Rhine shipping Cologne: Everything you need to know
Where do the ships leave from?
Most Cologne Rhine tours start on Frankenwerft right next to Cologne Cathedral - an iconic starting point with a view of the Romanesque church of Groß St. Martin. Alternatively, some tours start on Cologne Rheinauhafen in the south of the old town. Exact departure points and times will be provided upon booking.
When is the best time for a Cologne Rhine cruise?
The following applies to day trips: the light is most beautiful early in the morning and you are more likely to have the ship to yourself. The lunch and afternoon tours are busier and more colorful - ideal for groups and families. Depending on the time of year, the evening cruise starts from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. and is particularly magical in the evening.
The Peak season April to October offers the full timetable. There are limited tours in winter - check availability when booking.
Which tour is right for me?
First-time visitors to Cologne: Choose the Skyline tour (€24) – it shows the most sights and has by far the most positive reviews.
Spontaneous and budget-conscious people: The 1-hour Rhine boat trip (€19) is compact, inexpensive and still offers the complete cathedral experience.
Romantic evening or special occasions: The evening boat trip (€29) is an unforgettable experience - especially with a view of the illuminated Cologne bank after dark.
Multi-day cruises from Cologne
Cologne is also a central starting point for multi-day Rhine cruises - for example on the route Cologne–Basel or Cologne–Amsterdam. Providers such as Viking River Cruises, A-ROSA and Phoenix Reisen offer regular departures here. More about this on our All-inclusive cruise site.