Hi y'all, I am going to be in Germany for 2 weeks work and have the weekend of 27 February free, as luck would have it, the Karneval weekend in Aachen and Cologne. Was wondering what the best city would be to spend the carnival, I know Cologne is bigger but I don't like kolsch beer and I've always gad a soft spot fir Aachen. Saying that I don't want to miss a riotous carnival for a more muted one. Anyone advise what the 2 places will be like for carnival please?
Vielen Dank
J
Posted by
Northwest Arkansas
755 posts
Can you go wrong with either?
I have been to Koln and Dusseldorf for Karnival, but not Aachen. Koln's is significantly larger than Dusseldorf's. In Dusseldorf Karnival is mostly contained on a few blocks in the old town area and on a street near the Fuechschen brewery. While the entire city of Koln--and it's kolsch beer--is dominated by the event. So, if you aren't a fan of Kolsch then it would seem to make sense to head to Aachen. Or, consider Dusseldorf if you want to try Alt Bier.
Posted by
Alsenborn, Germany
1658 posts
If you go to Koln get accommodations near the cathedral and the river. You want to be on a boat or bridge for the fireworks, and you don't want to walk too far afterwards. If you decide on a boat, make sure you have reservations; they sell out.
As for the beer, there's a lot to choose from, so don't worry about that.
Posted by
OP
2 posts
Hey thanks for your advice guys. Heart is set on Cologne now.