Right after the Cologne Cathedral and the brewery scene, the unique virtual reality experience TimeRide is an absolute must-do for us! Even on our tours, we always point out to our guests the unique experience that modern technology has made possible. History can be boring, but it doesn't have to be. That's exactly what TimeRide proves. And not just with one offer in Cologne, but currently three different ones!
The classic journey through time
The entertaining ride in a replica of an old tram is well known to the people of Cologne, but less so to tourists. Well, it's not a ride in the real sense of the word, of course. But with the help of VR glasses, the feeling of a real ride sets in very quickly. The company started in 1905. This tour was also unique. But the graphics of such simulations are getting better and better. And TimeRide is not a company that stands out for its lack of imagination or stagnation. Quite the opposite. And so, in elaborate computer graphics, Cologne in 1926 was brought back to life. And what can we say? It's wonderful!
How wonderful it would be if we didn't have some of the ugly 1950s buildings listed as historical monuments, but could restore the buildings to their former glory. Fortunately, we have our typical Cologne mentality, which balances everything out and makes our city the most beautiful city in the world! What we find particularly remarkable is that TimeRide is not just an impressive and entertaining leisure activity, but can also be seen as a kind of memorial. Opjepass at the ballot box!
Staged with love
If you decide to travel back in time at the Alter Markt in the former Schlecker, then not only the virtual reality animation awaits you, the attention to detail is particularly remarkable. Decorations and costumes get you in the mood for the colorful program that is closely linked to our city. So we not only hear the voice of our beloved Björn Heuser, who rocks the Gaffel am Dom every Friday evening with his sing-along concerts, but we also learn something about the art of hat making. And all this from a long-established Cologne company, Diefenthal 1905. The man behind this is Angie's brother, who we already introduced to you in the blog with her pub Rüttgers!
And when you finally get on the train, find your seat and adjust your glasses, your journey through Cologne begins. You can see everything in detail in 360° - but a warning: it's addictive! Because you really can't get enough of it. A special highlight awaits you at the end, when you have virtually arrived at Neumarkt. The train takes off, floats over Cologne and slowly the historic Cologne changes into the Cologne of today. You won't find a better viewing platform anywhere! It's just a shame that you can't take photos.
The special city tour
TimeRide has also come up with something special for a "normal" city tour. While you look at various points on the (in reality) guided tour, there is a little VR magic as a highlight at each individual point. Put on the glasses and you can see what the cathedral looked like as a construction site in the Middle Ages with its wooden crane! It is simply unbelievable how they managed to create such a structure back then without today's technology. But the old Roman bridge is also a real feast for the eyes. I remember the presentation of the concept when an old city guide who had already retired saw these pictures for the first time. He was so moved that he cried. "I always said that I would see this one day, I could never have imagined in my wildest dreams!" And for carnival fans there is a very special bang effect, which we don't want to reveal here!
Reinvent yourself again and again
This is probably part of TimeRide's corporate philosophy. We have recently been testing a new product that we really like: The Beer Experience! Sure, we go through the breweries and there is a lot to talk about. But a brewery tour is just as interesting! And now you can do it virtually! TimeRide is not just limited to Cologne, but also looks at the history of beer and how it is made in general. The whole thing is enhanced by tasting different types of beer. If you are wondering why we start with Kölsch and why that is not the highlight of the tasting, then you should know that the sommelier follows a plan at tastings. And in this case, that plan is to put the strongest, heaviest beer at the end.
You'll find out why Kölsch should of course be everyone's favorite on our tours through the different breweries in our city - with lots of wit and humor and, of course, some delicious Kölsch! When are you coming on tour with us?
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