Cologne, "home of the Heinzel"

Every year, hundreds of Heinzelmännchen enchant Cologne's old town with their Christmas market. Traditional craft stalls, lovingly decorated huts and cosy alleyways give the "home of the Heinzel" its special charm. A spectacular ice-skating rink blends into the fairytale atmosphere. "Heinzel's Winter Fairy Tale" delights young and old - with a large ice rink, long skating paths across the entire square, lanes for curling, a bridge over the ice and much more. Skating becomes an experience here. The spectacularly illuminated monument is the shining centrepiece, around which ice skaters make elegant loops.

The Heinzelmännchen love winter delicacies - especially rustic and regional specialities that are freshly prepared with lots of love. The market hosts therefore offer, among other things, oven-fresh baked goods, smoked salmon, Schupfnudeln, barbecue skewers, hearty ham platters, Kölsche Rievkochen and, of course, Christmas desserts such as fragrant baked apples, roasted almonds, hot chestnuts, Bergische waffles, crêpe and Christmas biscuits, and the rustic taprooms invite market visitors to gather in convivial company. This year, the Heinzelmännchen are especially looking forward to fresh apple pancakes and deep-fried apple specialities from the new apple house on Heumarkt. Delicious apple punch will also be served.

Located in the heart of Cologne’s Old Town (Altstadt), on Alter Markt and Heumarkt, the cosy Heinzel’s Winter Fairytale focuses on Cologne’s “Heinzelmännchen” legend. The Heinzelmännchen are friendly household spirits. In addition to various themed lanes and presentations by skilled craftsmen from all over Europe, one of the main highlights of this Christmas market will be a spectacular ice rink at the Heumarkt.

By the way, the Heumarkt venue will be open until January 7!

www.heinzels-wintermaerchen.de