Chicago am Rhein – Cologne's dark side between brothels, gambling, and red lights

Welcome to post-war Cologne – rough, wicked and full of stories that are more exciting than any crime thriller. Between Eigelstein and Friesenviertel, we follow in the footsteps of a milieu that earned Cologne the legendary nickname “Chicago on the Rhine.”

In the 1950s to 1980s, life here was vibrant, with gambling dens, red-light bars, and shady pubs. Pimps, gamblers, crooks and “Mädcher us dem Leeve” (girls of the night) shaped the image of entire blocks. Where cafes and boutiques can be found today, different rules once prevailed – and not infrequently, fists decided what was right and wrong.

On this extraordinary city tour, you will hear the stories of Cologne's most infamous underworld figures: from Schäfers Nas and Dummse Tünn to the legendary Abels Män, the “most beautiful brothel in Cologne.” You will learn how the red-light district worked, where the scene met, and why some pubs were famous far beyond the city limits.

Experience a piece of city history that was long hidden in authentic locations. Between quirky anecdotes, true crime cases and Cologne originals, a vivid picture emerges of a time when Cologne was simultaneously cheerful, dangerous and fascinating.

A tour for those who want to discover true crime, exciting city history, and the dazzling dark side of Cologne.