Rheinpark Cologne

Rheinpark is the large park on the east bank of the Rhine in Cologne's Deutz district, and it offers some of the best views of the cathedral and old town. Lawns, flower gardens with waterfalls, an open-air stage and the cable car station sit side by side, and the park is free to enter. It is a great spot for a stroll, a picnic or a break from sightseeing.

Highlights and history

The city began turning former fortress land in Deutz into green space in 1907, and a first park designed by garden director Fritz Encke followed around 1913. The park took its present form for the 1957 national garden show, with another show in 1971. It has been a protected monument since 1989.

Features from that era include the Tanzbrunnen open-air stage of 1957 with its Frei Otto tent roof, a miniature railway running between the stage and the rose garden, and the Cologne cable car. A family park under the Zoo Bridge was added in 2012.

What to do

• Walk along the riverbank for the skyline view.
• Visit the rose garden and the flower beds with waterfalls.
• Ride the cable car: the 930-meter (about 3,000-foot) crossing takes roughly six minutes and links the park with the zoo.
• Let kids loose on the playgrounds, family park and youth park.

Plan one to two hours for the park, or half a day with the cable car and zoo.

Opening hours and rules

As of October 2026, the park is free to enter and open year-round. Dogs must be on a leash, and grilling is not allowed. The cable car runs daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (last boarding 5:45 p.m.) until early November. A round trip costs 9.50 euros for adults and 4.80 euros for children aged 4 to 12.

How to get there

Take an S-Bahn train to Köln-Deutz or tram lines 1 and 9 to Bahnhof Deutz/Messe, the nearest stops to the park. Bus 150 stops inside the park at Im Rheinpark. The Deutschlandticket is valid on local trains and buses. Parking is at the end of Auenweg under the Zoo Bridge, and the park sits on the Rhine cycle path.

Is it worth visiting?

Yes, if you want green space and a view of the skyline without an entrance fee. The park is suitable for wheelchair users, and the cable car doubles as a ride and a viewpoint.