Cologne lights return: safety precautions and closures!

Cologne lights return: safety precautions and closures!

The time has finally come: the Cologne lights are returning after a long break! On August 30, 2025, the largest fireworks display in Germany will once again illuminate the Cologne night sky. This year the event has the motto “The Phoenix Project” and promises a spectacular experience for all visitors. For the first time in six years, the musically coordinated fireworks display will be lit in front of the impressive Cologne Cathedral, and the anticipation for the event could hardly be greater. Loud Express Several hundred thousand guests are expected.

The fireworks display is scheduled to begin at 10:30 p.m. on Saturday evening and, as usual, the event will draw many people to the banks of the Rhine. Every spot is already in high demand - the atmosphere on the banks of the Rhine is literally palpable, with many visitors making themselves comfortable on camping chairs and blankets. A feast for the eyes: photography enthusiasts have already set up their tripods to capture the bright colors in the sky. However, there are also some traffic restrictions that must be taken into account.

Traffic measures and safety precautions

In order to make the largest event safe, numerous safety and traffic precautions are being taken. Access barriers have been set up at Deutz train station and the station remains inaccessible by car. There is a ban on glass bottles in order to minimize safety risks. In addition, there will be numerous closures in the city center from the afternoon onwards, and traffic will no longer run as smoothly as usual. The high number of visitors could be a particular challenge.

In the meantime, traffic should be rerouted. It is recommended to use alternative routes, especially the Severinsbrücke for access to the city center. The first closures will apply from 3 p.m. and Opladener Straße will be closed from Deutz-Mülheimer Straße in the direction of Deutzer Brücke. Anyone coming from Kalk or using the eastern feeder route will also be redirected.

• Wichtige Verkehrssperren:
• Auenweg zwischen Ottoplatz und Deutz-Mülheimer-Straße ab 15 Uhr
• Nordseite der Hohenzollernbrücke ab 16 Uhr
• Opladener Straße und Mindener Straße ab 17 Uhr
• Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer spätestens ab 17 Uhr
• Südseite der Hohenzollernbrücke ab 20 Uhr

The emergency services are also well represented: a total of up to 1,600 police officers ensure security - an enormous presence, even more than on Women's Carnival. The city has also announced that traffic regulations will actively monitor traffic to punish illegal parking and keep emergency routes clear. Grilling is deliberately prohibited in the Rheingarten, Rheinpark and Rheinboulevard in order to guarantee a safe experience for everyone.

Information for visitors

Here are some important tips for the upcoming evening: The main program will not feature large stages, but rather the music-synchronized fireworks display, with numerous sponsors such as RheinEnergie AG and Gaffel supporting the event. With a wide range of food and drinks, including Kölsch for 4 euros per 0.3 liters, your physical well-being is taken care of. A good opportunity to get in the mood for the fireworks with friends!

Tickets are available through various providers on land and on water - a great way to enjoy the perfect view of the fireworks. For the most part, pedestrians can experience the event with free admission. Anyone who needs more information should check the website regularly Cologne lights Visit for updates and more details about ticket sales.

Look forward to a fantastic spectacle on the Rhine – the Cologne lights are back!