
Brauhaus Sünner im Walfisch
Experience Cologne's brewing heritage in a historic 17th-century building, serving authentic German cuisine and house-brewed Kölsch.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

Brauhaus Sünner im Walfisch

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience Cologne's brewing heritage in a historic 17th-century building, serving authentic German cuisine and house-brewed Kölsch.
"Best schnitzel in cologne!!! Really good food and brilliant service!"
Book Ahead
Reservations are highly recommended, especially on weekends, as the restaurant gets very busy.
Try Local Specialties
Don't miss out on traditional dishes like Himmel & Ääd and their famous schnitzel.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
German
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Authentic Brauhaus Culture
Experience the heart of Cologne's brewing tradition in a historic 17th-century building with a cozy atmosphere.

Hearty German Cuisine
Savor traditional dishes like Schnitzel and Haxe, perfectly paired with their house-brewed Kölsch beer.

Divine Kölsch Beer
Enjoy the iconic Sünner Kölsch, a fresh and light beer brewed on-site and served in traditional glasses.
Plans like a pro.
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Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Ahead
Reservations are highly recommended, especially on weekends, as the restaurant gets very busy.
Try Local Specialties
Don't miss out on traditional dishes like Himmel & Ääd and their famous schnitzel.
Visit During Off-Peak
Consider visiting on weekdays or during off-peak hours for a potentially quieter experience.
Explore Schnapps
Venture beyond beer and sample the diverse range of schnapps available at the bar.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Ahead
Reservations are highly recommended, especially on weekends, as the restaurant gets very busy.
Try Local Specialties
Don't miss out on traditional dishes like Himmel & Ääd and their famous schnitzel.
Visit During Off-Peak
Consider visiting on weekdays or during off-peak hours for a potentially quieter experience.
Explore Schnapps
Venture beyond beer and sample the diverse range of schnapps available at the bar.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Brauhaus Sünner im Walfisch is celebrated for its authentic German cuisine and traditional atmosphere within a historic 17th-century building. Many praise the quality of the food, especially the schnitzel and Kölsch beer, and the efficient service. However, some reviews mention it can feel touristy and a bit pricey, and one reviewer had a very negative experience with a bartender.
"The beer is tasting very light and fresh! I like it a lot. And ordered pork knuckle as every time visiting Germany. This size is ok for me, the sauerkraut is a bit different than my memory, but good anyway, so does the mash potatoes!"
Lily Chen
"Very good beerhouse. I did not try the beer as they are not gluten-free. My colleagues liked the beer. The dinner came fast (relatively) despite the beerhouse was full. The food was nicely served. I went for the safe gluten-free version: potatoe, sauerkraut and pork chop. The others ordered hamburgers and they looked amazing. They reay enjoyed it."
Annie Soos
"Had 2 visits here whilst in Cologne. 1st visit for just drinks and second visit for food. Can't fault the service or food. Highly recommend booking a table tho because it gets RIDICULOUSLY busy.."
Mark Brownley
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, reservations are highly recommended, as the restaurant is very popular and can get extremely busy.
Many visitors recommend the schnitzel, Haxe (pork shank), and traditional local dishes like Himmel & Ääd.
While the menu focuses on traditional German meat dishes, some vegetarian-friendly sides and dishes like broad beans are available.
Yes, they serve Sünner Kölsch, which is brewed on-site. It's known for being the oldest Kölsch in the world.
The atmosphere is that of an authentic, cozy, and historic German Brauhaus, dating back to the 1600s.
Yes, they offer a children's menu with options like kid's schnitzel and chicken nuggets.
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Beer House Walking Tour (Self Guided), Cologne, Germany
Sünner im Walfisch is a cozy brewery located in a historic property dating from the mid-17th century. It stands on the site of another, medieval brewery "Heinrich zur Krae" (Krähe), the first records of which in the Cologne Rentkammer beer tax book appear as early as 1476. Visitors to Sunner im Walfisch can expect to find a variety of traditional dishes on the menu, including Himmel & Ääd (a local dish made with mashed potatoes and apple sauce), broad beans with bacon and fried potatoes, and Rhenish sauerbraten with dumplings and red cabbage.
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Another brilliant beer hall that dates back to the 1600s, the Brauhaus Sünner im Walfisch is also known for serving up its own amazing Kolsch beer from its in-house brewery as well as a hearty menu packed full of traditional German cuisine. With a laid-back and relaxing atmosphere inside, it makes for a great place to stop off on a night out in the city for a few drinks as well as a bite to eat if you’re feeling peckish!. 📌 Salzgasse 13 » | Website »
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Brauhäuser gibt es in der Altstadt so einige – ein schon von außen besonders schönes ist das Brauhaus Sünner im Walfisch an der Salzgasse. Im historischen Staffelgiebelhaus werdet ihr nicht nur mit Kölsch, sondern auch mit deftiger versorgt. Auch die Kleinen kommen nicht zu kurz: Die Kinderspeisekarte hält Kinderschnitzel mit Pommes oder hausgemachte Hähnchennuggets – wahlweise mit Pommes, Kartoffelpüree oder Kroketten – bereit.
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Das kölsche Brauhaus Sünner im Walfisch liegt oberhalb der Deutzer Brücke, ganz in der Nähe des Alten Markts und des historischen Rathauses. Das bekannte Sünner Kölsch wird in dieser Brauerei schon seit 1830 nach traditionellem Rezept mit rheinischem Wasser gebraut. Auf der Speisekarte des Brauhaus Sünner stehen typisch kölsche Gerichte wie Himmel und Äd und deftige Küche wie Schnitzel und Haxenfleisch.
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Welcome to Brauhaus Sünner im Walfisch, where the beer flows like a mighty river and the pork knuckles are the stuff of legend!. Nestled in the heart of Cologne, this historic brewery-turned-pub is a beer lover's paradise. Step inside and prepare to be transported to a place where centuries-old brewing traditions and hearty German cuisine collide in a glorious symphony of deliciousness.
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I personally found the Sünner Kölsch at our third stop Sünner im Walfisch a bit more flat tasting than the others, but the overall atmosphere very cosy. It was on our way here that we learned about the importance the number 11 has to the city, with their traditional Carnival (fifth season) starting at 11 am on the 11th of November, and even the beer wreaths holding 11 Kölsch.
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Das Brauhaus Sünner im Walfisch in der Kölner Altstadt bietet eine perfekte Mischung aus traditioneller Brauhauskultur und modernem Ambiente. Hier wird das beliebte Sünner Kölsch ausgeschenkt, das älteste Kölsch der Welt, gebraut von der Sünner Brauerei. Das Brauhaus verfügt über klimatisierte Räumlichkeiten und eine vielfältige Speisekarte mit rheinischen Spezialitäten.
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Head to Brauhaus Sünner im Walfisch for an authentic taste of Cologne’s brewing heritage. Set within a centuries-old building, you’ll find a warm and inviting atmosphere that captures the essence of Cologne’s traditional beer culture. Established in 1318, Brauhaus Sünner is one of the oldest family-owned breweries in Cologne.
A Rough-and-Ready Guide
Sünner enjoys a privileged position in Cologne’s brewing history. The brewery is credited with bringing the first Kölsch to market in 1918. Significantly, this was the first time the word Kölsch was used to refer to this clear, top-fermented “lager” beer that grew out of Wiess around the turn of the twentieth century.
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Das Sünner im Walfisch liegt in der Altstadt in einem Staffelgiebelhaus aus dem Jahr 1629. Das sieht nicht nur beeindruckend aus, sondern sorgt für das richtige Ambiente beim Kölsch trinken. Hier kannst du gut bei deiner Fahrt mit dem Hop-on/Hop-off Bus in Köln eine Pause einlegen, denn der fährt hier fast vorbei.
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There, we ate schweinshaxe (crispy pork knuckle) and Himmel un Ääd (heaven and earth; potato, apple sauce and black pudding). We sat in what can only be described as a confession chamber and enjoyed these two dishes with more than a couple of beers. The food was hearty, hot and delicious.
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Set back from the Rhine in the Altstadt, this 17th-century step-gabled inn with a black-and-white timbered façade is a good choice for atmospheric dining—especially if you are interested in trying the traditional dishes of Cologne. How about Himmel und Ād (fried blood sausages with…
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Tolles Ambiente, durch die Lage direkt in der Altstadt natürlich auch immer viele Touristen. Das Personal ist auf zack, im Sünner im Walfisch spürt man die kölsche Herzlichkeit, was in der Altstadt nicht immer selbstverständlich ist. Viele Gäste loben hier außerdem das gute Essen.
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I previous had a bottle of Sünner Kölsch in 2012 at my local World of Beer (which closed several years ago). I had noted at that time that I needed to visit Köln to have the beers on tap because the bottled versions usually disappointed me!. Eleven years later – here I am!
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Since 1476, a brewery has existed in this location making it one of the oldest brauhauses in Cologne. The building has a pretty interesting history though. Around the corner, there was a brewery called “Zum Walfisch”.
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Brauhaus Sünner im Walfisch is another local favorite in a great location just a block from the Rhine River. It’s a super cozy and traditional space with food that looks so good.
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For comforting pub grub and a really warm, welcoming atmosphere then Brauhaus Sünner im Walfisch is where to cosy down and look after yourself if you’ve been partying too hard.
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The Dark Side of the Dom free tour starts at Heumarkt, neat the statue of Friedrich Wilhelm III and finishes at the Tipsgasse, next to the brewery Sünner im Walfisch.
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Sünner im Walfisch at Salzgasse 13 is the place to go for this side splitting meal, established in 1626, they’ve had plenty of time to perfect it.
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I will be starting with Sünner, the oldest Kölsch brewery in town, as I happen to live just about a ten minute walk away from it.
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