Schaafenstrasse

Cologne’s Bermuda Triangle

There’s a high density of bars along the 150 metres of Schaafenstraße, as well as loads of cafés, restaurants, saunas, clubs and party venues. In fact, it’s Cologne’s hotspot for the LGBTQIA+ community. And that means you can spend all night going from one bar to the next, just as you please. There’s even a central cloakroom — just for visitors to Schaafenstraße. That makes it even easier to go out along the city’s party mile, because you don’t need to remember in which venue you left your jacket.

On Schaafenstraße, you’ll have fun as you dive into a party culture that’s as colourful as the rainbow. In other words, everyone’s welcome in these extremely diverse establishments, whether you’re looking for a Kölsch, a cocktail, a meal or a chance to dance till you drop. In the past, cows and sheep were driven through Schaafenstraße to be sold in the “new market” — the present-day Neumarkt. Today the street is famous as the legendary “Bermuda Triangle” of the LGBTQIA+ scene.

In the heart of Schaafenstraße: the Mumu gay bar

At the Mumu, every day is a party day, with a changing cast of DJs. Our tip about what to drink: the bar’s homemade “Mumu juice”. Once a week, it’s time for karaoke. If you’re looking for a chance to reveal your hidden talent as a famous singer or even a notorious one, you’ll be in the right place at Mumu.

ExCorner Cologne: a loud and funky bar

The ExCorner Cologne is usually bursting at the seams. It’s friendly and treats its crowds of funky guests to German pop music and golden oldies. It’s an optimal place for dancing till you drop, swaying or just singing along with the music. The shabby charm of this traditional Kölsch pub is worth a mention, and so is its lovingly assembled would-be fancy decor.

Iron Cocktail Lounge: perfectly mixed

Cocktails, cocktails, cocktails — and a live DJ, as well as friendly staff: the Iron Cocktail Lounge is a top address for unusual mixtures. At a certain hour, tables are moved aside to make room for a dance floor. And of course parties are thrown here too, at weekends and on special occasions such as Carnival and CSD — not to mention the karaoke sessions.

Bars in the Bermuda Triangle: schampanja

The schampanja pub has existed for 30 years — which makes it a “veteran” of the Bermuda Triangle and a local institution. As you might expect, its guests are no longer very young. However, other pubs come and go — but the schampanja stays.

CSD and the Schaafenstraße Street fair

Christopher Street Day, or CSD for short, in Cologne is the biggest event of its kind in Germany, attracting about a million visitors every year. The Schaafenstraße street fair takes place one week before CSD. It’s a highlight of the ColognePride programme, offering visitors open-air summer emotions along its entire length on two atmospheric days.