Köln-Altstadt: Scharfrichter, Henker & Co.-Tour

Cologne
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About this experience

Hear about the horrid medieval history of Cologne through the eyes of an executioner. Hear gory stories and bloody tales on this 1.5-hour guided tour.

What to expect

Who could practice the profession of an executioner? When did an executioner receive his master craftsman’s diploma, which enabled him to let heads roll on behalf of the state? Who exiled lepers and plague-infested harlots? Who walked through medieval dark alleys and killed wild dogs and stray hogs? Who burnt spell books and could build gallows? The executioner – somebody had to do it! 

Join a medieval headsman on a bloodcurdling guided tour of 1.5 hours, leading you through Cologne’s historic centre. Find out what could go wrong during an execution and how a headsman supplemented his own low income as a knacker, dog-catcher or gold-seeker. 

Learn all the gory and grisly details... if you dare to join. 

Highlights

  • Learn about the executioner's profession
  • Listen to eerie stories from a bygone era in which death was omnipresent
  • Stroll through the city and retrace a headsman’s steps in medieval Cologne

Things to note

  • Weather-appropriate clothing
  • Comfortable shoes

Book This Experience

Köln-Altstadt: Scharfrichter, Henker & Co.-Tour

Choose your date

April 2026

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Passengers

Adult

$12.19 each

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