Kölsche Riviera

Cologne lies by the sea with many small sandy bays – okay, that's only 50% true, but it suffices for establishing the term Kölsche Riviera, where the waves of the Rhine wash up on sandy inlets. 

Located in the south of Cologne, near the district of Rodenkirchen, you'll find that time flies during extended walks through the floodplain landscape, past sunny coves and floating restaurants, as well as through the historic core of Rodenkirchen.

Location: from the Golden Gate Bridge of Cologne, southward bound 

The Kölsche Riviera isn't precisely defined: For some, it starts at the Heinrich-Lübke-Ufer in Cologne-Rodenkirchen, for others, it begins with the Rodenkirchener Brücke, the first Cologne car bridge over the Rhine, and then extends southward, with the Lein-Pfad at its back, along the Rhine. For many Cologne residents, the Riviera simply means the sandy riverbank sections, the small sandy bays for sunbathing and relaxing. By the way, swimming in the Rhine is prohibited here as well due to safety concerns.

Additionally, the beach area near Barbarastraße and along Uferstraße is also described as Kölsche Riviera. All in all, the Kölsche Riviera holds several options for walkers as well as extended outings by bike or on foot through the beautiful floodplain landscape.

Outing venues and breweries at the Kölsche Riviera  

As is typical in Cologne, provisions for refreshments are readily available here. You can stop by at the Gasthaus Zum Treppchen, a cozy, local tavern that has been around since 1820 and originally served as a watering place for Rhine shipping horses in 1656.

Charming too are the boathouses at the Kölsche Riviera such as "Alte Liebe" – the red and white striped floating restaurant. Like the other boathouses "Albatros" or "Rodenkirchen," it is located not far from Cologne's Golden Gate Bridge.

Rodenkirchen: historic city district  

South of Cologne's city center, Rodenkirchen adjoins as a city district and includes the city areas of Bayenthal, Godorf, and Hahnwald, as well as Marienburg, Sürth, and several other neighborhoods. Here you can find villa districts from the Wilhelminian era, gardens, and avenues with historic trees as well as current upscale residential areas. Strolling through here is enjoyable.

Furthermore, the extensive park and forest areas invite you to take long walks: for instance, in the Forstbotanical Garden, the Rheinaue, the Friedenswald, or Cologne's green belt.

Due to its location by the Rhine, Rodenkirchen is a stronghold for rowing sports within the Cologne Bay. Many boathouses on land and water shape the image of the district. Associations, societies, and clubs dedicated to water sports are based here.