Excellent views of the water and lovely terraced steps make the Rheinboulevard one of the most popular riverside promenades in Cologne. It includes a set of multilayered paths of stones along a bank of the Rhine River. On a visit to Rheinboulevard, sit on the steps for a vista of church spires and the pair of bridges that link the boulevard to the city center.
Stroll along one of the tiers of the staircase and notice how the elegant modern design harmonizes well with ancient ruins excavated at this point. Walk between the sunbathers and revelers in what is one of Cologne’s most active hubs.
Purchase snacks and drinks from a nearby shop and set up a picnic to enjoy with friends on the steps. Include some beer or wine for a relaxing drink by the water. Stay for sunset, when the view is particularly scenic. To the south is the Deutz Bridge, while the Hohenzollern Bridge stands to the north.
Spot the spires of the Cologne Cathedral and the Roman Praetorium rising from the historic buildings on the opposite side of the river. As you walk north along the layered steps, you’ll reach the Equestrian Statue of Kaiser Wilhelm I. A hotel and commercial skyscrapers form a background to the sculpture.
At the southern end of the tiered boulevard stands the Alt St. Heribert church. Appreciate its whitewashed façade and gothic features.
The Rheinboulevard is on the eastern side of the Rhine River in the Deutz district of Cologne. From the city center, cross the Deutz Bridge and turn back to reach the riverbank. You can also travel by train to the Köln Messe/Deutz station or by tram to the Deutz Freiheit stop. The promenade is open to the public and free to access at all times.
See some of the other nearby sights, such as the Cologne Cathedral, the Museum Ludwig and the Alter Markt.
