Cologne Local History and Hidden Gems Tour

Do you want to see Cologne through the eyes of locals, learning Cologne's important history but not being dragged through dry facts and numbers? How about finding hidden spots not even locals now about but help explain the attitude Cologne has had for generations? Maybe you want to understand why people here love their city so unconditionally despite its bizarre issues and blatant mismanagement?
We've got the tour for you. For the few hours we're together, we'll give you an understanding of what makes Cologne so unique, so loved by locals and expats alike, such a cheery place despites its exterior and the mistakes that cover the city (we'll talk about those too!) We'll help you understand the true Kölner Feeling, the Cologne Feeling that is contagious to all who incounter it.

Meeting Point

Domplatte

Domplatte, 50667 Köln, Germany

Meet your guide near the Kreuzblume, away from the entrance of the cathedral to the east and down a slight flight of stairs! The will be wearing a Freewalk Cologne ID badge.

What's included:

• Personal guide.

What to expect:

Duration: 2 hours

Cologne Cathedral

Domkloster 4, Cologne, 50667, North Rhine-Westphalia

The starting point of our tour, here you'll meet your guide and start with an introduction into the city of Cologne and what you can expect while visiting this loved city on the Rhine!
We'll begin with the history of Cologne's foundation and the woman who helped build it while also exploring some hidden nearby ruins not known by most locals. You'll also begin to learn what makes Cologne so much different than other German cities!

20 minutes

Hohenzollern Bridge

Kennedy-Ufer 2a, Cologne, 50679, North Rhine-Westphalia

Also known as the Love Lock bridge, view the Cathedral from its most famous angle while learning the history of Cologne's most important bridge from the good to the bad. You'll also hear a little of Cologne's history of poor construction.

10 minutes

Fischmarkt

Fischmarkt, 50667 Köln, Germany

Visit Cologne's famous Fischmarket while hearing stories of the Rhein river and its importance to Cologne. With one of Cologne's most iconic views as a backdrop, here you'll learn what made the river both the greatest giver and taker of life in Cologne while making us a city larger than London for centuries.

10 minutes

Brauhaus Sünner im Walfisch

Salzgasse 13, 50667 Köln, Germany

It wouldn't be a Cologne tour if we didn't stop for a Kölsch and get to know more about our most famous beer.

20 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Willi-Ostermann-Brunnen

Köln-Altstadt-Nord, 50667 Cologne, Germany

Fresh from a refreshing Kölsch, visit Cologne's most famous songwriter and hear his impact on Karneval, our fifth season. Dive into the importance of this period and learn a few songs and dances as well.

15 minutes

Old Market

Alter Markt 18, 50667 Köln, Germany

Cologne is full of hidden figures and meanings. We've got you covered. From here we'll give you a timeline of the city and show you when rivalries and animosity lead to obsceneties that can still be seen in our city center today.

15 minutes

Roncalliplatz

Roncalliplatz, Cologne, 50667, North Rhine-Westphalia

Cologne is full of hidden figures and meanings. We've got you covered. From here we'll give you a timeline of the city and show you when rivalries and animosity lead to obsceneties that can still be seen in our city center today.

15 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Cologne Cathedral

Domkloster 4, Cologne, 50667, North Rhine-Westphalia

We'll return to the Dom to end our stories with the history of our most important building. Go through the history of the Cathedral step by step and decide for yourself why this building defines so much of the city and its people.
Learn the history and, maybe more importantly, the meaning of Cologne's Cathedral to its people. Get to know the stories that built the Dom as well as those that almost tore it down. Leave feeling more connected to Cologne's most important monument and the most touristed attraction in Germany.

Here, we'll end our tour and leave you with recommendations and tips on what to explore next, where to eat, and where to find the best Cologne has to offer.

15 minutes