Let's tell you about beach vacations in Cologne and what entertainment awaits you.
Cologne isn't exactly a beach city, but the banks of the Rhine and the surrounding area are a great place to spend a summer day by the water. Let's share good and beautiful places and tell you where to swim in Cologne!
General information about beach vacations in Cologne
There are not many beaches in Cologne. It lies in the lowlands along the banks of the Rhine, a powerful river with strong currents and busy shipping, which makes swimming in it dangerous. Although there are sandy areas on the banks, swimming in the Rhine is officially forbidden. It is possible to sunbathe, though.
As for the beaches of Cologne, people mostly rest on such sandy areas, for example - in the areas of Rodenkirchen and Niehler Strand. Also - on the lakes and in beach clubs. The water in the Rhine itself is murky, river water, but in bodies of water like the Fühlinger See it is clearer and cleaner. There are designated swimming areas.
The surface depends on the location. On the banks of the Rhine it is sand and gravel with greenery, in beach clubs - fine white sand. The water temperature in the lakes in summer is between 20 and 24 degrees, depending on location and weather. The beaches along the Rhine are natural, with a minimum of infrastructure. The clubs, however, are equipped with everything you need - sun beds, bars, recreation areas.
The most popular beaches
While there aren't many of the best beaches in Cologne, there are plenty to choose from. Just be sure to check the club's current prices and opening hours, as they can change over time.
km 689 Cologne Beach Club
Located at Rheinparkweg 1, right by the Rhine opposite the center of Cologne. It is about 10 minutes on foot from the Köln Messe/Deutz station. The area is about 3.5 thousand m² covered with white sand. There are sunbeds, umbrellas, lounge furniture and all basic infrastructure. The beach can accommodate up to 1000 people and is probably really the best beach in Cologne.
It is not a place for swimming, but a real lounge, an oasis in the middle of the city. You can not only sunbathe, but also enjoy a beautiful view of the Cologne Cathedral with a cocktail in hand. Nearby are the Koelnmesse exhibition center, the Rheinpark, the Hohenzollernbrücke Bridge and the KölnTriangle building with its observation deck.
The opening hours depend on the day of the week and partly on the weather. Basically, it is from 16:00 to 22:00 on weekdays and from 12:00 to 22:00 on weekends and holidays. There is an on-site bar with cocktails and appetizers. Sometimes there are parties, concerts and other events. There are no showers here, because the beach is not a bathing beach. Toilets are available, of course.
km 689 is suitable for adults, couples and groups of friends. But it is not the best place for a vacation with children - there are no playgrounds. Entrance is free, but there is a minimum booking system. Entire areas can be booked for a fee.
Blackfoot Beach
Definitely one of the top beaches in Cologne. If you're looking for an almost seaside vacation in Cologne with clear water, white sand and water activities, this is the place to go. It is one of the best maintained beaches in the city, loved by locals for its sporty spirit and natural atmosphere.
Blackfoot Beach is located in the north of Cologne, in the district of Fühlinger on the shores of the artificial lake Fühlinger See, about 11 km from the center. From the Hauptbahnhof (main station) - about 30 minutes by transport, from the airport - about the same amount by car.
The length of the beach - about 300 meters, the width of the coastline - up to 50 meters. Coverage - fine white sand, the bottom is flat, the entrance is smooth, and the water is calm and clear. Swimming here is pleasant and safe.
The infrastructure is excellent: sun beds and umbrellas, a cafe with cold drinks and light food, showers, toilets, changing rooms, lockers. Wi-Fi is absent, but the connection works stably. Keep in mind that you can't take your own food and drinks here, except for baby food and water. Also, there is an online reservation and it is advised to use it, especially during peak hours.
At Blackfoot Beach you can go sledding, kayaking, go through the ropes park, play volleyball or just lounge on a lounger. There are workouts and group activities from yoga to rock climbing. A great choice for both families and groups - you won't be bored.
There is a fee to enter. The ticket for adults is 6.30 EUR, for children - 4.20 EUR, and for kids under 5 years old - 1 EUR. But clarify this information for the actual time for you. In addition, there are seasonal cards - local season tickets. The beach is open from the beginning of May to the end of September from 10:00 to 20:00. Sometimes the parties last almost until nighttime.
You can get there from the central station by S-Bahn (S6 or S11) to Blumenberg station, then 15 minutes on foot. Buses 120 and 121 are also suitable. Nearby is the Regattaturm. There are routes for walking or cycling and the Chorbusch Nature Park is relatively close by.
Rodenkirchener Riviera
One of the few natural sandy beaches along the Rhine within Cologne. It is a quiet place with the perfect atmosphere for a picnic overlooking the water. Locals with dogs and children like to come here. The Rheinbrücke Köln-Rodenkirchen pedestrian bridge is nearby.
The beach is located in the Rodenkirchen district, 7 km south of the center. From the Hauptbahnhof station it is about 25 minutes by streetcar or bus, from the airport about 30 minutes. It stretches for hundreds of meters along the coast, and the line is about 20 meters wide. The surface is natural river sand, with grass and willows in places. The water does not seem too clean, but swimming in the Rhine is still forbidden.
There is almost no infrastructure - only litter garbage cans and benches. Cafes and toilets are in the Rodenkirchen area, a 5-10 minute walk away. This is a "wild" beach, so you take everything with you. There is no entertainment, but there are places for picnics, reading books, meditation and bike rides along the shore. Sometimes there are boat trips. If you just want to relax in nature in the cool of the water, choose Rodenkirchener Riviera.
Playa in Cologne
This is the place for those who like to relax actively - play beach volleyball, drink beer with friends and participate in sports tournaments on the sand. Playa in Cologne is located in the Müngersdorf district in the west of Cologne, next to the RheinEnergie-Stadion. It is about 6 km to the center, 20 minutes from the train station and about 30 minutes from the airport.
The beach is artificially created, with clean soft sand and many playgrounds. The length is about 150 meters, and the width is up to 30 meters. But note that there is no swimming here, it is a sports beach. Infrastructure at the level - there is a rental of platforms, a bar, a cafe, a rest area with sofas and awnings, toilets, showers on schedule. Sometimes music festivals and other events are held, and in the evenings the site is often rented for corporate events.
Otto-Maigler-See
One of the cleanest beaches near Cologne, about 15 kilometers from the city. A classic, almost seaside vacation awaits you here. The lake is located in the town of Hürth. Drive - about 35 minutes from the center of Cologne by transport and about 25 minutes by car.
The beach is sandy, long and well-maintained - about 500 meters long and 50 meters wide. The entrance to the water is gentle, the bottom is clean, the water is warm and clear. It is a popular place for swimming. The infrastructure is excellent - deck chairs, umbrellas, bars, pizzeria, showers, cabins, toilets, water equipment rental. There are lockers and shopping area. You can rent a sap, catamaran, play volleyball, organize parties, attend concerts. Sometimes there are children's rides.
Entrance and rental of sun beds is paid - from 5 EUR. The beach is open every day from May to September from 10:00 to 20:00. You can get there by S-Bahn to Hürth-Kalscheuren station, and then change to a bus or cab. Nearby there is a forest park and hiking trails around the lake.
SonnenscheinEtage
Another beach lounge, this time on the roof of the Kaufhof parking lot on the 14th floor in the city center overlooking the cathedral. The atmosphere is on point - white sand, gravel, palm trees, cocktails, DJ sets. A full rooftop beach for companies and dates. Opening times depend on the day, weather and scheduled events.
Wake Club Cologne
Sporty wake club with a new beach area, sun loungers and swimming in the Rather See lake. There are lounge areas, bar, cafe and naturally wakeboarding and other water activities. The opening hours depend on the weather. Ticket price - from 5 EUR for adults.
Travel Tips
If you have already decided which beach in Cologne is the best for your needs, take into account a few more nuances. It is best to arrive in the morning before 11:00 - less people, but already warm. The peak hours are from 13:00 to 16:00, especially on weekends. Bathing beaches and clubs can get crowded.
The sun is most aggressive in July and August between 12:00 and 15:00, so SPF 30+ is recommended during these times. Don't forget hats and sunglasses. If you are vacationing by the river, bring water and a light snack - there are no cafes.
Towels, beach slippers and a change of clothes are traditionally useful. And bring a garbage bag to leave behind a beach as clean as this. The clubs accept cash and cards - it's not a problem. Keep in mind that campfires and barbecues just by the water in natural areas are prohibited, and you'll be fined for it.
Entrance to popular spots like Blackfoot Beach can be booked online. At Rodenkirchen Riviera you can rent bikes or just stroll along the shore. For cool sunset photos, km 689 with its breathtaking view of the cathedral is perfect.
