Timeline
15:54
Grab a Kölsch and a light bite at the beer hall right next to the cathedral. It is open late, so you can settle in and watch the afternoon light shift.
16:24
Walk to St. Cecilia's Church. It is a short stroll from the cathedral area. Spend some time looking at the 12th-century tympanum and the medieval art inside the Museum Schnütgen before the crowds gather for the sunset.
16:54
Head to the back of the Kölner Dom and take the straight path to the Hohenzollern Bridge. The sun is setting toward the WSW, casting a golden glow over the Rhine and the padlocks covering the bridge rails. This is the key moment.
17:09
End the evening at Lommerzheim, a pub near the bridge. It is open for dinner and drinks until late, making it a perfect spot to stay as the city lights come on.
Local tip
Check the opening hours for Lommerzheim to ensure it fits your plans. The bridge is a popular spot for padlocks, so expect some crowds during sunset.
Check before you go
- Lommerzheim is open Mo, We-Sa 11:00-14:30, 16:30-24:00 and Su 11:00-14:30, 16:30-23:00.
- St. Cecilia's Church is open Tu, We, Fr-Su 10:00-18:00 and Th 10:00-20:00.
Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Cologne (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).