Cologne Carnival should never be skipped. It’s colourful, chaotic, loud, warm, and honestly one of the most fun cultural experiences I’ve ever had in Germany. It’s one of those times when Germans completely let go, and the festive energy takes over the entire city. Carnival is celebrated across parts of Europe-from Austria and the Netherlands to Switzerland-but Cologne (Köln) is the beating heart of it all.

Before I moved to Germany, I met a German embassy official at a going-away Erasmus gala dinner. When I asked her what I had to see, she didn’t hesitate: “Don’t miss Cologne Carnival.” She was right and I’m so glad I listened.

What is Cologne Carnival?

Cologne Carnival (Kölner Karneval) is one of the biggest and oldest carnivals in Europe, famous for its costumes, traditions, and the friendly chaos that fills every street. Floral bouquets, sweets, and chocolates get thrown into the crowd. Marching bands, floats, and the famous Dreigestirn-the Prince, the Peasant, and the Maiden-take centre stage.

I’ll never forget standing with hundreds of people outside the Cologne Cathedral, watching umbrellas flip upside down under the weight of candy. I was dressed as a cat; nearby, people were wearing everything from onesies to full-on Frida Kahlo looks. It’s that kind of festival. It’s fun and exciting.

📅 Cologne Carnival Dates

• Weiberfastnacht: Thursday, 12 February 2026
• Carnival Friday: Friday, 13 February 2026
• Carnival Saturday: Saturday, 14 February 2026
• Carnival Sunday: Sunday, 15 February 2026
• Rose Monday: Monday, 16 February 2026
• Violet Tuesday: Tuesday, 17 February 2026
• Ash Wednesday: Wednesday, 18 February 2026

Why do they celebrate carnival in Germany?

Cologne Carnival has a history that stretches back almost 2,000 years. During the time of the Roman Empire, the festival honoured Dionysus, the god of wine and celebration. People feasted, drank, and used the occasion to openly criticise those in power. This tradition of satire still continues today.

Mockery has become one of the most iconic parts of Cologne Carnival. Every year, the parade features floats that poke fun at political figures and global events. This playful spirit goes back to when Cologne was under Prussian and later French rule, where locals dressed up as officers to make fun of the authorities.

Today, this long history has shaped what locals proudly call the “fifth season.” It’s a time when the city lets loose, traditions come alive, and everyone joins in the fun.

What is the Catholic carnival in Germany?

Carnival in Germany, especially in cities like Cologne, Düsseldorf, and Mainz, has deep historical roots. Although it originally evolved from ancient celebrations of Dionysus, it later became Christianized and is now closely linked to the Catholic calendar. Carnival takes place six weeks before Easter, just before Lent. Lent is a reflective period traditionally associated with fasting or giving up certain luxuries.

Because Lent is a quieter, more restrained time, Carnival has become the moment for people to celebrate freely before the season begins. In Cologne, the usual closing times for bars and pubs are suspended, the streets turn into lively festival zones, and everyone dresses up in colourful costumes. No matter how cold it is, you’ll see every kind of costume imaginable. If you plan on attending, dressing up is a must. You’ll feel out of place without something fun to wear! Even a bright wig or quirky hat from shops in the city centre or at the Hauptbahnhof (train station) will do.

If you want the full experience, try to arrive early and watch the parades. I highly recommend Rosenmontag, one of the biggest days of Carnival. I loved seeing so many happy people. Be mindful that the front rows are usually filled with children, and pushing is considered poor form.

And while you’re in Cologne, try the local beer, Kölsch. My friends enjoyed it on Rosenmontag (it’s in the photo below). I only had a sip becuase I’m definitely more of a wine girl than a beer girl!

🍻 What to Expect at Cologne Carnival

Everyone Dresses Up

Costumes are a must. Babies, grandparents, people in wheelchairs, students absolutely everyone. One elderly gentleman I saw had rainbow streamers on his wheelchair and was waving at the crowd like a celebrity. If you don’t have time to plan a costume, buy a wig, mask, or hat at the Hauptbahnhof. You’ll feel out of place without something.

Crowded Trains & Buses

Be patient. Public transport gets packed. Plan extra travel time.

Beer & Sweets Everywhere

You’ll see (and taste!) Cologne’s famous beer, Kölsch. And the sweets, choclates and tissues are thrown from floats. My friend caught roses and enough chocolate to last a week.

🌟 Why I Loved Cologne Carnival

There’s nothing like this in Cape Town, where I am from. I’ve been to the Cape Town Carnival, and it’s beautiful but Cologne Carnival is wild, historic, and completely immersive. I felt like I stepped into a living celebration with centuries of stories behind it.

💡 Tips for Cologne Carnival

Keep Your Belongings Safe

Carnivals + alcohol + crowds = lost phones and coats. Keep everything zipped and close to your body.

Arrive Early

The best spots fill fast. Arriving early means catching more sweets and being close to the action.

Don’t Skip Rosenmontag

This is the highlight it has huge floats, music, dancers, and the Dreigestirn. It’sthe parade I attended.

Eat Before You Go

Start with a big breakfast and drink plenty of water. Festivities begin early. You need energy to walk around and if you pan on drinking beer it’s best to eat beforehand.

Pick a Viewing Spot Wisely

Neumarkt, the Rhine, and the Dom get the largest crowds. Try quieter side streets between Neumarkt and Rudolfplatz.

Enjoy the Street Food

Cologne’s bratwurst and currywurst hit the spot when you’re on your feet all day.

Train Travel Is Cheapest

Flights to Cologne get expensive during Carnival. Trains are the way to go if you’re coming from nearby European cities.

Don’t Stress if You Can’t Catch Sweets

People grab them from the ground afterwards- it’s totally normal as long as they’re wrapped.

🏨 Where to Stay

I lived in Essen, so I didn’t need accommodation. But I know that travellers rave about Hostel Köln. It’s affordable, clean, and surprisingly quiet during Carnival.

📸 Explore More of Cologne

If you plan to explore before or after Carnival, check out the tourism office’s guides for museums, historic sites, and walking routes.

Cologne Carnival is one of the happiest festivals I’ve ever experienced. If you’re thinking of going, do it. Have fun, dress up, eat, dance, catch sweets, laugh, and enjoy the madness.

Have you been to a carnival before?
Let me know in the comments.I love hearing people’s travel stories.

Happy travels!