Cologne Brewery Tour

Although Cologne is practically Guido’s backyard, and I’ve been there many times, one hot summer day, I decide to book a Brewery Tour with Viator to discover more about the centuries-old brewing history of this beautiful town. Also, the idea of traditionally brewed cold beer seems very appealing…

We invite Guido’s mom, Edith, to join us and we meet the guide at Kardinal-Höffner-Platz.

 Off we go to quench our thirst!

Mühlen Kölsch – Brauerei zur Malzmühle

The Brauerei Zur Malzmuhle is our first stop. The brewery has remained in its original building at the Hay Market since 1858. The Mühlen Kölsch has been brewed and filled by hand in the traditional way using only natural, raw ingredients of the highest quality: barley malt and a small portion of wheat malt, high-quality aroma hops, spring water and yeast.

Made with an old family recipe, the beer tastes robust, malty and full-flavored. Very good start, indeed.

Gilden im Zims “Heimat Kölscher Helden”

Our next stop is at 77 Heumarkt, a house built in 1163 and renovated in 1568, gaining a magnificent new facade in the process. Since 1920, it’s the location of a real cool restaurant / brewery over 4 levels and 2 terraces, operated by the Zims family.

It even has a wishing well in the cellar. Actually when the place was renovated over 10 years ago, to accommodate a larger cold-storage warehouse, a buried vaulted cellar dating back from the Roman era was revealed. It’s where we are taken to enjoy our tasty Kölsch Beer.

The Gilden Im Zims cellar is a really interesting place, with its own bar and museum. You can even buy there tickets to attend the annual Carnival.

SÜNNER im Walfisch

The SÜNNER brewery has been at this Walfisch location in Cologne’s old town since the middle of the 17th century, although it’s been rebuilt stone by stone in 1935. 

The brewery & distillery Gebrüder SÜNNER took over the “Weinhaus I’m Walfisch” in 1996 and has been operating it since then under the current name “SÜNNER im Walfisch”.

Peters Brauhaus

The Peters Brauhaus used to be one of the leading breweries in Cologne under the name of “Zum Kranz” since 1544.

Over the years, the building was re-developed to accommodate residential apartments and was home to “Chez Alex” restaurant.

In 1994, the Peters private brewery took over and returned the place to its former glory for many centuries: an original brewery. 

This very special Cologne brewery boasts six individually designed rooms and the decorations change according to the seasons and occasions

It’s a great place to enjoy a Peters beer while enjoying the dishes from the “Fooderkaat Menu” with great flair and ambience.

Overall, it’s been a fun experience, walking around Cologne’s Old Town during a sunny summer afternoon to discover a little of Brewery history while enjoying special beers brewed the traditional way.

Read more about Brewery Tour Cologne (inc. 3 beer) 2020 – https://www.viator.com/tours/Cologne/Public-brewery-tour-Cologne/d923-254155P1?mcid=56757