What the place is
The Hafenterrasse am Schokoladenmuseum is a terrace beside Cologne’s Schokoladenmuseum, on the banks of the Rhine at the tip of the Rheinau peninsula. The museum occupies a modern aluminum-and-glass building that frames the old main customs office. The terrace offers panoramic views of the Rhine and Cologne’s skyline.
The museum takes visitors through the history and production of chocolate, from cocoa cultivation to chocolate-making. It is operated in collaboration with Lindt & Sprüngli and offers exhibitions, interactive displays and chocolate-themed experiences (Schokoladenmuseum, L'Abeille Française, The Crazy Tourist).
History and significance
The site originally served as a customs office for the port on the Rhine. The building’s ship-like design, particularly the bow-shaped northern end, recalls its maritime past.
The Chocolate Museum was inaugurated on October 31, 1993, following the vision of chocolate maker Hans Imhoff. It was built in 13 months and has drawn over 650,000 visitors annually. Its modern design resembles a ship’s deck.
The museum is one of the few self-supporting museums in Germany and covers its running costs independently. Its visitors have also contributed to local tourism and related businesses. The museum continues to develop, with plans for new exhibits and partnerships (Schokoladenmuseum).
What to see and do
The exhibitions trace the 5,000-year history of chocolate and include more than 100,000 objects related to cocoa and chocolate history. Highlights include a large cocoa tree model, a tropical house and interactive displays.
The glass-cube “tropicarium” contains live cacao trees, offering a look at how cacao is grown. It also displays silver Mesoamerican vessels used for chocolate. Other exhibits include an early 20th-century general store with wooden shelves and glass cases of antique chocolate tins and boxes, as well as colorful chocolate vending machines once common in European train stations (TripSavvy, L'Abeille Française, The Crazy Tourist).
Visitors can see a mini-production unit and a Chocolate Cinema. The three-meter-high chocolate fountain is another highlight: guides dip wafers into the liquid chocolate for visitors to taste. Since 2006, the museum’s partnership with Lindt has included chocolate-making experiences such as creating personalized chocolate bars (The Crazy Tourist, Travelerstoday).
The museum hosts school tours, corporate meetings and weddings. Seasonal markets and events also take place beside the museum. During the holiday season, a Christmas market extends to the area in front of the museum; winter-market stalls offer Glühwein (mulled wine) and Lebkuchen (gingerbread) (Schokoladenmuseum, TripSavvy, The Crazy Tourist).
Practical visiting information
Opening hours
The available information gives two schedules:
- Monday to Friday: 10 AM–6 PM; Saturday and Sunday: 11 AM–7 PM (Schokoladenmuseum).
- Daily: 10:00 AM–6:00 PM. Check the official website for variations in timing.
Tickets
Two sets of ticket prices are listed:
- Adults: €12.50; children aged 6–18: €7.50; family tickets: €31.50.
- Adults: €12; students and seniors: €9; children aged 6–16: €7; children under 6 enter for free.
Tickets can be purchased online or at the entrance.
Getting there and accessibility
The museum is easily accessible by public transport. Parking is available at the museum and at nearby locations. The museum is wheelchair accessible and has facilities for visitors with disabilities; it is also described as accessible for elderly visitors and people with pushchairs.
The on-site Chocolat Grand Café serves chocolate-themed treats. The café offers hot chocolate, pastries and desserts; restaurants nearby serve traditional German cuisine and international dishes.
Tips
- Guided tours provide more detail about the exhibits and chocolate history.
- Weekdays or early mornings may help visitors avoid crowds, especially during peak tourist seasons.
- Buying tickets online in advance can save time and ensure entry.
- The museum shop sells chocolate products and souvenirs.
Nearby places
Several companies offer panoramic river cruises, with views of Cologne’s landmarks, including the cathedral, the spires of the old town and the new Rheinauhaufen district (The Crazy Tourist).
Other nearby attractions include:
- Cologne Cathedral A UNESCO World Heritage site and the most visited landmark in Germany, known for its Gothic architecture and historical significance (The Crazy Tourist).
- Ludwig Museum Near the cathedral, with a collection of modern art including works by Picasso, Warhol and Lichtenstein.
- Hohenzollern Bridge Known for its “love locks,” with views of the Rhine and Cologne skyline; it is a popular spot for couples and photographers (The Crazy Tourist).
FAQ
What are the Schokoladenmuseum’s visiting hours?
The available schedules are listed under Opening hours above: one gives weekday and weekend hours, while another lists the museum as open daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
How much are tickets?
The two listed price sets are given under Tickets above, including different prices and age ranges for children.
Is the museum accessible?
Yes. It is wheelchair accessible and has facilities for visitors with disabilities. It is also described as accessible for elderly visitors and people with pushchairs.