The Cologne Ferris wheel – Kipp Skyevents
Panoramic ride over the Rhine, the cathedral and the Old Town
Operator: Willi Kipp / Kipp Skyevents
The Cologne Ferris Wheel by Kipp Skyevents takes you high above the Rhine in a fully glazed panoramic gondola. At the Chocolate Museum, the ride becomes a special sightseeing tour: the cathedral, Old Town and Rhine embankments lie at your feet. This modern, illuminated Ferris wheel combines a gentle ride with views of one of Germany’s best-known city skylines.
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What to expect
- High ride with a view
- Light show / LED facade
- Step-free access
- Family-friendly
Highlights & records
Fully glazed panoramic gondolas, multicoloured LED lighting and the free “Cologne from Above” audio guide with city historian Martin Stankowski.
Enclosed glass gondolas, sweeping views of the Rhine and an audio guide make this ride over Cologne a special city experience.
Where Das Kölner Riesenrad – Kipp Skyevents is touring
1 stop
The line links the stops in chronological order; it does not show a travel route.
What a ride on the Cologne Ferris Wheel is like
You board an enclosed panoramic gondola and watch the view change as you slowly rise. At first, you can see the museum and riverside promenade up close. Higher up, views open out over the Rhine and the bridges. The glazed gondolas make the ride an experience focused not on speed, but on perspective and panoramic views. The Ferris wheel is illuminated on both sides; its programmable, multicoloured lighting shapes the riverside scene, especially after dark.
Highlights and experiences on the Rhine
The combination of a panoramic ride, lighting and stories about the city makes the Cologne Ferris wheel more than a classic viewpoint. As you sit in the gondola, you can discover familiar buildings and the course of the Rhine from changing viewpoints. The contrast between the busy museum forecourt and the peaceful ride high above is particularly impressive. The enclosed gondolas keep the ride comfortable even in cooler temperatures. If you are planning a visit to the Chocolate Museum, you can combine the two experiences and get to know Cologne first from above, then up close.
Ride
- Height
- 48 m
Vehicles & capacity
- Gondolas
- 36
- Riders per gondola
- 6
Operator and history of the Cologne Ferris Wheel
The Cologne Ferris Wheel is run by Willi Kipp and Kipp Skyevents. The Ferris wheel is known as a seasonal attraction at the Chocolate Museum and also visits Cologne Zoo. Its return to the museum in October 2026 was announced by the Chocolate Museum and the operator. The ride also accompanies the Hafen-Weihnachtsmarkt at times in Rheinauhafen. It should not be confused with other Ferris wheels associated with the operator: this attraction is characterised by its fully glazed panoramic gondolas and visitor information focused on Cologne.
- Operator
- Willi Kipp / Kipp Skyevents
- Type of operation
- Travelling
- Status
- Active / in operation
Who is the Cologne Ferris Wheel suitable for?
The Ferris wheel is a day-out destination for families, couples and anyone who would like to experience Cologne from a different perspective. The gondolas are designed for up to six people. The operator describes ramp access as having been optimised; a standard wheelchair with an accompanying person can ride in one of the suitable gondolas, but wider electric wheelchairs do not fit, according to the operator. Staff can help you board. Combination tickets are available for visitors to the Chocolate Museum. You can also combine the ride with a free audio guide: under the title “Cologne from Above”, city historian Martin Stankowski tells stories about the city. QR codes in the gondolas take you to the guide.
Good to know
- Ride price
- 9.00 €
Upcoming funfair dates

