Belgian Quarter is a half-hour walk or 4 stops by tram 12 or 15 from Ebertplatz, which is a few minutes’ walk from the hotel.

2. Underground City Tour – Discover Cologne’s secrets

Discover Cologne in an unconventional way with an underground city tour. Immerse yourself in the city’s hidden vaults, tunnels and cellars. The tours offer fascinating insights into the history and cultural heritage of the city, medieval Cologne and, in particular, the time of the Roman Colonia. Discover medieval wells, secret escape routes and the oldest stone monument in Germany, the “Ubiermonument”, which was built by the Romans over 2000 years ago. In winter, these underworlds are not only protected from the cold, but are also filled with a mystical atmosphere. An exciting way to experience the city from an unusual angle and stay warm and dry at the same time. Not bad, right?

There are different tours. One public tour takes place on Saturdays at 12 noon and costs €15 including admission to the Roman excavations of St Martin’s Square. The tour explores Cologne’s underground, including the Praetorium and the unique Roman sewer. The meeting point is near the cathedral.

After such an underground tour of discovery, your cosy room at the Classik Hotel Antonius will be a welcome retreat. Our spacious rooms are equipped with smart TV so you can relax after your stroll through the city and stream your favourite series. How about a visit to our sauna to warm up? Afterwards, our kitchen team in the Augustin restaurant will spoil you with selected products from Franco-German cuisine. We recommend the parsley spaetzle.

3. Chocolate Museum – sweet temptation for cold days

When the winter cold strikes, the Chocolate Museum offers a delicious escape. Let yourself be seduced by the tantalising world of chocolate and immerse yourself in the fascinating art of its production. The museum not only offers interesting insights into the secrets of chocolate production, but also tasty tastings of different types of chocolate. The museum is not only educational, but also a wonderful place to sweeten the cold days with sweet treats. In winter, there is a Ferris wheel and the harbour Christmas market right in front of the museum. Combi tickets are also currently available, which not only allow you to visit the Chocolate Museum, but also to enjoy the fascinating view of Cologne Cathedral and the city from the Ferris wheel. From our hotel, you can reach the Chocolate Museum in half an hour on foot and in a little less time by tram (16 or 18) or from the main railway station by bus 132 in the direction of Reiherstraße.

CONCLUSION

The winter side of Cologne is just as fascinating as the other seasons. The combination of festive splendour, mysterious underworlds and sweet temptations makes winter in Cologne a magnificent experience. The Classik Hotel Antonius Köln offers the perfect starting point for all your winter adventures. We invite you to discover the city in winter and are always available to make your stay as pleasant as possible. It’s also the ideal opportunity to take advantage of our Winter Deal and secure a 20% discount on accommodation including breakfast until the end of February 2024. Spend an unforgettable time in the enchanting Rhine metropolis and let yourself be enchanted by the winter atmosphere. We look forward to seeing you at the Classik Hotel Antonius in Cologne!