Exploring Cologne’s Old Town breweries on a Guided Walking Tour

Cologne stands out among other European cities for its rich history of brewing beer traditions. With a long-standing reputation of beer excellence, Cologne beer fans come from around the globe, eager to join a guided tour of the Old Town’s breweries.

For those yearning to discover and sample the region’s renowned hops and malt brews, an exhilarating three-brewery tour awaits, delivered with an expert guide who can explain all that must be appreciated along the way. On a Cologne Guided Walking Tour to 3 Old Town Breweries, you will be given a glimpse into the fascinating past and present of this beer brewing mecca.

History of Brewing Culture in Cologne

The earliest records of brewing in Cologne trace back to 1130s when local monasteries began producing beer. Soon thereafter in 1248, Cologne’s residents adopted the Reinheitsgebot, or German Purity Law — one of the world’s oldest regulations governing what ingredients could be used in brewing beer. At the time, water, hops, and barley were the only ingredients permitted in any beer brewed within its limits.

Today, around 30 breweries in the region continue to produce Kolsch, the distinct pale ale typically served in Cologne. Along the tour, you will have the unique opportunity to try some of the region’s premier craft beers and experience firsthand the depth of history held within each sip.

Discover Authentic Beer Destinations on Your Three-Brewery Tour

The three breweries you will visit are all located in the charming streets of Old Town in the Friesenviertel district. As your knowledgeable guide navigates these narrow lanes and hidden alcoves, you will quickly understand why the tour’s popularity continues to grow.

Marsenbräu Grefrath im Grefrather Hausbrunnen

Your tour begins at Marsenbräu Grefrath im Grefrather Hausbrunnen, the only brewery in Cologne run by a woman — Claudia Marsen. Marsenbräu mixes traditional brewing techniques with modern tastes, resulting in its extraordinary range of beers. During its open hours within the weekdays, a visit here offers an intimate introduction to experiencing first-hand how beer is carefully crafted from its raw ingredients.

Paeffgen Brauerei und Heimatstübchen im Füchschen

The next stop on your tour brings you to Paeffgen Brauerei und Heimatstübchen im Füchschen in the Nippes neighborhood. It is called this because the brewery was owned by Füchschen since 1863. Here, you can enjoy a sample of Paeffgen Kölsch or one of their great seasonal brews while marveling at the original 19th century architecture that has been preserved.

Früh Kölsch Brauereiausschank am Früh am Dom

The last venue on your three brewery tour is the Früh Kölsch Brauereiausschank am Früh am Dom in Cologne’s renowned tourist hot spot, Altstadt (Old Town). This historic brewpub has served customers since 1614 and remains one of Cologne’s premier destinations for tasting hearty beer served up with a warm atmosphere. As a bonus, this venue also offers brewery tours during certain days of the year, further solidifying its standing as a must-see place to visit in Cologne.

Wrap Up

Arguably no other region in Europe has produced a beer tradition quite like those found in Cologne’s Old Town districts. A guided walking tour is a great way to get acquainted with how brewers turn raw ingredients into something special for beer fans around the world. The stories behind their craft are captivating and part of what makes these local hops so savory and unique time after time. Once you join Cologne Guided Walking Tour to 3 Old Town Breweries, you’re sure to leave with a renewed appreciation for Cologne’s vibrant beer culture and a story or two about your adventure trailing along its well-worn brewing paths.

An Insider’s Guide to Exploring the Best of Cologne

As a local, I have experienced Cologne, the city nestled in western Germany located on the banks of the Rhine, in a way that no mainstream travel guide can offer. In this insider’s guide, I’ll introduce you to some lesser-known gems, foods, cultural experiences, and history that you must see to make your trip unforgettable.

Local Attractions

Cologne is home to the biggest cathedral in Germany, and no trip to this city is complete without visiting the Kölner Dom. However, to explore some hidden gems, you must visit the Belgian Quarter, home to some unique boutiques, art galleries, and cozy cafes. Another lesser-known place is the St. Ursula Basilica, which houses the relic of St. Ursula and houses the skeletons of the Eleven Thousand Virgins.

For a more tranquil experience, visit the Japanese Garden, a peaceful oasis amidst the hustle-bustle of the city. The stunning sculptures, bamboo, ponds, and cherry blossoms make it an ideal place to unwind, relax, and enjoy nature.

Dining Spots

The food culture in Cologne is diverse, and you can find some mouth-watering local cuisine here. The must-try food here is ‘Himmel un Ääd’, a dish made of mashed potatoes, apple sauce, and black pudding. For sweet tooths, the ‘Kölsch’ beer and ‘Reibekuchen’, potato pancakes, served with apple sauce and sugar, is a perfect treat.

For dinner, visit ‘Frau Schmitz’ for a fantastic meal made of local ingredients, or ‘Brauerei zur Malzmühle’ to taste traditional German dishes like ‘Sauerbraten.’

Cultural Experiences

Cologne has several cultural experiences to offer. Every November, the city’s streets get alive with the sound of music, dance, and costumes as the locals commemorate the Cologne Carnival. If you are here in June, visit the film festival, which features various local and international movies.

If you are interested in art, visit the Museum Ludwig, which showcases modern and contemporary art. The Kolumba is an amalgamation of contemporary art and archaeological achievements and is worth a visit.

Local History

Cologne is a city that has gone through several ups and downs. You can visit the ancient Roman artifacts in the Romano-Germanic Museum, or learn about the city’s industrial history at the Cologne Industry Museum. The most remarkable story of the city, however, remains the 13-year long construction of the Kölner Dom Cathedral in the late 19th century.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions

To experience Cologne historically, take a stroll on the Stadtmauer Wall Walk, where you can see the medieval city walls and gates from outside. If you want to do some shopping, visit the Mungo Shop, which has a great collection of fair-trade, ecologically sound items. For an out of this world experience visit, the Gasometer, where you can marvel at the planetarium on the top floor.

Conclusion

Cologne, a city that blends modern and ancient history, offers many cultural experiences, local attractions, and unique dining spots that will leave a lasting impression. By including some hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path suggestions, this guide will provide you with an unforgettable and unique experience that you will look forward to sharing.