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Cologne Cruises & boat tours

Our most recommended Cologne Cruises & boat tours

Cologne: Panoramic City Cruise

1. Cologne: Panoramic City Cruise

Journey through the charming city of Cologne and discover its sightseeing highlights from the water. Grab some snacks and drinks from the onboard bar (at your own expense), and relax as you look out at Cologne’s historic landmarks and bridges. Get to know Cologne's Old Town, characterized by its beautiful churches and historic buildings. You'll also spot impressive modern buildings here and there, such as the Lindt chocolate museum.  Take in views of bridges from the water like the Hohenzollern, Deutz Suspension Bridge, and the South Bridge. Pass by the the German Sports and Olympic Museum and cruise through the ultra-modern Rheinauhafen urban regeneration project.  Admire the beautiful Cologne Cathedral and snap some photos from afar to capture the structure in all its glory.

Cologne: Top Sights Rhine River Cruise

2. Cologne: Top Sights Rhine River Cruise

See Cologne's top sights from the water on a city cruise. Spot the world-famous Cologne Cathedral, cruise under 5 bridges, and take in the running commentary from the ship's speakers. Start your Rhine cruise with the ship MS Rheinperle, MS Rheinland, or MS Rheintreue. After taking in a view of the iconic Cologne Cathedral and Old Town, cruise to the Rheinauhafen, where you can spot its distinctive crane houses. Pass under 5 bridges to reach Rodenkirchen in the south. The cruise will then take you to the main sights of the city north of the Dome, such as the Zoobrücke bridge. During the cruise, discover more about the sights of Cologne with on-board commentary and English and German. If you want, relax with a local Kölsch beer or a strong coffee and a piece of cake.

Cologne: City Cruise on the Rhine Along Old Town

3. Cologne: City Cruise on the Rhine Along Old Town

All tours lead along the old town panorama and past the Rheinauhafen with the crane houses and back down the Rhine to Cologne-Mülheim. Continue up the Rhine to the zoo/cable car, where you can also get on and off. Finally, the cruise returns to the starting point, the pier at Dom/Hohenzollernbrücke where the trip ends.

Cologne: Rhine River Cruise Through the Old Town

4. Cologne: Rhine River Cruise Through the Old Town

See Cologne's top sights from the water on a city cruise. Admire views of the world-famous Cologne Cathedral from the water and dive deeper into the sites with the running commentary from the ship's loudspeakers. Start your Rhine cruise by boarding on of the spacious river boats, the MS Rheinperle, the MS Rheinland, or the MS Rheintreue. Set off on your sightseeing adventure. Capture pictures of views of the iconic Cologne Cathedral and Old Town, cruise to the Rheinauhafen where the Schokoladenmuseum and Sportmuseum are located. Pass by the distinctive crane houses of the harbor area. Pass under 5 bridges to reach the Rodenkirchen borough in the south. During the cruise, discover more about the sights of Cologne with on-board commentary in both English and German.  Indulge in an onboard treat with the option to purchase a local Kölsch beer or a strong coffee and a piece of cake. Return to your meeting point at the end of your relaxing cruise. 

Cologne to Königswinter: Siebengebirge Cruise

5. Cologne to Königswinter: Siebengebirge Cruise

Explore the spectacular Siebengebirge on a fascinating boat tour. Climb aboard in Cologne and cruise past Bonn and the legendary Drachenfels to Königswinter. Admire the stunning views of the countryside and the towns along the way. The Drachenfels is the most famous mountain in the region surrounding Cologne and Bonn. At the top of the summit is a ruined castle which, together with the Drachenfels plateau, is one of the most popular recreation areas in the Rhineland. Stroll along the waterfront or head up the mountain with the Drachenfels Railway to enjoy the breathtaking views over the Rhine Valley and the Rolandsbogen. You can choose between a one-way cruise from Cologne to Königswinter or a roundtrip cruise from Cologne to Königswinter and back. If you opt for the roundtrip cruise, you’ll have sufficient time to explore Königswinter on your own.

Cologne: 2-Hour Evening Cruise on the Rhine River

6. Cologne: 2-Hour Evening Cruise on the Rhine River

Hoist anchor in the evening to glide past the exquisite backdrop of Cologne, the cathedral city. Get the best seats in town for touring the romanesque churches of St. Kunibert, Groß St. Martin, St. Maria Lyskirchen, and the massive Cologne Cathedral as the sun sets and the city lights up. Witness the charming atmosphere when twilight envelops the city and the sights of the Rhine metropolis shimmer like jewels in the light. See how the cathedral crowns the city skyline with unearthly beauty, glowing in green light. In good weather, take a seat in a beach chair or deckchair on the spacious open deck and enjoy the panoramic view of Cologne. Head below deck for comfortable seats away from the wind and see the city from the large windows. Enjoy live lounge music throughout your 2-hour journey for an extra dose of bliss. Check out the bar and barbecue for a selection of cocktails, beers, or tasty snacks.

Cologne: 3-Hour Harbor Tour Cruise

7. Cologne: 3-Hour Harbor Tour Cruise

Discover some of Cologne’s harbors and their facilities on a harbor cruise. Listen to interesting facts about how the harbor functions from your local guide en route. Sit back and relax as you take in the sights from the water, as you make your way in and out of harbors like the Niehl container harbor—one of Germany's largest inland ones. Become a pro at the history of the Rheinau Harbor, hear fascinating insights about the Deutz and Mülheim harbors, and head into the Niehl container harbor, one of Germany’s largest inland harbors on this cruise. During your cruise, listen as your guide offers information and exciting anecdotes about Cologne's harbors, their history, dates, and figures.

Cologne: Winter Cruise with Live Music

8. Cologne: Winter Cruise with Live Music

Enjoy a festive and romantic winter cruise along the Rhine River with festive live music. Get great views from the panorama boat of Cologne’s skyline, which is beautifully decorated during the holiday season. See some of Cologne's most iconic sites like the famous church "Groß St. Martin", the former Rheinau Harbour with the three crane houses and, of course, Cologne Cathedral. Listen to musicians play festive music and sip on a cup of "Glühwein" (hot wine punch), coffee, or hot chocolate (available for purchase on board).

Cologne: Rhine River Cruise with Live Music

9. Cologne: Rhine River Cruise with Live Music

Enjoy the charming sights of Cologne from a heated boat on the Rhine River. Sip on a glass of Kölsch or a hot beverage as you take in the atmosphere.  View some of Cologne's most spectacular architecture, like the Groß St. Martin Church, the former Rheinau harbour with the three crane houses and, of course, Cologne Cathedral.  Listen to a musician play both traditional and modern tunes live. Purchase some cold local beer, tea, or coffee to enjoy during your cruise.

Cologne: River Cruise with Live Music Entertainment

10. Cologne: River Cruise with Live Music Entertainment

Enjoy a leisurely themed boat trip along the Cologne panorama between Rodenkirchen in the south and Mülheim in the north as the sun slowly sinks towards the horizon. Singing and swaying along is the order of the day as our DJ gets the mood going with Cologne hits and popular pop songs. View some of Cologne's most spectacular architecture, like the Groß St. Martin Church, the former Rheinau harbour with the three crane houses and, of course, Cologne Cathedral.

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Frequently asked questions about Cologne Cruises & boat tours

What are other things to do than Cruises & boat tours that are worth visiting in Cologne?

The other unmissable things to do in Cologne are:

Other Sightseeing Options in Cologne

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What people are saying about Cologne

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 11 reviews

Really enjoyable - the boat was nicely decorated and lovely and warm when it was sub zero outside . excellent singer playing the keyboard . Good party atmosphere . Excellent bar staff and drinks .Not overcrowded either. Better than expected for the price paid

After spending a long time walking round the city in the cold this cruise was a great break. The boat was really clean, warm and welcoming. The live entertainment was really good and git you in the Xmas mood.

Nice trip on the Rhine with festive atmosphere and entertainment. Nice and warm inside the boat. Food and drink orders served in good time. Enjoyed this trip and would do again and recommend.

Absolutely lovely, a fantastic Christmas experience with an amazing atmosphere. We booked the later cruise for the lights and were not disappointed. Recommend to anyone visiting in winter

Lovely staff. Comfortable boat. Delicious food and drinks.