Augustusburg Palace and the hunting lodge Falkenlust at Brühl have been on the UNESCO World Heritage list since 1984, and they are the finest baroque and rococo ensemble in the Rhineland. Built for the Cologne prince-archbishops, the palace is famous for its staircase by Balthasar Neumann, a showpiece of theatrical architecture, and for its state rooms and Dutch-tiled summer apartment. Falkenlust, a smaller hunting lodge at the end of the long garden avenue, is more intimate and can be visited at your own pace. The gardens are laid out in the formal French style, with fountains and flower beds, and they are lovely in themselves. Brühl is a very easy day trip: the palace stands a short walk from the station, the visit takes a few hours and the whole experience feels like a different world from the busy city. It suits history, architecture and garden lovers, couples and families with older children, and it makes a good option on a day when you want to leave the city behind.
How to visit
Augustusburg Palace can only be visited on a guided tour, which lasts about an hour and is included in the ticket price. Falkenlust can be explored at your own pace, and a combined ticket covers both. Tickets are sold at the ticket offices at the palaces. The palaces are open Tuesday to Friday from 9:00 to 16:00 and on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays from 10:00 to 17:00, last admission, and closed on Mondays and from December to February.
Getting there
The RB 48, RE 6 and MRB 26 trains from Cologne run to Brühl station, a walk of around 300 metres from the palace, and tram line 18 serves Brühl-Mitte, about 800 metres away. By car, it is about 18 kilometres from the cathedral. Falkenlust lies roughly a half hour’s walk from the palace through the park.
Making the most of it
Arrive early in the day, take the palace tour first and spend the rest of the time in the gardens and at Falkenlust. Children, pupils and students under 25 with proof of status enter free, so bring a student card. The park is open longer hours than the palaces, and it makes a pleasant picnic spot on a summer day. Because the palace is seasonal, plan alternatives in winter, such as the Romano-Germanic Museum or the Chocolate Museum.
What to expect
The experience
A guided tour of Augustusburg Palace, a self-guided visit to Falkenlust and time in the baroque gardens.
Best time
Spring to autumn, in the morning; closed on Mondays and from December to February.
How long
Three to four hours including the palace tour, Falkenlust and the gardens.
Tips
Buy tickets at the ticket office, bring a student card for free entry and allow a half hour to walk to Falkenlust.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Architecture, history and garden lovers who want an easy half-day escape from the city.
- Families
- Children under 25 with proof of status enter free, and the gardens give space to run.
- Couples
- A romantic setting of fountains, formal gardens and baroque interiors.
- Pair with
- Aachen for a second historic city, or an evening of Kölsch back in Cologne.
- Time needed
- Three to four hours.
Good questions
How do I get from Cologne to Brühl?+
Take the RB 48, RE 6 or MRB 26 train to Brühl station, about 300 metres from the palace, or tram line 18 to Brühl-Mitte.
Can I visit Augustusburg Palace without a guided tour?+
No, the palace is visited only on a guided tour of about an hour, which is included in the ticket. Falkenlust can be visited on your own.
When are the Brühl palaces open?+
They are open Tuesday to Friday from 9:00 to 16:00 and Saturday, Sunday and public holidays from 10:00 to 17:00. They are closed on Mondays and from December to February.
Can I buy tickets online?+
Tickets are sold at the ticket offices at the palaces, so plan to buy on arrival and check the opening hours before you travel.
Who gets free admission?+
Children, pupils, students and trainees under 25 enter free with valid proof, such as a student card.
