Cologne Cable Car

Overview

The Cologne Cable Car (Kölner Seilbahn) is one of Europe's few urban aerial tramways, crossing the Rhine between the Zoo/Flora station and the Rheinpark. The four-minute ride offers a bird's-eye perspective of the cathedral, bridges, and Rheinpark.

Highlights

• Rhine Crossing: 935-meter span at a height of 50 meters above the river.
• Cathedral Panorama: The western approach reveals the full Altstadt skyline.
• Family-Friendly: Gondolas are wheelchair and stroller accessible.

History

Opened in 1957 for the Federal Garden Show, the cable car has carried over 20 million passengers. It operates seasonally from late March to early November.

Visitor Tips

• Seasonal: April–October only; check opening dates each year.
• One-way ride is enough — walk back across the Zoobrücke or Hohenzollern Bridge.
• Duration: 15–20 minutes (including queuing).