Promotions

Urania Theater Köln is currently staging performances at its new permanent venue, "Urania im Spiegelpalast," on Riehler Straße. The original private theater in Cologne-Ehrenfeld (Platenstraße) had to close temporarily due to construction complications. Inside the nostalgic, handcrafted mirrored tent near the Cologne Zoo, a unique program awaits you, combining live music, theater, and fine dining with top-class circus artistry and variety entertainment.

Address: Urania Spiegelpalast am Zoo, Riehler Str. 173, 50735 Cologne

Public Transport: KVB tram line 4 to the Von-Sparr-Straße stop (approx. 3-minute walk from there).

Car & Parking: The I/D Cologne parking garage (Peter-Huppertz-Straße 2, 51063 Cologne) is available right next door.

Accessibility: The new location offers a wheelchair-accessible entrance and designated parking spaces.

Tickets can be booked directly via the Urania ticket shop. The shows presented are usually elaborate in-house productions featuring international casts:

The Juggler of Notre Dame (Paris Meets Variety)

Dates: September 18 to November 13, 2026

Performance days: Wednesdays through Sundays

Description: A unique variety show featuring, among others, the return of renowned juggler Kris Kremo.

The Nutcracker (Ballet meets Variety)

Dates: From November 21, 2026

Performance days: Wednesdays through Sundays

Description: The classic Christmas fairy tale, spectacularly and imaginatively reimagined.

The Spiegelpalast offers seating for around 350 guests. Fine drinks, small delicacies, and finger food are served on-site and can be enjoyed directly at the tables in the hall. The office can be reached by phone for inquiries and reservations on weekdays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at 0221 17098261.

Dear Guests,

The motto of Cologne Lights 2026 is "The Magical School of Fireworks. Feel the Magic!" The grand, musically synchronized fireworks display will take place on Saturday, August 1, 2026, and promises a spectacular experience on the Rhine, attracting thousands of visitors once again after its successful return in 2025.

Date: August 1, 2026
Motto: "The Magical School of Fireworks. Feel the Magic!"

Highlight: Grand fireworks display over the Rhine (planned to begin around 10:30 p.m.)

Location: Cologne city center, between the Hohenzollern Bridge and the Bastei

Background: After the hiatus in 2025, the event continues the tradition of musical fireworks and aims to create a magical experience for all the senses.

Unique Atmosphere: Experience the synchronized fireworks display against the impressive backdrop of Cologne Cathedral.

Diverse perspectives: Whether from a ship on the Rhine or from special grandstand seats on land – there are numerous ways to enjoy the spectacle. (koelner-lichter.de)

Your advantages at Hotel Viktoria:

Central location: Our hotel is located in the immediate vicinity of the event grounds, so you can easily reach the Cologne Lights.

Comfortable rooms: After an exciting evening, we offer you a restful sleep in our stylishly furnished rooms.

Excellent service: Our friendly team is always available to make your stay as pleasant as possible.

Tips for your visit:

Arrive early: We recommend arriving in Cologne no later than 4:00 p.m., as the riverbanks fill up quickly and access may be restricted if overcrowded.

Secure your tickets: Find out about the different ticket options for ships and the mainland to enjoy the best view of the fireworks. (koelner-lichter.de)

Spend an unforgettable weekend in Cologne and let yourself be enchanted by the Cologne Lights. We look forward to welcoming you to Hotel Viktoria!

Warm regards,

Your Hotel Viktoria Team

The renovated opera house and theater at Offenbachplatz in Cologne will reopen in September 2026 after a 14-year renovation. A grand opening celebration for all citizens will take place on September 19 and 20, 2026, followed by the official ceremony on September 24. The first opera premiere is scheduled for September 27, 2026.

Key dates for the 2026 opening:
Opening celebration (Offenbachplatz): September 19 & 20, 2026
Official ceremony: September 24, 2026
First theater premiere: September 25, 2026
First opera premiere ("Der Rosenkavalier"): September 27, 2026

Opening highlights:

Cologne Opera will offer a program of opera, theater, and special guests such as Kasalla.

The newly built children's opera will also open.

The renovation costs have risen from a planned €253 million to approximately €1.5 billion.

The temporary arrangements at the Staatenhaus in Deutz will end with the start of the 2026/27 season.

Those interested can find information about ticket sales on the Bühnen Köln website.

Join us!

Book your room at the best price using the code "ELF" on our website.

We look forward to welcoming you to Hotel Viktoria!

Warm regards,

Your Hotel Viktoria Team

The next Generali Cologne Marathon will take place on Sunday, October 4, 2026. Registration for the 28th edition of the event is now open.

Races & Start Times (Tentative)

The event offers various distances for different age groups and abilities:

Half Marathon (21.1 km): Start at 8:30 a.m. at Ottoplatz in Deutz.

Marathon (42.195 km): Start at 10:30 a.m. (together with the relay and school marathons) at Ottoplatz.

Relay Marathon: A team of four runners shares the marathon distance.

School Marathon: Relay race for school groups.

Kids' Run: Special race for younger participants.

Course & Highlights

Start & Finish: The race traditionally starts in Cologne-Deutz (Ottoplatz/Deutz train station). The finish line is on Komödienstraße, directly next to Cologne Cathedral.

Neighborhood Tour: The flat and fast course leads through popular Cologne neighborhoods such as Rodenkirchen, Sülz, Lindenthal, Ehrenfeld, and Nippes.

Atmosphere: Known for its carnival-like atmosphere with around 300,000 spectators and numerous parties along the route.

Entry Fees & Registration (as of 2026)

Prices vary depending on the registration date and availability:

Marathon: Currently around €130.00.

Half Marathon: Currently around €95.00 (Often sells out very early!).

Relay Marathon: Approximately €199.00 per team.

Important Information for Runners

Race Packets: Collection is at the Running.EXPO in MOTORWORLD Cologne on the Friday and Saturday before the race.

Travel: Participants generally receive a VRS ticket for free travel to and from the event weekend.

Records: In 2025, new course records were set: Barnaba Kipkoech (Marathon Men: 2:06:54) and Esther Pfeiffer (Half Marathon Women: 1:07:28).

Join the run or cheer us on!

Book your room at the best price using the code "ELF" on our website.

We look forward to welcoming you to Hotel Viktoria!

Warm regards,

Your Hotel Viktoria Team

The official opening of the Cologne Carnival season traditionally takes place on November 11th (11.11) at 11:11 a.m. At this time, the new carnival season is proclaimed on Heumarkt square in Cologne's Old Town, and the new motto and the Cologne Carnival Triumvirate are presented.

Key venues on November 11th:

Heumarkt & Alter Markt: The Willi Ostermann Society's grand official celebration takes place here. From around 9:00 a.m., the most famous Cologne bands (such as Brings, Kasalla, and Höhner) perform. The area is often closed due to overcrowding by early morning.

Tanzbrunnen: The "Große Karnevalssitzung" (Grand Carnival Session) at Tanzbrunnen offers a popular alternative on the right bank of the Rhine with plenty of space and its own stage program.

Zülpicher Viertel (Kwartier Latäng): This student quarter is the place to be for young people. There is no official stage program, but the streets and pubs are extremely lively.

Important Information for Visitors

Tickets & Access: Tickets are required for the cordoned-off area at Heumarkt and are often sold out months in advance. Access to the Kwartier Latäng (Latin Quarter) is free, but will also be restricted if it becomes overcrowded.

Security & Glass Ban: A strict glass ban is in effect throughout the Old Town and the Zülpicher Viertel (Zülpich Quarter) on this day. Drinks should be carried in plastic cups or cans.

Live Broadcast: Those unable to attend in person can watch the opening live on WDR television or via livestream (usually from 10:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.).

Are you already planning your visit for November 11, 2025? I'd be happy to help you find tickets or accommodation in Cologne.

Join the celebration!

Book your room at the best price using the code "ELF" on our website.

We look forward to welcoming you to Hotel Viktoria!

Warm regards,

Your Hotel Viktoria Team

Andrew Lloyd Webber's global hit, The Phantom of the Opera, returns to Germany after more than ten years and will be performed at the Musical Dome Cologne starting in November 2026. The production takes over the venue from Moulin Rouge!, which is leaving Cologne.

Performance Dates: The premiere is scheduled for November 2026, with a projected run until February 2028.

Production: This is the spectacular new production by Cameron Mackintosh, currently playing at the Raimund Theater in Vienna, which will then move to Cologne.

Tickets: Advance ticket sales have already begun. Tickets are available through portals such as KölnTicket and ATG Tickets.

Prices: Ticket prices start at approximately €63.49.

Experience one of the most famous musicals!

Book your room at the best price using the code "ELF" on our website.

We look forward to welcoming you to Hotel Viktoria!

Warm regards,

Your Hotel Viktoria Team

Cologne will play a central role in the 2027 Men's Handball World Championship and is scheduled to host the main round as well as the entire final round (quarter-finals, semi-finals, and final).

The matches will be played in the LANXESS arena, which, with a capacity of approximately 19,250, is considered one of the "Meccas of handball."

Dates: The World Championship will take place from January 13 to 31, 2027.

Key dates in Cologne:
Main round (Group II): January 21–25, 2027.

Final weekend: The semi-finals and placement matches are scheduled for January 29, 2027, with the grand final concluding on January 31, 2027.

German team: Germany will play its preliminary round in Munich. If the team qualifies, they will travel to Cologne for the main round.

Tickets and Advance Sales

General ticket sales for the 2027 World Championship in Germany began on December 15, 2025. Tickets can be purchased through official platforms such as the LANXESS arena ticket shop or Eventim.

Experience the thrill of your team becoming handball world champions!

Book your room at the best price using the code "ELF" on our website.

We look forward to welcoming you to Hotel Viktoria!

Warm regards,

Your Hotel Viktoria Team

The Cologne Carnival 2027 will be held under the motto "Morje es, wat do drus mähs!" (Tomorrow is what you'll get out of it!), which focuses on optimism and the future. The season officially begins on November 11, 2026, while the peak period runs from February 4 (Women's Carnival Day) to February 10, 2027 (Ash Wednesday), culminating in the Rose Monday parade on February 8.

] Important Dates for Carnival 2027:
Season Opening: November 11, 2026
Women's Carnival Day: Thursday, February 4, 2027
Carnival Friday: February 5, 2027
Carnival Saturday: February 6, 2027
Carnival Sunday: February 7, 2027
Rose Monday (Parade): Monday, February 8, 2027
Shrove Tuesday: February 9, 2027
Ash Wednesday: February 10, 2027

Events & Highlights:

Laughing Cologne Arena: Various dates between January 2 and February 7, 2027
Costume Sessions: e.g., at the Gürzenich (January 10, 2027) or traditional sessions

AHOI Carnival Party: Women's Carnival Day on the Rhine

Advance ticket sales for many major events, such as the Lachende Kölnarena 2027 on the koeln.de website, often begin well in advance, sometimes as early as spring.

Join the celebration!

Book your room at the best price using the code "ELF" on our website.

We look forward to welcoming you to Hotel Viktoria!

Warm regards,

Your Hotel Viktoria Team

Are you planning your wedding and still looking for a suitable hotel? Then you've come to the right place to make this the most beautiful day of your life!

One of the most imposing large villas in Cologne, built as the Music History Museum around 1906, now houses our innovative private hotel within its walls. In a quiet location and close to the Rhine promenade, the listed architecture of the historic building provides a spacious setting for the comforts of modern hospitality.

With our 47 rooms and 60 beds, we offer your guests enough space to spend the night and are happy to provide you with one of our junior suites.

The Cologne Flora and Villa Brändström in the immediate vicinity
Our hotel is just a few minutes' walk from the Flora. The botanical garden is a venue for banquets, conferences and upscale events - such as your wedding - for up to 1,500 guests. Inaugurated in 1864, the Flora Köln, operated by KölnKongress, is considered an outstanding work of German garden art. With around 10,000 different plant species and forms, it is one of the richest and most beautiful gardens of its kind in Germany. The Flora offers a variety of event rooms, including the Festsaal building, which is ideal for weddings. In addition to the beautiful gardens, there is also the stylish ‘Floraschänke’ restaurant, which is perfect for smaller celebrations.

The Art Deco Villa Brändström at Cologne's sculpture park is also an ideal wedding venue. This location impresses with its extraordinary ambience and offers space for up to 120 guests. The Villa Brändström, operated by Deli Eventservice, is just a 5-minute walk away. The villa impresses with its historical charm and modern facilities that create a romantic atmosphere for weddings. Deli Eventservice also provides first-class catering, which is individually tailored to the wishes of the bridal couple.

Be inspired by the breathtaking possibilities of these two outstanding locations and plan your unforgettable wedding in Cologne. Visit the websites of Flora Köln and Deli Eventservice for more information and impressions.

Getting married at Cologne Zoo: An extraordinary location for the most beautiful day of your life
Are you dreaming of a wedding that is just as unique and unforgettable as your love story? Then let yourself be enchanted by the extraordinary location at Cologne Zoo! Here, where exotic animals and breathtaking nature come together, your big day will be a very special experience.

A paradise for romantics and adventurers
Cologne Zoo offers you the opportunity to celebrate your wedding ceremony in a fairytale setting. Imagine saying ‘I do’ surrounded by exotic plants and animal company. The impressive backdrop creates an atmosphere that is both romantic and adventurous - perfect for couples looking for something special. Cologne Zoo has a variety of venues that are ideal for your wedding. Whether in the historic Zoo Society House, which impresses with its elegant ambience, or in the exotic Hippodrome, where you are surrounded by African flair - here you will find the perfect setting for your celebration. A wedding at Cologne Zoo also means unforgettable experiences for your guests. While you and your loved ones enjoy the various venues, you can discover the zoo's fascinating animal world. From elegant flamingos and majestic elephants to playful monkeys - the zoo offers numerous photo opportunities and entertainment options for young and old. The experienced Zoo-Event team will ensure that no culinary wishes are left unfulfilled. Enjoy a customised wedding menu that is perfectly tailored to your wishes. Whether an elegant dinner or a relaxed BBQ - the gastronomic highlights will round off your special day. To ensure that your wedding runs smoothly and stress-free, Cologne Zoo's experienced event team will be at your side. From planning to realisation - the experts will take care of all the details and ensure that you and your guests can enjoy the day to the full.

Combine your wedding with a stay at Hotel Viktoria
Why not combine your unique zoo wedding with a stay at our charming Hotel Viktoria? Our historic building and stylishly furnished rooms offer the perfect retreat after an exciting day. Enjoy first-class comfort and warm hospitality - and start your future together in an ambience that is just as special as your love.

Experience the most beautiful day of your life in a place that is just as extraordinary as your love. Get married at Cologne Zoo - an unforgettable experience that you and your guests will remember for a long time to come.

Visit ZOO EVENT for more information and to plan your dream wedding at Cologne Zoo. We look forward to being part of your special day!

With best regards,
Your team from Hotel Viktoria

We look forward to seeing you!

Dino World at Cologne Zoo – a journey through time for the whole family

To mark its 165th anniversary, Cologne Zoo is presenting a spectacular highlight for visitors of all ages with the special exhibition ‘Dinoworld’. From Easter 2025 to autumn 2026, guests can immerse themselves in a fascinating world where 24 life-size dinosaur sculptures can be admired at 14 different locations throughout the zoo grounds.
Experience prehistoric giants up close

The exhibition features impressive replicas of dinosaurs such as the 15-metre-high and 35-metre-long Argentinosaurus, which towers majestically over the meadow at the Old Rhinoceros House. Other highlights include the fearsome Tyrannosaurus rex on the zoo pond, the 10-metre-long Triceratops with its young near the tapir outdoor enclosure, and the Velociraptor baring its teeth opposite the bird of prey enclosure. Cologne Zoo

Many of these detailed figures are animated and move realistically, for example by opening their mouths or turning their heads. Most of the sculptures were made especially for Cologne Zoo and come from the renowned US company Dino Don, the world's leading provider of dinosaur exhibitions.
Virtual journey through time with the Dino VR experience

A special highlight of the exhibition is the Dino VR experience, which takes place in the Old Rhinoceros House. With the help of virtual reality glasses, visitors embark on a ten-minute journey through time into the world of dinosaurs. The expedition takes them through the lives of dinosaurs in the water, on land and in the air until their extinction around 66 million years ago. This captivating journey is narrated by Cologne-based bestselling author Frank Schätzing.
Collecting fun with the Panini sticker album

For collectors and dinosaur fans, there is an exclusive 48-page Panini sticker album that includes three special pages on Dinoworld. The album and accompanying stickers are available in the zoo shop and at selected kiosks. Annual pass holders and members of the Friends of the Zoo association receive discounts on the VR experience and the Panini sticker book until 24 August 2025.
Tickets and further information

Dinoworld is included in the regular admission price for Cologne Zoo and will remain open until autumn 2026. The Dino VR experience can be booked on site for €11 (reduced price €9). A special Dino Combi Ticket, which includes admission to the zoo and aquarium, the VR journey and a Panini sticker album with six stickers, is available online for €26 for adults and €14 for children. (City portal koeln.de, Come-on)

Staying at Hotel Viktoria

After an eventful day at Cologne Zoo, Hotel Viktoria is the perfect place to relax. Our comfortable hotel is centrally located in Cologne and is ideal for families and dinosaur fans who want to visit Dinoworld. Enjoy our first-class service and round off the day in a cosy atmosphere.

It is worth mentioning that children up to the age of 3 can sleep in their parents' bed free of charge. A cot is available on request and a 3-bed room is also available on request. Nothing stands in the way of a carefree family outing.

Cologne Zoo Hotel Package

Our specially designed package includes

A sweet welcome gift from the hotel

Detailed information about the zoo and Cologne's sights
One night's accommodation in a comfortable double or single room, including breakfast buffet

Simply book your tickets as an extra service when you book your accommodation!

The Amphi Festival in Cologne is one of the most important events in the European dark scene and will celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2026.

Line-Up 2026 (Excerpt)

The following acts, among others, have been confirmed for the anniversary festival:

VNV Nation
Eisbrecher
Mono Inc.
Joachim Witt
Solar Fake
Lebanon Hanover
Harpyie
Assemblage 23
Tickets & Status

Due to the high demand for the anniversary year 2026, the regular advance ticket allocation (weekend and Saturday tickets) sold out early.

Amphi Festival 2026

Reservations: Remaining tickets for Sunday or weekend tickets can be reserved online via the official Amphi Shop for pickup at the box office.

Prices: Day tickets cost approximately €88; Tickets for the official pre-party are available from approximately €12.50.

Atmosphere & Supporting Program

The festival is characterized by its friendly, "Amphi Family" atmosphere. In addition to the concerts, there is an extensive supporting program with a vendor area, food and drink options, and autograph sessions. Parallel events often take place in Cologne, such as the "Echoes of Rebellion" party on the Friday of the festival at Club Volta.

Experience the unique atmosphere of the Amphi Festival in Cologne.

Book your room at the best price using the code "ELF" on our website.

We look forward to welcoming you to Hotel Viktoria!

Warm regards,

Your Hotel Viktoria Team