Cologne's Beachfront: A Relaxing Escape In The City

Although Cologne is not located by the sea, there are several beaches and beach clubs in and around the city. These include the Rodenkirchen Riviera, which has grassy areas and ancient weeping willows, and the km 689 Cologne Beach Club, which offers stunning cityscape views and ultrafine white sand. There's also the Blackfoot Beach, which offers sports activities and themed parties, and the SonnenscheinEtage, a beach bar on the roof of a multi-storey car park. If you're willing to travel a little further, there are beaches at nearby lakes, such as Fühlinger See and Otto-Maigler-See. So, while Cologne may not have a coastline, there are still plenty of opportunities to enjoy some beach vibes and swimming spots.

Beach clubs in Cologne

Cologne is home to numerous beach clubs where you can unwind and enjoy a holiday feeling without leaving the city. Here are some of the top beach clubs in Cologne, each offering a unique experience:

Km 689 Cologne Beach Club

Located in the district of Deutz, across the Rhine from the city, km 689 Cologne Beach Club boasts an unbeatable view of the cityscape and ultrafine white sand. You can relax on loungers or in cabanas while taking in the breathtaking sunset and enjoying drinks and snacks from the bar. The beach club is also located in the grounds of the Tanzbrunnen venue, which hosts various events during the summer. Entrance is free, and you can rent parasols and cabanas.

Address: Rheinparkweg 1, 50679 Cologne

Blackfoot Beach

Blackfoot Beach, situated in the north of the city at Fühlinger See lake, offers the best of both worlds. It provides chilled spots for those seeking peaceful sunbathing and a range of sports activities for those craving action. You can try your hand at stand-up paddleboarding, beach volleyball, archery, canoeing, and more. They also host regular themed parties like salsa and Caribbean nights, with music and a buffet. Tickets must be purchased online, and admission fees apply.

Address: Stallagsbergweg 1, 50769 Cologne

Rodenkirchen Riviera

If you're looking for a more low-key beach experience, Rodenkirchen Riviera is the place to go. This beach, dubbed the city's "côte d'azur," offers a peaceful escape with its bays, grassy areas, and ancient weeping willows. You can bring your own picnic basket or enjoy the nearby cafés and restaurants. Rodenkirchen is easily accessible by boat, and you can take a trip to the Cologne city centre, enjoying views of the riverbanks, bridges, and cathedral along the way.

Address: Uferstraße, 50996 Cologne

SonnenscheinEtage

For a unique beach experience, head to SonnenscheinEtage, Cologne's highest beach club. Located on the 14th floor of a multi-storey car park, this beach bar offers stunning views of the city and a relaxing atmosphere with palm trees and gravelly white sand. Enjoy cocktails and snacks while listening to live DJ sets and occasional BBQ nights. Check their website for updates on opening hours and private events before your visit.

Address: Galeria Kaufhof car park B, 14th floor (use the left-hand lift), An St. Agatha 19-25, 50667 Cologne

In addition to these four standout options, Cologne also boasts other beach clubs and bars, such as Playa in Cologne, Wake Club Cologne, and OMS Beachclub, each offering its own twist on the beachside experience.

Rodenkirchen Beach

Overview

Activities

The beach offers a variety of activities for visitors. You can go for a stroll directly by the water, enjoy the sun, and take in the beautiful sunsets. There are also numerous opportunities to relax in biergartens and restaurants along the beach. During the Kölner Lichter in July, a large beach party is held. While swimming in the Rhine is not recommended due to strong currents and undertows, it is a perfect spot for kids to play and watch the ships passing by.

Nearby Attractions

For those looking for more action, the Blackfoot Beach in the north of the city offers a range of sports activities, including stand-up paddleboarding, beach volleyball, archery, canoeing, diving, and a high ropes course. The km 689 Cologne Beach Club, located across the Rhine, offers a sophisticated setting with a hip atmosphere, stunning cityscape views, and ultrafine white sand.

Sundown Beach

The beach itself is man-made, with a lake serving as the water source. The lake water is great for swimming, and the beach has white sand where you can relax and soak up the sun. There is also a bar and food options available, although some visitors have noted that the prices are a bit high. You can also rent a lounge chair to relax and enjoy some fresh fruit.

In terms of location, Sundown Beach is situated at Am Baggerfeld 4, 50767 Köln, Germany. It is not within walking distance of the city centre, but you can get there by bike or public transport. If you're coming from outside Cologne, you can fly into the city and then take a shuttle bus to the beach.

Overall, Sundown Beach is a great option for a beach day in Cologne. It offers a relaxing atmosphere, good amenities, and entertainment, making it a popular choice for locals and tourists alike.

Natural swimming spots near Cologne

While there are no beaches in the city of Cologne, there are plenty of natural swimming spots near the city. Here are some of the best places to take a dip and enjoy the outdoors:

Naturfreibad Vingst

This spot is a well-kept secret among locals who prefer the smell of lake water to chlorine. Naturfreibad Vingst started as a gravel pit, but now wild shrubs adorn the shore of the lake, and a fine sandy beach lends a holiday feel. There is a spacious lawn with mature trees providing natural shade, and an adventure playground for families with children, featuring a ship to climb on, a zipline, and water play areas. The water quality is excellent, and the pool is open daily, with hours depending on the three-day weather forecast.

Fühlinger See

Fühlinger See is a large lake with seven sections, offering something for everyone. Swimming is allowed at Blackfoot Beach on the western shore, which has white sand and crystal-clear water. There are also beach volleyball courts, cabanas, and a beach bar serving cocktails. For those looking for more adventure, there is a high ropes course, stand-up paddleboards, canoes, and kayaks for hire. Fühlinger See is also home to the legendary Summerjam reggae festival, which takes place at the end of July.

Escher See

Escher See is Cologne's answer to Bali. With 5,000 tonnes of sand and an area of 30,000 square metres, it offers a tropical escape. There are palm trees, rum-based drinks, and summer beats. The beach only opens when the temperature is above 24°C and the sun is shining. There is also a nature reserve nearby, perfect for a stroll before an evening dip.

Bleibtreusee

One of the Ville lakes, this lake offers a beautiful natural setting for swimming. It has an area of approximately 74 hectares and is one of the few lakes in the area where bathing is officially permitted. There is a beach and a water ski facility, and bathing is free of charge. The surrounding trail is about 5 kilometres long and runs along the lake and through the forest, making it a pleasant walk even in summer.

Heider Bergsee

Heider Bergsee is another one of the Ville lakes, created at the end of lignite mining in the 1930s. The lake has a beach and a campsite with pitches and a restaurant. It's a great spot to enjoy the outdoors and go for a swim.

So, while there may not be beaches in the city of Cologne itself, there are plenty of natural swimming spots and lakes nearby where you can enjoy a day in the sun and a dip in the water.

Beach volleyball in Cologne

Beach volleyball is a popular activity in Cologne, with several locations across the city where you can play. One notable spot is the Rhine Promenade, where you can find a beach volleyball field at the Suedkai in the Rheinau Harbour, with the Suedbruecke bridge providing a picturesque backdrop. This location is featured in stock photos, capturing the unique blend of the city's industrial heritage and leisure activities.

Another popular destination for beach volleyball enthusiasts is Blackfoot Beach, located in the north of the city at Fühlinger See lake. Blackfoot Beach offers a comprehensive beach experience, including volleyball courts and a range of other sports activities such as stand-up paddleboarding, archery, canoeing, diving, and a high ropes course. The club provides a vibrant atmosphere with themed parties, music, and a variety of food options, making it an ideal spot for those seeking both relaxation and active recreation.

For those seeking a more urban setting, km 689 Cologne Beach Club in the district of Deutz offers a sophisticated and hip atmosphere. Located across the Rhine from the city, it provides stunning views of the cityscape, including the cathedral, and the passing boats. The beach club also hosts open-air concerts during the summer, adding to its appeal.

Cologne also has beach volleyball facilities at various other locations, including the Beachvolleyballplatz Rheinuferpromenade, Sandkästen am Südkai, and Rodenkirchen Riviera. These spots offer a mix of organised beach volleyball courts and natural settings where you can enjoy a game of volleyball with friends.

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