After arriving in Cologne by train, you can enjoy the Christmas market from late November until just before Christmas. Ideal to get into the Christmas spirit and to do your Christmas shopping early. Walk around and shop in the beautiful and tastefully decorated downtown Cologne and find the most original Christmas gifts. In the center of Cologne there are no fewer than six Christmas markets. The most magical one is located on the square near the cathedral, where more than 150 stalls form a cozy Christmas village. The imposing cathedral in the background gives this Christmas market a special touch.
The high-speed train ICE International runs from the Netherlands to Germany and Switzerland daily. With ICE International you can relax and travel quickly and comfortably.
From the Netherlands you simply board the ICE International to get off 2.5 hours later at the Christmas market in Cologne. Board at stations Amsterdam Central, Utrecht Central and Arnhem. A train ticket can be booked from € 19. View your itinerary with the international itinerary planner.
| Route | Travel times | Transfers | Header | Header |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amsterdam - Cologne | 2.38 hours | 0 | Content | Content |
| Schiphol - Cologne | 2.56 hours | 1 | Content | Content |
| Rotterdam - Cologne | 2.58 hours | 1 | Content | Content |
| Utrecht - Cologne | 2.10 hours | 0 | Content | Content |
For a complete travel itinerary, consult our itinerary planner
With NS International you can also purchase international train tickets for the regular Intercity services. Do you live in the south-east of the Netherlands? Then the German Christmas markets are very close!
The Christmas market in Cologne is open from 23 November until 23 December 2021 (subject to change). For more information about dates and opening times we refer you to the Christmas market Cologne webpage.
Besides an attractive Xmas market, there is more to do in Cologne. Cologne is the city of the world famous cathedral which you can visit daily. The Hohe Strasse and Schildergasse also offer shopping opportunities in case you couldn't find the Christmas gifts at the Christmas market.
At the end of a long day of Christmas shopping enjoy a fragrant glass of mulled wine.