Event Dates
From: Friday, April 17, 2026
To: Sunday, April 19, 2026
Spring Bears Cologne 2026
Join fellow bears and friends for an unforgettable, welcoming weekend.
Spring Bears Cologne 2026
Join fellow bears and friends for an unforgettable, welcoming weekend. Each April, Spring Bears brings the gay bear crowd back to Cologne for a long weekend of parties, bar hopping, saunas, and social meet-ups, centered around Old Town South.
- Stay close to the parties and events at the Travel Proud certified MAISON MARSIL – Boutique Hotel Köln, offering spacious rooms and a great location within easy walking distance of Old Town South nightlife. Reserve early as rooms sell out fast, ensuring you secure your spot in the heart of the bear zone.
The Event
- Next Edition: Friday 17th April to Sunday 19th April – The little sister of the Bear Pride Cologne!
- Spring Bears Cologne is the perfect way to ease yourself out of hibernation.
- Enjoy three days and nights of parties, bar tours, shows, and bear circuit parties.
- Other highlights include a sightseeing tour and a queer bear market.
- BÄRANOID is the signature event of the weekend on Saturday night, taking over the Tivoli Club with a mix of EDM, pop, and electronic sets.
- Events typically kick off with a welcome meeting and end with a Sunday brunch.
- Stay at the URBAN LOFT Cologne, rated “Excellent” by guests, a modern hotel with a relaxed atmosphere and close to the city’s top attractions with fast links to the bear scene.
Cologne’s Bear Scene
- Cologne’s bear scene stays tightly centred in Old Town South, just beyond the cathedral.
- Most venues sit within a short walking distance, making it easy to explore spontaneously.
- Check out the top hotels in Old Town South.
Getting Around
- For late-night travels, trams and taxis are reliable options.
- Heumarkt and Neumarkt stations connect the area across the city by tram and U-Bahn.
- Ehrenfeld runs later and louder for club-focused nights, though Spring Bears remains firmly central.
The Venues
- The 3B – Bearded Bear Bar – Compact, dark, and unapologetically bear-focused, this is the social anchor of the weekend, known for packed late nights, cruising-friendly corners, and a crowd that actually talks to each other.
- Barmanner – Classic Cologne gay bar with a mixed local crowd that makes it easy to start conversations early and stay longer than planned.
- Baustelle – Casual and unpretentious with a relaxed bar-room feel, ideal for early evening drinks,
- Badehaus Babylon – One of Cologne’s most historic gay saunas, drawing a loyal bear crowd with its traditional layout, cruising areas, and long-standing reputation during event weekends.
- Phoenix Sauna – Modern sauna option with clean lines, spacious facilities, and a strong daytime scene that works well between late nights and evening plans.
- TIVOLI Club – Large-scale club space with a proper dancefloor, lighting, and sound setup, giving Spring Bears its peak Saturday night moment without leaving the Old Town area.
- Gentle Bears Cologne – Local bear collective behind the Spring Bears weekend.
Recommended Hotels in Cologne
Here are the hotels we recommend that have good reviews and keep you close to all the action,
Hotel Lyskirchen, Maritim Hotel, Dorint-Cologne, 25hours Hotel,
Recommended Hotels
Where to stay close to all the gay bars
Our top 4 selections with the best rates.
Where we stay!
The Steigenberger Hotel is our
choice located in the gay district!
Official Website
For further information and advice on
Spring Bears Cologne visit the Website
Gay Map of Cologne
There two gay areas in Cologne: Rudolfplatz, known locally as the “Bermuda Triangle” is more modern in style with Many of the cafes, bars and clubs around have started during the last twenty years. The Old Town is home to more Traditional pubs and bars for mixed ages.
Address: Filzengraben 26, 50676 Köln, Germany
- Calm stay near Rheinauhafen and Old Town.
- Tidy rooms with good beds and blackout curtains.
- Indoor pool, sauna, compact gym.
- Easy walk to river & Chocolate Museum, tram close by.
- Website
Address: Pipinstraße 15 0667 Cologne, Germany
- Central stay by Heumarkt and the Rhine.
- Spacious, quiet rooms; strong showers.
- Big breakfast; Harry’s New-York Bar on site.
- Pool and spa next door via Holmes Place.
- Website
Address: Heumarkt 2050667 Cologne, Germany
- Atrium hotel by the Rhine near Heumarkt.
- Quiet rooms, firm beds, strong showers.
- Big breakfast; bars and dining on site.
- Pool, sauna, gym; walk to Old Town.
- Website
Address: Hohe Straße 30 51149 Cologne, Germany
- Central stay near Heumarkt and Old Town.
- Compact modern rooms; comfy beds, blackout curtains.
- Reliable breakfast; friendly, efficient team.
- Lobby bar; easy tram links and river walks.
- Website
Address: Im Klapperhof 22-24, 50670 Köln,
- Design hotel in a retro-futurist ring.
- Comfy rooms, blackout curtains, strong showers.
- NENI dining and Monkey Bar views.
- Walk to the Dom; bikes to borrow.
- Website
Address: Friesenwall 26 / Kettengasse, Cologne 50672
- Community-minded café-bar near Friesenplatz.
- Great coffee, cakes, and light bites.
- Relaxed, queer-friendly crowd all day.
- Easy meet-up before the gay bars.
- Open: Monday to Saturday 10am–12am, Sun 10am–10pm
- Website
Address: Mittelstraße 31-33, Cologne 50672
- Queer-friendly café-bar by Rudolfplatz.
- Great coffee, cakes, and breakfasts.
- Easy vibe, fair prices, kind staff.
- Handy meet-up before the gay bars.
- Open: Wednesday 12pm–8am, Thursday to Sunday 9am–8pm
(Monday–Tuesday Closed)
Address: Pipinstraße/Vor St. Martin 8-10, Cologne 50667
- Welcoming pink bar near Heumarkt.
- Terrace vibe; drag on busy nights.
- Fair prices; quick, friendly pours.
- Handy start for a Cologne bar hop.
- Open: Friday 5pm-3am, Saturday 2pm–3am, Sunday 2pm–10pm
(Monday & Tuesday Closed)
Address: Pipinstraße 3, Cologne 50667
- Gay bar near Heumarkt with terrace.
- Cosy room, pink glow, friendly vibe.
- Kölsch and cocktails at fair prices.
- Great start for an Old Town bar hop.
- Open: Wednesday & Thursday 5pm-11pm,
- Friday & Saturday 5pm–2am, Sunday 2pm–8am
- (Monday & Tuesday Closed)
Address: Mauritiuswall 43, 50676 Köln, Germany
- Camp-pop bar with mirror sparkle.
- Pop/disco tunes; sing-along vibe.
- Bubbles, Kölsch, friendly prices.
- Lively pre-club stop on the strip.
- Open: Wednesday–Thursday 7pm–1am, Friday–Saturday 7pm–3am
Sunday 6pm–12am (Monday–Tuesday Closed) - Website
Address: Pipinstraße 5 / Vor St. Martin 12, Cologne 50667
- Lively Old Town gay bar near Heumarkt.
- Terrace outside; party room inside.
- Fair prices; quick, friendly pours.
- Big weekend buzz, fun every night.
- Open: Monday to Thursday 5pm–1am
Friday 5pm–3am, Saturday 4pm–3am, Sunday 4pm–1am - Website
Address: Kasinostraße 1a / Stephanstraße, Cologne 50676
- Mixed gay pub near Heumarkt.
- Cosy room, fair prices, friendly crew.
- Classics and sing-along pop nights.
- Easy stop on an Old Town bar hop.
- Open: Tuesday to Saturday 4pm-1a (Sunday & Monday Closed)
- Website
Address: Schaafenstraße 61 A, Cologne 50676
- Lively gay bar on Schaafenstraße.
- Pop and dance, DJs on weekends.
- Quick pours; fun, friendly crowd.
- Great stop on a Cologne bar hop.
- Open: Wednesday & Thursday 7pm–3am
Friday & Saturday 9pm-6am (Sunday to Tuesday Closed)
Address: Schaafenstraße 45, Cologne 50676
- Stylish cocktail lounge on Schaafenstraße.
- Strong drinks; pop/house energy.
- Mixed, friendly crowd; late buzz.
- Great pre-club stop on the strip.
- Open: Tuesday to Thursday 7pm–3am,Friday & Saturday 8pm–6am
(Sunday & Monday Closed)
Address: Greesbergstraße 2/Eigelstein, Cologne 50668
- Cosy gay bar with retro charm.
- Pop/disco and sing-along nights.
- Fair prices; quick, friendly pours.
- Great stop on the strip.
- Open: Monday to Friday 4pm-1am Saturday 4pm-2am
Sunday 2pm-12.30am
Address: Balduinstraße 20, 50676 Köln, Germany
- Men-only bar with fetish-friendly vibe.
- Neon glow; pop/house; quick pours.
- No dress code; friendly crew.
- Busy weekends on Schaafenstraße.
- Open: Sunday Wednesday–Thursday 7pm–2am
Friday & Saturday 7pm–4am (Monday–Tuesday Closed)
Address: Richard-Wagner-Straße 25, Cologne 50674
- Gay bar with an Asian twist on Schaafenstraße.
- Cosy room, neon glow, pop tunes.
- Friendly prices; quick, easy pours.
- Chatty crowd; great pre-club stop.
- Open: Wednesday–Thursday 7pm–2am, Friday–Saturday 7pm–4am Sunday 7pm–2am (Monday–Tuesday Closed)
Address: Greesbergstraße 2/Eigelstein, Cologne 50668
- Cosy weekend bar near Schaafenstraße.
- Pop tunes, cheeky vibe, friendly team.
- Fair prices; fast service; mixed crowd.
- Great pre-club stop, late buzz.
- Open: Thursday 8pm–1am, Friday–Saturday 8pm–5am
- (Sunday to Wednesday Closed)
Address: Mühlenbach 53, 50676 Köln, Germany
- Bear-friendly bar near Heumarkt.
- Cosy room, pop and retro tunes.
- Fair prices; quick, friendly pours.
- Great start to an Old Town bar hop.
- Open: Wednesday To Thursday 7pm–late, Friday–Saturday 7pm–late (Sunday Monday & Tuesday Closed)
Address: Alter Markt 58 50667 Cologne, Germany
- Classic Old Town gay bar with terrace.
- Cosy room, pop hits, friendly vibe.
- Fair prices; fast pours; mixed crowd.
- Great first stop near Heumarkt.
- Open: Monday–Thursday 4pm–2am, Friday–Sunday 12pm–2am
- Website
Address: Pipinstraße 5, 50667 Köln, Germany
- Cosy Old Town gay bar near Heumarkt.
- Terrace people-watching, pink-lit interior.
- Fair prices, fast pours, fun crowd.
- Great first stop on a bar hop.
- Open: Tuesday–Thursday 6pm–1am, Friday–Saturday 4pm–2am Sunday 4pm–11pm, (Monday Closed)
Address: Mathiasstraße 5, 50676 Köln, Germany
- Small, friendly bar near Schaafenstraße.
- Neon glow, pop/retro, easy chat.
- Fair prices; fast, tidy pours.
- Busy late on weekends.
- Open: Wednesday–Thursday 6pm–1am, Friday–Saturday 6pm–3am Sunday 6pm–1am (Monday–Tuesday Closed)
Address: Mathiasstraße 22, 50676 Köln, Germany
- Men-only cruising bar by Heumarkt.
- Cabins, dark rooms, lockers on site.
- Monday naked night; fair prices.
- Late, busy weekends; central spot.
- Open: Monday 6pm–3am, Tuesday to Thursday 9pm–3am
- Friday–Saturday 9pm–5am, Sunday 9pm–3am
- Website
Address: Club Bogen 2, Gladbacher Wall 5, 50670 Köln, Germany
- Cheeky pop-house party in the center.
- Drag pop-ups, dancers, confetti hits.
- Fast bars; friendly, mixed crowd.
- Packed after midnight on big nights.
- Open: Event nights only 10pm–6am Some Fridays 10pm–5am
- Box office closes 3am
- Website
Address: Schaafenstraße 49, 50676 Köln, Germany
- Cloakroom-bar at the heart of Schaafenstraße.
- Drop bags, grab a drink, keep moving.
- Fast service, friendly crew, fair prices.
- Ideal base for an Old Town bar hop.
- Open: Friday–Saturday 9pm–6am, (Sunday To Thursday Closed)
Address: Schaafenstraße 57 50676 Cologne, Germany
- Busy anchor bar on Schaafenstraße.
- Pop and dance; buzz from early evening.
- Fast pours; fair prices; friendly crowd.
- Perfect meet-up for a strip hop.
- Open: Monday to Thursday 6pm–3am, Friday–Saturday 6pm–6am
- Sunday 6pm–2am
Address: Schaafenstraße 51 50676 Cologne, Germany
- Kitschy pop bar on Schaafenstraße.
- Pop/90s/Schlager, drag moments.
- Fast pours; fun mixed crowd.
- Big weekend energy, late finish.
- Open: Wednesday to Thursday 7pm–3am, Friday–Saturday 7pm–6am Sunday 7pm–2am, (Monday–Tuesday Closed)
Address: Mühlenbach 57 50676 Cologne, Germany
- Classic gay bar for mature crowd.
- Cosy room, terrace, easy chat.
- Fair prices; quick, friendly pours.
- Handy first stop near Heumarkt.
- Open: Monday 5pm–1am, Wednesday 5pm–1am,
- Thursday 5pm–1am, Friday & Saturday 5pm–3am, Sunday 5pm–1am
- (Tuesday Closed)
Recommended Hotels in Cologne By Booking
Book with confidence. Get the best Prices from our partner Booking.com
We have chosen hotels in Cologne that keep you close to all the shops,restaurants & bars
Dorint Hotel
5 Star, Luxury
- 5-star, health club, large indoor pool.
- Close to the gay district.
- Soundproofed, marble bathroom.
- Prime city center location, luxurious amenities, ideal for relaxation.
25hours Hotel
4 Star, Readers Choice
- 4-star, unique bar, vibrant ambiance.
- Close to the gay district.
- Air-conditioned, flat-screen TV.
- Creative design, central location, perfect for a unique experience.
Hotel Lyskirchen
4 Star, Great Value
- 4-star, indoor pool, modern equipped gym.
- Close to the gay district.
- Flat-screen TV, elegant interiors.
- Heart of Cologne, great value, modern facilities, leisure comfort.
DASKöln
Serviced Apartments
- Modern-style, central, free WiFi.
- A short walk to the gay bars.
- Designer furniture, equipped kitchen.
- Quiet yet central, ideal for longer stays, close to attractions.
Video Gay Cologne Guide
Check out the best of gay cologne.
Top Gay Neighbourhoods in Cologne
Cologne, affectionately referred to as the “Gay Capital of Germany”, boasts vibrant gay neighbourhoods brimming with history, culture, and LGBTQ+ pride. The city’s heart beats loudly in the districts of Rudolfplatz and the Old Town’s famous Bermuda Triangle.
Altstadt-Nord | Cologne Old Town
Photo: Cologne hosts huge Circuit Events, Kinky Festivals & even a Gay Christmas Market
- Cologne’s gay scene is around Heumarkt-Mathiasstrasse in the Old Town (Altstadt). It is the city’s original gayborhood.
- The gaybourhood is home to low-key gay bars, a leather vibe and famous cruise clubs.
- One of the pioneering districts for LGBTQ+ rights in Germany, it hosts several post-parade parties during Cologne Pride.
- Discover the best things to see and do in the old town.
Rudolfplatz
Nicknamed “The Bermuda Triangle”, located west of town and home to Babylon & Phoenix saunas.
Ehrenfeld
Artsy neighbourhood, 20-mins from the centre, with trendy cafes, boutiques, & a vivid street art scene.
Belgian Quarter
Known for its hip atmosphere offering a blend of chic boutiques, trendy restaurants, & lively bars.
Deutz
On the eastern bank of the Rhine River, with a quieter vibe and fantastic views of Cologne’s skyline.
Other Events in April
https://www.gaytravel4u.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Pink-Inc-Hamburg-Gay-Party-5.jpg
370
800
Andrew Stevens
https://www.gaytravel4u.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/logo-gt4u.png
Andrew Stevens2022-03-28 15:33:002025-03-30 23:06:17Pink Inc Hamburg Gay Party
https://www.gaytravel4u.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Prague-Easter-Markets-4.jpg
370
800
Andrew Stevens
https://www.gaytravel4u.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/logo-gt4u.png
Andrew Stevens2017-03-02 18:54:572025-09-25 15:50:49Prague Easter Markets
https://www.gaytravel4u.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/berlin-leather-fetish-week-easter-3.jpg
370
800
admin
https://www.gaytravel4u.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/logo-gt4u.png
admin2014-10-13 17:17:282025-04-22 11:54:42Berlin Easter Leather And Fetish Week
https://www.gaytravel4u.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Smokeout-Las-Vegas-1.jpg
370
800
Andrew Stevens
https://www.gaytravel4u.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/logo-gt4u.png
Andrew Stevens2022-03-20 10:43:232025-09-25 13:46:23Smokeout Las Vegas
https://www.gaytravel4u.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Marea-Semana-Santa-Easter-Festival-4.jpg
370
800
Andrew Stevens
https://www.gaytravel4u.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/logo-gt4u.png
Andrew Stevens2017-03-30 17:03:312025-04-21 16:10:12Semana Santa Easter Festival, Puerto VallartaLatest Gay Travel News
Gay Carnival EventsTuesday, Jan 6th, 2026 - 5:32 pmThere’s nothing quite like a Carnival. After a long Winter, it’s the perfect excuse to party! From Cologne to Rio, discover the top Carnivals with significant gay events as part of their celebrations.
- Gay Easter EventsMonday, Jan 5th, 2026 - 6:42 pm
Celebrate the arrival or Spring with chickens, some chocolate eggs and a few confessions!
- The Top Gay Ski WeeksThursday, Jan 1st, 2026 - 8:21 pm
From the Apres Ski parties in Aspen to the slopes of Queenstown in September, here are the top gay ski weeks to attend in 2025.
Follow us on Facebook
