1. km 689 Cologne Beach Club – the city’s smartest sands
If sophisticated settings with a hip atmosphere are your thing, head for the km 689 Cologne Beach Club in the district of Deutz. Across the Rhine from the city, this place boasts an unbeatable cityscape and ultrafine white sand. Lazing on a lounger or in a cabana, you can look straight across to the cathedral, gaze at the boats passing by and watch people out walking or skating along the riverside promenade. This is, by the way, also the place to enjoy the city’s most glorious sunset – ideally equipped with a sundowner. The bar has a good selection of drinks and snacks and – listen up, fans of open-air concerts – the beach club is located in the grounds of the Tanzbrunnen venue, which hosts dozens of events during the summer.
Entrance to the beach club is free. Parasols and cabanas can be rented. For information on changes to opening hours (due to the weather) and special events, check their website and socials.
Address: km 689 Cologne Beach Club, Rheinparkweg 1, 50679 Cologne
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2. Blackfoot Beach – lakeside relaxation and recreation
In the north of the city, at Fühlinger See lake, Blackfoot Beach has chilled spots for peace-loving sun worshippers as well as plenty of outdoor action for people who can’t keep their feet still in the sand for long! There’s a range of sports activities to try out, including stand-up paddleboarding, beach volleyball, archery, canoeing, diving and a high ropes course right next to the water. This Cologne beach club has cabanas to relax in too, as well as white sand and a wide range of food options. They also do regular themed parties like a salsa night and a Caribbean night, with music and a buffet.
Tickets have to be purchased online. You can buy them on the day and even at the gate (using your smartphone) – provided they’ve still got space.
Address: Blackfoot Köln, Stallagsbergweg 1, 50769 Cologne
1 May – 30 September, 10am-8pm, admission fees apply
www.instagram.com/blackfootbeach/ | www.facebook.com/BlackfootBeach
3. Rodenkirchen Riviera – a Cologne beach without the frills
Prefer to pack a picnic basket and head for a Cologne beach that isn’t a club? That’s what you’ll find at Rodenkirchen Riviera, the city’s very own côte d’azur. The most enjoyable way to get there is to cycle south from the city, along the right bank of the Rhine. The “riviera” has lots of bays and patches of grass to spread out your towel on, ancient weeping willows offering plenty of shade and wide expanses for a stroll. If you do fancy an ice cream, some chips or a coffee though, you’ll find a few nice cafés and restaurants in the centre of the Rodenkirchen neighbourhood. Incidentally, Rodenkirchen is easy to reach by boat too – Weiße Flotte run trips from the riviera to Cologne city centre, with wonderful views of both riverbanks, the bridges and the cathedral. One thing to bear in mind: swimming in the Rhine isn’t forbidden but it is dangerous! If you want to go for a dip, you’re better off visiting one of the nearby lakes or outdoor pools.
Address: Rodenkirchener Riviera, Uferstraße, 50996 Cologne
4. SonnenscheinEtage – Cologne’s highest beach club
Cologne’s SonnenscheinEtage takes the beach club concept to new heights – literally! Right in the middle of the city, at this beach bar you go up (fourteen floors to be precise) to wind down and enjoy the holiday vibes on the roof of a multi-storey car park. With bamboo fencing to keep the urban hustle and bustle out, this really is a fantastic place to chill to some tunes among the palm trees. As well as a fabulous view across the top of the city, you can enjoy cocktails and snacks as you soak up the atmosphere in the gravelly white sand. There are regular live DJ sets and the occasional BBQ night.
Before you set out, it’s best to check whether they’ve changed the opening hours (due to the weather) or are closed for a private party.
Address: Galeria Kaufhof car park B, 14th floor (use the left-hand lift), An St. Agatha 19-25, 50667 Cologne
Admission fee on the door
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Looking to cool down after your trip to the beach? This way for the perfect ice cream for an urban holiday.
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