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CologneSightseeing cruises

Our most recommended Cologne Sightseeing cruises

Cologne: Panoramic City Cruise

1. Cologne: Panoramic City Cruise

Journey through the charming city of Cologne and discover its sightseeing highlights from the water. Grab some snacks and drinks from the onboard bar (at your own expense), and relax as you look out at Cologne’s historic landmarks and bridges. Get to know Cologne's Old Town, characterized by its beautiful churches and historic buildings. You'll also spot impressive modern buildings here and there, such as the Lindt chocolate museum.  Take in views of bridges from the water like the Hohenzollern, Deutz Bridge, and the South Bridge. Pass by the the German Sports and Olympic Museum and cruise through the ultra-modern Rheinauhafen urban regeneration project.  Admire the beautiful Cologne Cathedral and snap some photos from afar to capture the structure in all its glory.

Cologne: Top Sights Rhine River Cruise

2. Cologne: Top Sights Rhine River Cruise

See Cologne's top sights from the water on a city cruise. Spot the world-famous Cologne Cathedral, cruise under 5 bridges, and take in the running commentary from the ship's speakers. Start your Rhine cruise with the ship MS Rheinperle, MS Rheinland, or MS Rheintreue. After taking in a view of the iconic Cologne Cathedral and Old Town, cruise to the Rheinauhafen, where you can spot its distinctive crane houses. Pass under 5 bridges to reach Rodenkirchen in the south. The cruise will then take you to the main sights of the city north of the Dome, such as the Zoobrücke bridge. During the cruise, discover more about the sights of Cologne with on-board commentary and English and German. If you want, relax with a local Kölsch beer or a strong coffee and a piece of cake. On additional evening trips (from 5:30 p.m.) you can enjoy the sunset on board with chilled lounge music and relax during the tour! (These tours are conducted without explanations of the sights.)

Cologne: 2-Hour Evening Cruise on the Rhine River

3. Cologne: 2-Hour Evening Cruise on the Rhine River

Hoist anchor in the evening to glide past the exquisite backdrop of Cologne, the cathedral city. Get the best seats in town for touring the romanesque churches of St. Kunibert, Groß St. Martin, St. Maria Lyskirchen, and the massive Cologne Cathedral as the sun sets and the city lights up. Witness the charming atmosphere when twilight envelops the city and the sights of the Rhine metropolis shimmer like jewels in the light. See how the cathedral crowns the city skyline with unearthly beauty, glowing in green light. In good weather, take a seat in a beach chair or deckchair on the spacious open deck and enjoy the panoramic view of Cologne. Head below deck for comfortable seats away from the wind and see the city from the large windows. Enjoy live lounge music throughout your 2-hour journey for an extra dose of bliss. Check out the bar for a selection of cocktails, beers, or tasty snacks.

Cologne to Königswinter: Siebengebirge Cruise

4. Cologne to Königswinter: Siebengebirge Cruise

Explore the spectacular Siebengebirge on a fascinating boat tour. Climb aboard in Cologne and cruise past Bonn and the legendary Drachenfels to Königswinter. Admire the stunning views of the countryside and the towns along the way. Departing the ship in Königswinter: The Drachenfels is the most famous mountain in the region surrounding Cologne and Bonn. At the top of the summit is a ruined castle which, together with the Drachenfels plateau, is one of the most popular recreation areas in the Rhineland. Stroll along the waterfront or head up the mountain with the Drachenfels Railway to enjoy the breathtaking views over the Rhine Valley and the Rolandsbogen. You can choose between a one-way cruise from Cologne to Königswinter or a roundtrip cruise from Cologne to Königswinter and back. If you opt for the roundtrip cruise, you’ll have sufficient time to explore Königswinter on your own. Please note: On Tuesdays and Wednesdays the cruises are operated by our partner ship the MS Beethoven. This ship provides the same quality level as our own KD ships, but may differ in certain ways. It is smaller (max capacity 300pax) than our MS Loreley and MS RheinFantasie and does not offer the same F&B options. Please be aware: Departure from Cologne at 9.30am, arrival in Königswinter at 13:30 Return from Königswinter back to Cologne: Sunday to Thursday at 16:40 (arrival in Cologne at 19:00) and Friday & Saturday at 15:40 (arrival in Cologne at 18:00)

Cologne: City Cruise on the Rhine along Old Town

5. Cologne: City Cruise on the Rhine along Old Town

All tours lead along the old town panorama and past the Rheinauhafen with the crane houses and back down the Rhine to Cologne-Mülheim. Continue up the Rhine to the zoo/cable car, where you can also get on and off. Finally, the cruise returns to the starting point, the pier at Dom/Hohenzollernbrücke where the trip ends.

Cologne: Rhine River Cruise Through the Old Town

6. Cologne: Rhine River Cruise Through the Old Town

See Cologne's top sights from the water on a city cruise. Admire views of the world-famous Cologne Cathedral from the water and dive deeper into the sites with the running commentary from the ship's loudspeakers. Start your Rhine cruise by boarding on of the spacious river boats, the MS Rheinperle, the MS Rheinland, or the MS Rheintreue. Set off on your sightseeing adventure. Capture pictures of views of the iconic Cologne Cathedral and Old Town, cruise to the Rheinauhafen where the Schokoladenmuseum and Sportmuseum are located. Pass by the distinctive crane houses of the harbor area. Pass under 5 bridges to reach the Rodenkirchen borough in the south. During the cruise, discover more about the sights of Cologne with on-board commentary in both English and German.  On additional evening trips (from 5:15 PM) you can enjoy the sunset on board with chilled lounge music and relax during the tour! These tours are conducted without explanations of the sights. Indulge in an onboard treat with the option to purchase a local Kölsch beer or a strong coffee and a piece of cake. Return to your meeting point at the end of your relaxing cruise.  Please note: When booking these tickets, there is no option of interrupting the journey at the Rheinauhafen and Rodenkirchen stations! 

Cologne: Winter Afternoon Boat Cruise on the Rhine

7. Cologne: Winter Afternoon Boat Cruise on the Rhine

Get away from the chaos of Christmas and embark on a relaxing two-hour cruise where you can immerse yourself in the enchantment of the winter season. Experience the twinkling Christmas lights on board of the ship, indulge in live festive music, and savor delicious seasonal delicacies (to be purchased separately) Don't miss the chance to have St. Nicholas join you on board! The decorated ship will cruise for a duration of two hours, along the river Rhine. Discover the city of Cologne from the comfort of a river cruise ship. Cruise from/to Cologne Old Town 15:00 Boarding 15:30 Departure 17:30 Return 17:30 End of Event

Cologne: 3-Hour Harbor Tour Cruise

8. Cologne: 3-Hour Harbor Tour Cruise

Discover some of Cologne’s harbors and their facilities on a harbor cruise. Listen to interesting facts about how the harbor functions from your local guide en route. Sit back and relax as you take in the sights from the water, as you make your way in and out of harbors like the Niehl container harbor—one of Germany's largest inland ones. Become a pro at the history of the Rheinau Harbor, hear fascinating insights about the Deutz and Mülheim harbors, and head into the Niehl container harbor, one of Germany’s largest inland harbors on this cruise. During your cruise, listen as your guide offers information and exciting anecdotes about Cologne's harbors, their history, dates, and figures.

Cologne Highlights Privat Walking Tour & Panoramic boat trip

9. Cologne Highlights Privat Walking Tour & Panoramic boat trip

Discover the best of Cologne with our captivating "Cologne Highlights Private Walking Tour" accompanied by a knowledgeable professional tour guide fluent in your preferred language. Enjoy the full attention of your private Guide. This tour is only for you and your group. In this 3-hour excursion, you'll embark on a journey through the city's rich history and culture. We'll start at the majestic Dom Cathedral, an architectural marvel that will leave you in awe of its grandeur. As we stroll through the charming Oldtown, our guide will introduce you to the vibrant local culture, including insights into the famous Kölsch beer and the open-minded spirit of the locals. Next, we'll visit the fascinating Farina Museum, where you'll uncover the birthplace of the legendary Eau de Cologne, a fragrance that has enchanted people for centuries. The tour wouldn't be complete without a visit to the Town Hall, where you'll hear captivating inside stories that bring the city's past to life. But the adventure doesn't end there! After the walking tour, you'll be treated to a delightful 1-hour panoramic boat trip on the picturesque Rhine River, offering stunning views of Cologne's riverside landmarks.

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Frequently asked questions about Cologne Sightseeing cruises

What are other things to do than Sightseeing cruises that are worth visiting in Cologne?

The other unmissable things to do in Cologne are:

Other Sightseeing Options in Cologne

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What people are saying about Cologne

So far I was quite skeptical about online bookings, but this app and everything that was explained and offered in this context is just great! Highly recommended ❗️❗️❗️

Punctual departure, good explanations in German and English, very friendly staff, reasonable prices for drinks and food on board

Meeting point easy to find, lovely boat, all ok time, lovely relaxing cruise down the Rhine, would definitely recommend

The journey was well accompanied and the staff is very nice. would i do it again

Pleasant and helpful,staff,clean environment. Overall a positive experience.