Cologne: Brewery Tour with 3 Kölsch Beer Tastings
Hightlight
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English-Speaking
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Group-Friendly
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Local guide
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Reservations
History
Cologne’s brewing tradition dates back over 1,000 years, with Kölsch officially recognized in 1986 under the Kölsch Konvention—only beers brewed within 50 km of the city can bear the name. Served in slim 0.2L “Stange” glasses, it’s a crisp, top-fermented ale protected like champagne.
The city’s 700-year-old breweries, many run by the same families for generations, survived wars and floods, anchoring Cologne’s identity in its golden, effervescent soul.
Highlights
- Experience Cologne’s renowned brewing culture
- Learn about Cologne’s most fascinating legends
- Enjoy the delicious local Kölsch beer
- Meet other beer-lovers from all over the world
- Taste 3 different Kölsch varieties in historic breweries
- Discover the 700-year-old Brauhaus Sion and Früh am Dom
- Walk the charming Old Town with insider stories
Full Description
This lively 2-hour brewery tour immerses you in Cologne’s legendary Kölsch culture. Starting near the cathedral, your expert guide leads you through the Old Town to three handpicked breweries—classic giants like Früh am Dom or Brauhaus Sion, plus younger, vibrant spots.
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At each stop, enjoy a fresh 0.2L Kölsch tasting (3 total) while learning brewing secrets, local legends, and the “Kölsch Basic Law.” Guides adapt the route based on group vibe, ensuring a personalized, fun experience.
Perfect for solo travelers, couples, or groups, this tour blends history, humor, and hops in Cologne’s beating heart.
Why Choose This Experience?
This isn’t just a pub crawl—it’s a deep dive into Cologne’s soul through its beer. With three authentic tastings, flexible brewery selection, and a knowledgeable guide, you’ll leave with new friends and a true taste of local life.
Ideal for beer enthusiasts and curious travelers, it’s the most entertaining way to understand why Kölsch isn’t just a drink—it’s a way of life.
What’s Included
- Tour guide
- Brewery tour
- 3 Kölsch tastings & Kölsch Basic Law to take away
- Visit to 3 traditional or modern breweries
- Live guiding in English and German
- Walking tour through Cologne Old Town
- Insider stories and brewing history
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance
- Reserve now & pay later option
- Small group experience (max 15–20)
- Kölsch glass etiquette lesson
Itinerary
- Meet at Kreuzblume monument (150m from Cologne Cathedral)
- Walk through Old Town to first brewery
- Visit 3 breweries (e.g., Früh am Dom, Brauhaus Sion, Gilden im Zims)
- 0.2L Kölsch tasting at each stop with commentary
- Learn Kölsch traditions, legends, and serving rules
- Free time to chat and enjoy atmosphere
- End near Heumarkt or original starting area
Pricing
From $32 per person
Meeting Point
Kreuzblume monument, 150 meters in front of Cologne Cathedral’s main entrance.
How to get there
- Walk 3 minutes from Cologne Cathedral (Dom)
- S-Bahn/Tram to “Dom/Hauptbahnhof” station
- Bus lines 132, 133, 260 to “Dom/Hbf”
- 5-minute walk from Cologne Hauptbahnhof
- Limited parking; use Dom Garage or public transport
Good to Know
What to bring
- Passport or ID card
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Weather-appropriate clothing
- Cash (some breweries prefer it)
- Camera or smartphone
Know before you go
- Participants must be at least 16 years of age to drink beer according to German law
- The itinerary given in the description is a sample and might vary
- The guides have the flexibility to choose which places will be visited according to the guests’ wishes
- Tour involves walking on cobblestones; wear sturdy shoes
- No food included; light snacks available at breweries
- Tour runs rain or shine; dress for weather
- Groups kept small for personal interaction
Reviews
- Our host Jacob was excellent. Well-informed and super friendly. Very cool to learn about the history of Kolsch and Cologne beer culture. Highly recommend!
- Very relaxed and informative tour. We had great fun with our guide and enjoyed our trip a lot.
- My wife and I had an excellent tour. Our guide, Esme was great. We toured 3 different breweries sampling the Kolsch beers. Esme also guided us on a tour around the Cologne historical area. Would highly recommend this tour.
Maps
Video
FAQ's
Do I need to be 18 to join the tour?
No, the tour is open to all ages, but German law requires participants to be at least 16 to drink beer. Those under 16 can join but will not receive tastings. ID may be checked at breweries. Non-alcoholic options are not included but can be purchased. The experience is still fun and educational for younger guests. Guides ensure everyone feels included. Parents must accompany minors. The legal drinking age for beer and wine in Germany is 16 with parental consent.
Can I choose which breweries we visit?
The guide selects three breweries based on group size, preferences, and current availability, so exact stops vary. Popular choices include Früh am Dom, Brauhaus Sion, Gilden im Zims, and Pfaffen. You can express preferences at the start (e.g., historic vs. modern). The route stays within the Old Town for easy walking. No brewery is skipped due to quality—all serve authentic Kölsch. Flexibility ensures the best experience.
Is food included or available?
No food is included, but all breweries offer traditional Cologne snacks like Halver Hahn (rye roll with cheese), Himmel un Ääd (mashed potatoes with apple sauce), or Flönz (blood sausage). You can order and pay separately at each stop. The focus is on beer, but eating is encouraged. Some breweries have full menus. Bring cash for quicker service. Vegetarians have options.
How much walking is involved?
The tour covers about 1–1.5 km on flat, cobblestone streets in the Old Town. Distances between breweries are short (3–7 minutes). The pace is relaxed with frequent stops. Comfortable shoes are essential. No hills or stairs inside breweries. Restrooms are available at each location. The route is stroller-friendly. Those with mobility issues should inform the guide in advance.
What makes Kölsch different from other beers?
Kölsch is a protected appellation—only brewed in Cologne using top-fermentation, then cold-conditioned like a lager. It’s light, crisp, and slightly fruity, served in 0.2L Stange glasses to stay fresh. Brewers follow the 1986 Kölsch Konvention. Waiters (Köbes) refill automatically until you place a coaster on top. It’s less bitter than Pilsner, more refined than Helles. You’ll taste subtle differences between breweries. Your guide explains the “Kölsch Basic Law” in detail.
