Cologne: Guided Tour Crime on the Rhine

Cologne, the historic German city, holds a captivating dark side that the "Crime on the Rhine" guided tour aims to unveil. This two-hour excursion delves into real-life crimes, from assault to murder, offering an unembellished glimpse into the city’s criminal past. Led by a knowledgeable German-speaking guide, you will explore significant locations like Roncalliplatz and the archiepiscopal prison, uncovering fascinating historical anecdotes along the way. This tour, suitable for adults only, promises to shed light on the intriguing stories that have shaped Cologne’s history.

Key Points

• A 2-hour guided tour in Cologne exploring real crimes, including assault, murder, and robbery, with visits to notable locations like Roncalliplatz and the archiepiscopal prison.
• The tour provides historical anecdotes about crimes, such as an execution linked to a cathedral scuffle and a murder during the Pope’s visit, highlighting the significance of honor in the Middle Ages.
• The tour features an unembellished true crime narrative, sharing insights into historical crimes and their punishments, including a book purchase leading to execution and a baker’s drunkenness causing trouble.
• The tour is wheelchair accessible and suitable for adults, with a prohibition on alcohol, drugs, and party groups, and comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing recommended.
• The meeting point is at Kreuzblume, Kardinal-Höffner-Platz, 50667 Cologne, and guests should check availability for desired starting times.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Details

The guided tour "Crime on the Rhine" in Cologne offers an immersive experience exploring real historical crimes. Priced from $16.25 per person, the 2-hour tour is led by a live German-speaking guide.

Immersive 2-hour tour in Cologne exploring real historical crimes, led by a live German-speaking guide at $16.25 per person.

Visitors can freely cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and there’s a reserve now and pay later option.

The tour highlights notable locations like the archiepiscopal prison and the site of the last death sentence in West Germany. Guests will learn about dramatic crimes, punishments, and the significance of honor in the Middle Ages.

The tour is wheelchair accessible but unsuitable for children under 16.

Tour Highlights

Explore real crimes in Cologne, from assault to murder, manslaughter, theft, robbery, kidnapping, and hostage-taking.

The tour visits notable locations like Roncalliplatz, the former archiepiscopal prison, and the Tax court, where the last death sentence in West Germany was carried out.

Guests will also see Breite Straße, where the infamous Gladbeck hostage-takers struck, and Hühnergasse.

Historical anecdotes include an execution linked to a scuffle in the cathedral, a murder during the Pope’s visit, and the significance of honor in the Middle Ages.

The unembellished true crime narrative brings Cologne’s dark past to life.

Tour Experience

Guests walk through Cologne’s city center at the original crime locations, learning about historical crimes and their punishments.

The tour provides an unembellished true crime narrative on the Rhine. Visitors discover details of a book purchase that led to execution and a baker’s drunkenness causing trouble.

They’ll hear historical anecdotes, like an execution linked to a scuffle in the cathedral and a murder during the Pope’s visit. The significance of honor in the Middle Ages is also explored.

Throughout the 2-hour tour, a live guide shares these grim tales in German, educating guests on Cologne’s criminal past.

Accessibility and Restrictions

The tour is wheelchair accessible, catering to guests with mobility needs.

However, the tour isn’t suitable for children under 16 years old. Alcohol, drugs, party groups, and bachelor/bachelorette parties aren’t allowed on the tour.

Visitors are recommended to wear comfortable shoes and dress appropriately for the weather.

The meeting point is at Kreuzblume, opposite Café Reichard, Kardinal-Höffner-Platz, 50667 Cologne. Guests should check the availability of starting times in advance.

This ensures a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants exploring the crime locations along the Rhine in Cologne.

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Preparation and Meeting Point

Visitors can meet the tour guide at the Kreuzblume, located opposite Café Reichard on Kardinal-Höffner-Platz, 50667 in Cologne. Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended for the two-hour walking tour. The tour covers real crimes in Cologne, including assault, murder, and robbery, and visits notable locations like the archiepiscopal prison and the site of the last death sentence in West Germany.

| Recommendation | Details |

|:————–:|:——-:|

| Comfortable Shoes | For the walking tour |

| Weather-appropriate Clothing | Dress for the conditions |

| Check Availability | For desired starting times |

| Arrive at Meeting Point | Kreuzblume, opposite Café Reichard |

| Prepare for Unembellished True Crime Narrative | On the Rhine

Exploring Real Crimes in Cologne

As participants embark on the guided tour, they’ll explore real crimes that have occurred throughout Cologne’s history.

The tour encompasses a range of offenses, including assault, murder, manslaughter, theft, robbery, kidnapping, and hostage-taking.

Visitors will visit notable locations such as Roncalliplatz, the former archiepiscopal prison, and the Tax court, where the last death sentence in West Germany was carried out.

The tour also includes the Breite Straße, site of the Gladbeck hostage crisis, and Hühnergasse.

Participants will learn about historical anecdotes, such as an execution linked to a scuffle in the cathedral and a murder during the Pope’s visit.

Significance of Honor in the Middle Ages

Honor held immense significance during the Middle Ages, as it underpinned the social fabric and governed the interactions between individuals. A breach of honor could lead to harsh consequences, including social ostracization, physical retribution, or even death. The code of honor was particularly pronounced among the aristocracy, where reputation and standing were closely tied to one’s actions and perceived integrity. This concept manifested in various ways, as shown in the table below:

| Aspect of Honor | Description |

| — | — |

| Dueling | Settling disputes through one-on-one combat |

| Chivalry | Adherence to a strict code of ethical conduct |

| Reputation | Maintaining a spotless public image |

| Revenge | Seeking retribution for perceived wrongs |

| Loyalty | Unwavering devotion to one’s liege or lord |

The significance of honor in the Middle Ages shaped the social dynamics and influenced the course of historical events, including the crimes examined in the guided tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Type of Transportation Is Provided During the Tour?

The tour does not provide any transportation. Participants are expected to walk through the city center and explore the original crime locations on foot during the 2-hour guided tour.

Are Participants Required to Sign Any Waivers or Disclaimers?

The tour doesn’t require participants to sign any waivers or disclaimers. However, it’s not suitable for children under 16 and prohibits alcohol, drugs, party groups, and bachelor/bachelorette parties.

Can I Purchase Additional Merchandise or Souvenirs During the Tour?

The tour does not mention any opportunity to purchase additional merchandise or souvenirs during the experience. The focus appears to be on the guided crime tour itself, rather than selling supplementary items.

Is Photography or Videography Allowed During the Tour?

Photography and videography are allowed during the tour, though the tour guide may request visitors refrain from using flash. Participants should be respectful of other guests and maintain an appropriate demeanor throughout the experience.

Are There Any Health or Dietary Requirements That Should Be Considered?

There are no specific health or dietary requirements for this tour. It’s wheelchair accessible, but not suitable for children under 16. Alcohol, drugs, and party groups are not allowed on the tour.

The Sum Up

The "Crime on the Rhine" guided tour provides a captivating exploration of Cologne’s dark criminal past. Visitors can uncover real-life stories of assault and murder, while gaining insight into the significance of honor in the Middle Ages. With a knowledgeable German-speaking guide, the wheelchair-accessible tour allows visitors to explore the city’s intriguing history and visit significant locations associated with these crimes.

You can check availability for your dates here: