Cologne Christmas Market and Kölsch Beer Small-Group Tour

This small-group tour of Cologne’s Christmas markets and local breweries immerses visitors in the city’s vibrant holiday festivities and rich beer culture. Travelers start at the second-oldest brewery, sampling Kölsch beer and local appetizers. They then explore the festive Heumarkt and Alter Markt markets, browsing vendor stalls and enjoying live music. The tour concludes at the historic Brauhaus Sion, where guests can savor more Kölsch and hearty German cuisine. With a high traveler recommendation rate and inclusive accessibility, this tour offers an engaging and authentic Cologne experience. Further details reveal an even more enticing itinerary.

Key Points

• This small-group tour offers an immersive experience exploring Cologne’s Christmas markets and sampling the city’s renowned Kölsch beer.
• The tour includes a visit to the historic Brauerei zur Malzmühle brewery, where guests enjoy a pint of Kölsch and local appetizers.
• Participants explore the festively decorated Heumarkt and Alter Markt Christmas markets, browsing vendor stalls and enjoying live music.
• The tour concludes at the historic Brauhaus Sion, providing an opportunity to savor additional Kölsch beer or a full-course German meal.
• The tour is wheelchair-accessible, inclusive of service animals, and is a popular choice due to its knowledgeable guides and overall experience.

Tour Overview

The tour, titled "Cologne Christmas Market and Kölsch Beer Small-Group Tour," takes travelers on an immersive exploration of Cologne’s festive markets and vibrant beer culture.

Located in Germany, the tour includes 20 total reviews, with 90% of travelers recommending it and a Badge of Excellence.

Accommodating no more than 10 guests, the intimate experience starts at 4:00 PM and includes visits to Cologne’s second-oldest brewery, Brauerei zur Malzmühle, as well as the magical Christmas markets at Heumarkt and Alter Markt.

The tour concludes at the iconic Brauhaus Sion, where guests can enjoy an optional dinner.

Throughout the experience, travelers can savor local appetizers and the renowned Kölsch beer.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour begins at Brauerei zur Malzmühle, Cologne’s second-oldest brewery.

Visitors will enjoy local appetizers and their first pint of Kölsch beer, a light, refreshing ale native to the region.

Next, they’ll explore the magical Christmas markets at Heumarkt and Alter Markt, experiencing the sights, sounds, and scents of the holiday season.

Visitors can browse the festive vendor stalls, listen to live music, and sample mulled wine.

The tour concludes at Brauhaus Sion, where participants have the option to enjoy a final Kölsch or have dinner.

Brauerei Zur Malzmühle

At Brauerei zur Malzmühle, Cologne’s second-oldest brewery, visitors kick off the tour with local appetizers and their first pint of Kölsch beer.

This 30-minute stop provides an authentic introduction to Cologne’s brewing heritage. Guests learn about the brewery’s history and the unique Cologne-style pale lager.

With a cozy, traditional ambiance, Brauerei zur Malzmühle sets the stage for the festive Christmas market exploration to follow.

After enjoying the first taste of Kölsch, tour-goers are ready to enjoy the magical atmosphere of Cologne’s iconic holiday markets.

Christmas Markets

After savoring their first taste of Kölsch at the historic Brauerei zur Malzmühle, the tour group heads out to explore Cologne’s iconic Christmas markets. The vibrant outdoor markets at Heumarkt and Alter Markt come alive with festive decorations, live music, and a wide array of local vendors. Visitors can browse handcrafted gifts, sample delectable treats, and sip on warm mulled wine, all while seeing the enchanting atmosphere.

Market	Highlights	Offerings
Heumarkt	Live music performances	Handmade crafts, Christmas decor
Alter Markt	Enchanting lighting displays	Gingerbread, mulled wine, roasted chestnuts
Neumarkt	Ornament and toy stalls	Artisanal goods, local cuisine
Rudolfplatz	Nativity scene and carousel	Traditional German treats, hot drinks
Stadtgarten	Ice skating rink	Festive food vendors, mulled wine

Brauhaus Sion

Concluding the tour, the group makes its way to Brauhaus Sion, a historic brewery established in 1318.

This iconic brewhouse provides an opportunity for travelers to further enjoy Cologne’s rich beer culture.

Situated under the Cologne Cathedral, Brauhaus Sion offers an array of traditional Kölsch beers and hearty German fare.

Guests can opt to enjoy a final pint of the local brew or indulge in a full-course meal, capping off the day’s festivities.

The brewery’s cozy, authentic ambiance and prime location make it an ideal spot to conclude the Cologne Christmas Market and Kölsch Beer Small-Group Tour on a high note.

Inclusions and Accessibility

The tour provides several inclusions to enhance the overall experience.

Appetizers are provided at the first stop, Brauerei zur Malzmühle. Drinks, including Kölsch beers and mulled wine, are available for purchase throughout the tour.

The meeting point is at Brauerei zur Malzmühle, while the tour concludes at Brauhaus Sion, where guests have the option to dine.

The tour is wheelchair accessible and near public transportation. Service animals are also allowed.

With these inclusions and accessibility features, the tour caters to a wide range of travelers, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience in Cologne.

Pricing and Booking Information

The tour’s pricing starts from $34.23, with a Lowest Price Guarantee.

Travelers can book this tour with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts. Confirmation is received at booking, unless within 6 hours of travel.

According to the reviews, some travelers estimated around $50 in additional costs for drinks after the tour.

Traveler Reviews and Feedback

Travelers consistently praise the Cologne Christmas Market and Kölsch Beer Small-Group Tour, with an overall rating of 4.5 stars from 20 reviews.

The majority of reviewers, 16 out of 20, awarded the tour a perfect 5 stars, highlighting the knowledgeable and entertaining guides, the illuminating historical insights, and the overall enjoyable experience.

While a few travelers noted additional costs for drinks, estimating around $50 after the tour, the positive feedback underscores the tour’s value and the lively atmosphere of Cologne’s festive markets and renowned breweries.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Many Kölsch Beer Samples Are Included in the Tour?

The tour includes one pint of Kölsch beer at the first brewery stop, Brauerei zur Malzmühle. Additional Kölsch beers and other drinks are available for purchase throughout the experience.

Is the Tour Suitable for Gluten-Free or Vegetarian Travelers?

The tour appears suitable for gluten-free and vegetarian travelers, as it provides appetizers, and the beer and mulled wine can be enjoyed without the need for gluten-containing beverages. However, the extent of the options for these dietary requirements is not explicitly stated.

How Long Is the Walk Between the Different Locations on the Tour?

The tour involves short walks between the three main locations, which are all within close proximity to each other in the historic center of Cologne. The total walking distance is approximately 10-15 minutes.

Are Any Dietary Restrictions or Allergies Accommodated on the Tour?

The tour accommodates dietary restrictions and allergies. Vegetarian appetizers are available, and guests can request special meal options. The tour guides work to ensure all participants have an enjoyable experience.

Can the Tour Be Booked for a Private Group?

The tour can be booked for a private group, though group size is limited to 10 travelers. Guests should contact the tour provider for availability and pricing details for a private tour experience.

Sum Up

The Cologne Christmas Market and Kölsch Beer Small-Group Tour provides an exceptional opportunity to take in the vibrant local culture and traditions of Cologne. Guests can savor the iconic Kölsch beer, marvel at the enchanting Christmas markets, and gain valuable historical insights from knowledgeable guides, all within a intimate and convivial setting. This tour promises an unforgettable experience that captures the essence of Cologne’s festive spirit.