Cologne: Virtual Reality Time Travel Experience Ticket

Explore Cologne’s 1920s in 45 Minutes with VR and More

The Cologne: Virtual Reality Time Travel Experience Ticket offers a compact yet rich journey into the city’s history. For $24 per person, this 45-minute tour combines an engaging short film, a detailed hat shop visit, and a spectacular VR ride through Cologne in 1926. The experience is designed for history buffs, culture lovers, and families, providing an accessible way to see how the city looked before World War II.

What makes this tour stand out is its blend of traditional storytelling, authentic artifacts, and cutting-edge virtual reality technology. The 15-minute VR ride is the highlight, offering 360° panoramic views of old Cologne’s most iconic landmarks. The combination of visual, tactile, and narrative elements makes it a compelling way to connect with the city’s past, even within a relatively short time frame.

However, this experience is mostly visual and can be less engaging for those seeking a longer or more interactive visit. Still, it offers exceptional value, especially considering its central location and accessibility, including wheelchair space and options for multiple languages.

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Key Points

• 45-minute experience that includes a 15-minute VR ride through Cologne in 1926
• Tickets at $24 per person, including all fees and taxes
• The VR journey highlights landmarks like Cologne Cathedral’s surroundings, the old main train station, and the Schauspielhaus theater
• Combines film, hat shop visit, and VR, offering a multi-layered look into 1920s Cologne
• Suitable for history enthusiasts, culture fans, families, and those with limited time
• Accessible for visitors with wheelchairs and in English and German

Visiting Cologne’s Old Town in Virtual Reality

This tour departs from central Cologne, making it convenient for travelers staying nearby. The 45-minute duration is perfect for a quick yet enriching activity, fitting well into a day of sightseeing. The experience kicks off with a short film in a glamorous cinema setting that showcases Cologne’s development during the 1920s.

The film segment lasts approximately 15 minutes, providing a lively introduction to the city’s post-war era, the British occupation, and the impact of the Spanish flu. This segment offers a visual boost to historical understanding and sets the scene for the VR portion.

Behind the Scenes of the Hat Shop and Its Role in 1920s Fashion

The Riedschneider family hat store is a key part of the tour, bringing to life the fashion and social customs of the 1920s. Visitors get to see original hats from Cologne’s Diefenthal family hat makers, illustrating how hat choices reflected personality and social status. The shop’s charming decor and authentic artifacts create a nostalgic atmosphere.

During this segment, an urgent delivery for Tessas’ hat order at Neumarkt adds a lively storyline. Visitors enjoy seeing the art of hat-making and trying on vintage hats, adding a tactile dimension to the historical narrative. This immersive experience offers both visual and hands-on enjoyment, making the past feel more tangible.

The VR Ride: A Panoramic Journey Through 1926 Cologne

The main attraction of this experience is the 15-minute VR ride, where visitors wear goggles and sit in a true-to-original streetcar replica. The ride features vibrating movement and airstream effects to mimic the feeling of actual tram travel.

The VR journey takes viewers over undestroyed Cologne in 1926, presenting landmarks such as the Cathedral’s surroundings, the old main train station, and the Schauspielhaus theater. Many of these sites have been altered or lost in modern times, making the experience a visual treasure hunt for history lovers.

The ride concludes with a colorful carnival scene at Neumarkt, capturing the vibrant local culture of the 1920s. This Grand Finale lasts about 15 minutes, leaving a lasting impression of Cologne’s lively street life during the roaring twenties.

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Logistics and Accessibility for Visitors

This experience is wheelchair accessible, with space for one wheelchair per tour. It is designed to be mostly visual, with optional audio explanations available in English and German. Visitors who wear glasses can generally participate comfortably, and the skip-the-line ticket helps avoid long waits.

The tour emphasizes flexible booking options, allowing reservations with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Payment can be deferred at booking, offering convenience for spontaneous plans or uncertain schedules.

Quality and Value Based on User Feedback

With a 4.6-star rating from over 2,100 reviews, this tour consistently earns praise for its engaging storytelling, friendly staff, and stunning VR visuals. Many reviewers describe the experience as “fascinating,” “well-organized,” and “great value for money.”

Some subtle criticisms mention the short length of the VR ride and occasional technical issues, like language mismatches. Nonetheless, overall satisfaction remains very high, with visitors appreciating the authenticity of the hat shop and the quality of the virtual tour.

How This Experience Compares to Similar Tours

This VR trip stands out with its combination of narrative, artifacts, and technology. Unlike tours that focus solely on walking or audio guides, this experience offers interactive elements like trying on hats and a virtual journey that brings history vividly to life.

The price point of $24 makes it an accessible option compared to more extensive city tours. It is particularly suitable for those seeking a quick, informative, and entertaining activity that provides visual excitement and cultural insights.

The Sum Up: A Unique Glimpse into Cologne’s 1920s

The Cologne: Virtual Reality Time Travel Experience Ticket delivers a compact yet immersive look into the city’s past, making excellent use of VR technology to showcase landmarks and street scenes of 1926 Cologne. For history enthusiasts, VR fans, and families, it offers good value, especially considering the central location and accessibility.

While the VR component lasts only 15 minutes, the overall experience provides a lively and visually appealing window into the city’s history, enriched by the film segment and hat shop visit. Visitors should expect a mostly visual experience, with limited physical activity and a focus on sight and story.

This tour is perfect for those with limited time or looking for a fun, informative activity. It’s particularly well-suited for first-time visitors who want a taste of Cologne’s history in an entertaining format, or for families eager to combine education with interactive fun.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience lasts 45 minutes, with the VR ride itself being 15 minutes.

What is included in the ticket?
The ticket covers entry, technical equipment, and all fees and taxes. It does not include food or drinks.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users?
Yes, the experience is wheelchair accessible, with space for one wheelchair per tour.

Can I choose the language of the experience?
Yes, the tour is available in English and German.

What landmarks will I see during the VR ride?
You’ll see Cologne Cathedral’s surroundings, the old main train station, the Schauspielhaus theater, and Neumarkt during carnival time.

Is the experience good for children?
It is not suitable for children under 6 years.

What should I wear or bring?
Visitors should wear glasses if needed, as the experience is primarily visual. No special clothing is required.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, cancellations are free up to 24 hours before the experience.

Are there any restrictions on photography?
Flash photography is not allowed during the VR ride.

Where does the tour start?
The tour departs from central Cologne, making it easy to access from most city accommodations.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby