Cologne Lights
During a warm evening in mid-July, the sky above the city of Cologne comes alive with flames and light as one of the largest and most spectacular firework displays in all of Germany takes place.
Known as Cologne Lights (Kölner Lichter), the annual fireworks showcase sees hundreds of waterfalls, sparklers and Bengal lights illuminate the city below to synchronised music. A new musical score is composed for the firework display each year, as every event takes its viewer on a unique journey across the night sky.
What is Cologne Lights?
Every year 800.000 visitors flock to the banks of the Rhine in Cologne, between the Hohenzollern and Zoo bridges, to watch the impressive firework display. Following an evening programme, the fireworks are set off from the land, as well as from two pontoons in the middle of the Rhine. As part of the grand finale, a convoy of 50 festively-lit ships sails down the Rhine. The impressive display, built by a team of 40 pyrotechnics and helpers, is accompanied by a musical score, each year created around a different theme.
The rhythm of the music acts as the guideline for the firing of the fireworks, which are shot into the sky by a computer program. Each rocket is fired with precision accuracy by a device that measures to one-hundredth of a second!
Programme for Cologne Lights 2019
The 19th edition of the Cologne Lights officially opens at 2pm this year on both sides of the Rhine. The supporting programme at the Tanzbrunnen features music performances and more taking place on outdoor stages.
Later on at 8:15pm, the stage programme will begin, with a performance from Cat Ballou and guests, and at 9:15pm the 89th Cologne Stadtachter will start. This is a traditional regatta, taking place between the southern city district of Rodenkirchen and the city centre.
The convoy of ships will set sail from the Porz district at 9.50pm, which sees 50 festively-decorated river cruise ships travel towards the city centre. As the cruise ships pass through the centre of Cologne, visitors light their sparklers, and five smaller fireworks displays are set off. Lastly, at precisely 11.30pm, the main music-synchronous firework display will start along the Rhine, as two 120-metre long pontoons between the Bastei and Tanzbrunnen shoot off their rockets.
Plan your trip to see the Cologne Lights now!
The annual firework display attracts thousands of visitors, so if you are planning to watch it from the land we advise you to secure your spot early on!
Throughout the evening a selected number of cruises on the river also offer special tours of the Cologne Light for those who want to watch the event from the water. However, booking in advance is recommended as these tours fill up fast! For more information on the Cologne Lights or to book a cruise, please visit the Cologne tourism website.