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Self-guided podcast tour of Cologne's queer heartbeat

Cologne, Germanyby Red Thread

  • 2.2 hours
  • Free cancellation
  • Instant confirmation
  • Up to 99 travelers
  • Mobile or paper ticket accepted

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Overview

Leave the glitter of the parade floats behind and dive into the raw, resilient soul of Germany's LGBTQ+ capital. This captivating walking tour reveals the profound duality of Cologne's queer history – from the dark days of persecution and the devastating AIDS crisis to the triumphant creation of grassroots safe spaces and a vibrant nightlife. Join your tour guides Sara and local historian Eric as they uncover the hidden stories of the activists, outcasts, and everyday heroes who built a community from the ground up. You will never see these streets with the same eyes again. - 5.3 km self-guided tour with 6 stations over 133 min. - Ideal for everyone interested in identity, migration & globalization and history & memory Excitingly told in a podcast style by experts and locals - Suitable audio content, AI guide, and navigation via the app

What's included

  • Exciting audio output in podcast style with experts and locals
  • Interactive guide in the app for questions about history and surroundings
  • Verified facts incorporated into an exciting story
  • Point-to-point navigation between stops

    Itinerary

    1. 1

      Rosa-Winkel-Mahnmal

      10 min

      A moving monument dedicated to the gay and lesbian victims of National Socialism and which lays the historical foundation for the modern queer rights movement.

    2. 2

      Stop 2

      10 min

      A center for sexual health that stands as a testament to the grassroots response to the AIDS crisis in the 1980s and 90s.

    3. 3

      Stop 3

      10 min

      A cornerstone of Cologne's queer infrastructure, offering intersectional counseling and support for migrants, seniors, and families.

    4. 4

      Stop 4

      10 min

      Founded in 1998, this is one of the first LGBTQ+ youth centers in Europe and offers a vital safe space for teenagers.

    5. 5

      Stop 5

      10 min

      The beating heart of Cologne's queer nightlife, known as the 'Bermuda Triangle', where celebrations and political resistance intertwine.

    6. 6

      Stop 6

      10 min

      One of the few pure lesbian bars in Cologne that highlights the specific struggles for visibility and the triumphs of queer women.

    Meeting and pickup

    From Cologne Central Station, you can walk or take local public transport towards the Memorial to the Victims of Homosexuality and Lesbianism of National Socialism. It is only a few minutes walk from the nearest stop. Please check the current connection on the day of travel.

    End point

    Walk from the BOIze in Friesenstraße to the nearest stop and take local public transport back to Cologne Central Station. The starting point is the BOIze in Cologne. Please check the current connection on the day of travel.

    Good to know

    • Service animals allowed
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

    Cancellation policy

    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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