Getting there: Flights to Cologne are priced from as little as £60 return per person on certain airlines and Eurostar from £105. We can book these options on your behalf, we will be happy to assist you with finding the most cost effective option. Please call or email us for further information

The Cologne Carnival takes place annually and is thought to have begun 2000 years ago as a religious ‘party' and ‘final fling' before the start of Lent

Traditionally, the "fifth season" (carnival season) is declared open at 11 minutes past 11 on the 11th of November. The Carnival spirit is then temporarily suspended during the Advent and Christmas period, and picks up again in earnest in the New Year. It is also the longest carnival season anywhere in the world, erupting in a burst of outdoor festivities known as the ‘Crazy Days' on it's final 6 days before Lent.

This week long street festival climaxes with the Rose Monday Parade, concluding a week of boisterous reveling, masquerading, drinking and dancing in the streets that challenges everything you may have heard about German seriousness.

The Rose Monday Parade is the largest celebration of the year in Cologne and getting a decent viewing spot can prove difficult. We are pleased to be able to offer an upgrade option for Grandstand seating for those passengers that would like to enjoy the parade in comfort and style. Please note that Grandstand seating is all covered (meaning the party goes on rain or shine) and all packages include entry into the best Carnival nightclub in Cologne – Wiener Steffie (normally €12).

These Grandstand packages are limited so book early to save disappointment!

Grandstand seating for the Rose Monday Parade: £70.00
Grandstand seating for Rose Monday Parade, including unlimited Koelsch beer and softdrinks: £90
Grandstand seating for Rose Monday Parade, including unlimited Koelsch beer, softdrinks and traditional German refreshments (Gulasch casserole, bread rolls etc): £115

The typical cry during the festival is "Kölle Alaaf!", a local ‘Kolsch' phrase which can be roughly translated as "Long live Cologne !"
Every year 3 people (the Dreigestirn ) are granted the titles of Jungfrau , Prinz , and Bauer (virgin, prince and farmer), and pay a large sum of money for their privileges. The Carnival Prince is deemed to be the highest representative of the festivities, leading the main parades throughout the week. Traditionally, the Jungfrau is male.

The official carnival with its parades and stage shows is run by the Festkomitee Kölner Karneval (Cologne Carnival Celebration Committee), which was founded in 1823. Alongside there are many other carnival events throughout the city's bars, clubs and local communities.

Although the organised event only dates back to 1823, carnival has been celebrated in Cologne long before this, with its roots dating back as far as Roman times. Even throughout the Middle Ages, the French Revolution, and the Prussian occupation, locals have taken to the streets and watering holes of Cologne to enjoy the festivities and indulge in a party atmosphere where anything goes!

Over the decades, Carnival has evolved and become what it is today – one of Europe 's largest, most memorable and undoubtedly most colourful celebrations!