Körnerstraße

An institution, a creative avenue and a colourful mix of shops

It’s Sunday evening on the Lindenstraße on TV: the people know one another, they’re chatting and providing neighbourly support. It’s a bit like that on Körnerstraße in Cologne as well. This is not just any street in the Ehrenfeld district — it’s a little gem of a Cologne neighbourhood. It’s got a mix of small, fine shops as well as many spots for coffee and wine connoisseurs, lovers of choice cuisine, fans of vintage furniture, culture enthusiasts and people who enjoy a beer after work.

On the Körnerstraße you can find a local shop for bulk goods, industrial-culture items for everyday use at home, diverse cafés, a high-rise bunker repurposed as an art venue, a dance bar and a traditional Kölsch pub.

Strolling and shopping

Körnerstraße is known for its unconventional little shops - from furnishings to vintage and unique clothing. You can stroll through the small street in a wonderfully relaxed way and peek through the shop windows into the shops. The atmosphere is warm and relaxed. This means you can always have a chat with the owners. The market hall, coffee roasters and delicatessens provide culinary delights - either on site, to go or as a souvenir at home.

Körnerstraße in Ehrenfeld: a neighbourhood for artists, nerds and families

The multicultural neighbourhood of Ehrenfeld has its own brand of international charm, thanks to a vital cultural and creative scene. Although it’s small, Körnerstraße is a big symbol of this area’s transformation from a working-class neighbourhood to an “in” scene. Its mix of diverse worlds creates a special atmosphere that is especially evident during the street party and other events.

Colourful, lively, creative: the famous Körnerstraße street party in Ehrenfeld

The Körnerstraße street party, which has been held annually since 1998, is a neighbourhood event par excellence. Neighbours, local people from other districts, visitors from elsewhere — all of them gather here in high spirits to meet, chat, linger, browse and celebrate. The street party is organized by neighbours for neighbours. Much of the money earned in the diverse stands later flows into a host of charities, because solidarity, mutual support and human decency are a matter of course for the Körnerstraße community.

For many locals, the Körnerstraße street party has become something like a permanent institution. Every year, window ledges are used as public benches, the street becomes a shared living room and a courtyard entrance is transformed into a stage.

Other events on Körnerstraße: the Christmas market etc.

Apropos tradition, during the Christmas season Körnerstraße becomes a Christmas market, complete with stands, homemade items and gift ideas. If you’d like to keep abreast of this venue and institution throughout the year, you can follow Körnerstraße on Facebook.