Discover the dark history that lurks beneath Cologne’s picturesque façade on this captivating walking tour. Venture beyond the city’s charming old town and uncover its notorious past, from infamous criminals to chilling tales of the macabre. Follow your guide through the shadowy streets, exploring sites like the Cologne Cathedral and St. Andrews Church as you explore the city’s captivating storytelling. Whether you’re a history buff or simply curious about the darker side of this German gem, this immersive experience promises to leave you intrigued and eager to learn more.
Key Points
- The 1.5-hour walking tour explores Cologne’s dark history, including tales of notorious criminals, gruesome murders, and paranormal activity.
- Highlights include the last poisoner sentenced to death in Germany and the infamous ‘Vampire of Düsseldorf’.
- Visits historic sites beyond the old town, such as the Gothic Cologne Cathedral and 13th-century St. Andrews Church.
- Engaging storytelling provides a unique perspective on the city’s lesser-known, macabre narratives.
- Not suitable for wheelchair users, but comfortable shoes are recommended for the walking tour.
Tour Overview
The Cologne: The Dark Side of the City Walking Tour is a 1.5-hour guided experience that explores the grim history and notorious figures of Cologne.
Priced from $13.02 per person, it’s a tour that’s likely to sell out, so travelers should check availability for starting times.
Conducted in German, the tour takes visitors to historic spots away from the old town, including the iconic Cologne Cathedral and St. Andrews Church.
Along the way, the guide shares stories about Cologne’s dark past, from rogues and kidnappers to famous murderers.
Given the content, the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, but comfortable shoes and clothing are recommended.
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Tour Experience
On the Cologne: The Dark Side of the City Walking Tour, visitors are guided through the ghoulish past of the city, uncovering stories about rogues, kidnappers, murderers, and historical figures.
The tour takes participants to historic spots away from the old town, including the iconic Cologne Cathedral and St. Andrews Church.
Along the way, they’ll learn about Cologne’s dark history, such as the tale of the last poisoner sentenced to death in Germany and the infamous vampire of Düsseldorf.
The guided walking tour provides an immersive experience, transporting visitors back in time to explore the city’s shadier side.
Through vivid storytelling, the tour sheds light on Cologne’s lesser-known past, offering a unique and captivating perspective on the city.
Booking Information
Booking the Cologne: The Dark Side of the City Walking Tour is straightforward, as visitors can reserve their spot without upfront payment and cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance.
However, the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, so interested parties should keep that in mind when making their reservation. The tour is likely to sell out, so it’s best to check availability for starting times.
Once booked, participants can look forward to an engaging 1.5-hour guided walking tour that explores the dark side of Cologne. From learning about notorious historical figures to visiting eerie locations, this tour promises an immersive experience for those curious about the city’s ghoulish past.
What to Bring
Visitors should bring comfortable shoes to ensure they can easily navigate the walking tour’s historic route. A camera is recommended to capture memorable sights along the way.
Plus, packing water and wearing comfortable clothing will help participants stay hydrated and at ease during the 1.5-hour experience.
The following items are also suggested to enhance the tour:
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Umbrella or rain jacket, in case of inclement weather
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Notepad and pen to jot down interesting facts
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Snacks or a light meal to refuel during the tour
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Lightweight backpack or bag to carry personal items
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Map of Cologne, to orient oneself during the exploration
Customer Reviews
According to the given information, the Cologne walking tour has an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars based on 60 customer reviews. Reviewers have highlighted the tour as both entertaining and informative, providing an average value for money rating of 4.6 out of 5.
However, the service rating is slightly lower at 3 out of 5. The tour seems to offer a unique and engaging exploration of Cologne’s dark past, covering stories of historical figures, criminals, and supernatural elements.
While the service may not be exceptional, the overall experience appears to be well-received by participants, providing good value for the price. The tour’s popularity and positive reviews suggest it’s a worthwhile option for those interested in uncovering the city’s grim history.
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Exploring Cologne’s Dark Past
The Cologne walking tour delves into the city’s grim and grisly history, uncovering tales of notorious criminals, chilling murder mysteries, and the supernatural occurrences that have haunted the streets over the centuries.
Guests on the tour will hear captivating stories, including:
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The last poisoner sentenced to death in Germany for their deadly concoctions
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The infamous ‘Vampire of Düsseldorf,’ a serial killer who terrorized the region
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Shadowy figures and dark legends surrounding Cologne Cathedral
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The brutal crimes of Cologne’s old underworld, from kidnappers to cold-blooded murderers
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Haunting accounts of ghosts and paranormal activity that still linger in the city’s historic sites
This immersive experience provides a thrilling look at the sinister side of Cologne’s past.
Notorious Figures and Crimes
On the Cologne walking tour, guests uncover the dark histories of the city’s most notorious criminals, from cold-blooded murderers to cunning poisoners who once stalked the streets.
One infamous figure is the ‘Vampire of Düsseldorf,’ a serial killer who terrorized the region in the 1920s. Visitors also learn about the city’s last poisoner sentenced to death, a woman who used arsenic to dispose of her victims.
The tour explores the grisly crime scenes and the twisted motives behind these historical figures, providing a chilling glimpse into Cologne’s shadier past.
Throughout the experience, guests are captivated by the guide’s vivid storytelling, leaving them with a deeper understanding of the city’s dark underbelly.
Visiting Historic Locations
Throughout the tour, visitors explore several historic sites beyond the city’s iconic old town, uncovering the darker chapters hidden within Cologne’s ancient past.
The guided walking tour takes participants to:
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Cologne Cathedral, the city’s towering Gothic masterpiece with a notorious history of criminal activity and unsavory characters.
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St. Andrews Church, a 13th-century house of worship with a dark reputation as a haven for nefarious figures.
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The location of the last recorded poisoning execution in Germany, a chilling reminder of the city’s grim judicial history.
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The site associated with the notorious ‘Vampire of Düsseldorf’, a serial killer who terrorized the region in the 1930s.
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Lesser-known alleyways and shadowy corners that hide tales of kidnappings, murders, and other macabre events.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Photography Allowed During the Tour?
Photography is generally allowed during walking tours, as it can help participants capture memorable moments and enhance their experience. However, it’s always best to check with the tour operator beforehand to ensure there are no restrictions or special considerations.
Can I Bring My Pet on the Tour?
No, pets are generally not allowed on walking tours. The tour operator likely prohibits pets for safety, liability, and comfort reasons for other participants. Guests are advised to leave their pets at home when joining this guided experience.
Do I Need to Know German to Understand the Tour?
No, you don’t need to know German to understand the tour. The tour is conducted in German, but the guide will provide English explanations and translations throughout the experience for non-German speakers.
Is the Tour Suitable for Young Children?
The tour may not be suitable for young children, as it explores the dark history and crime stories of the city. The content and length of the tour could be too intense or overwhelming for young audiences.
Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?
The tour information does not mention an option to extend the duration beyond the standard 1.5 hours. Customers interested in a longer experience would need to inquire with the tour operator about any available extensions or alternative tour options.
Recap
The ‘Cologne: The Dark Side of the City Walking Tour’ offers visitors an immersive exploration of the city’s haunting past.
From the Cologne Cathedral to the eerie St. Andrews Church, the tour delves into chilling tales of notorious criminals, captivating audiences with its engaging storytelling.
With comfortable shoes recommended, this 1.5-hour guided tour, conducted in German, provides an intriguing glimpse into Cologne’s darker narratives.
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