TÜV Rheinland^®

Kölner Lichter

In the summer of 2001, the City of Cologne launched a fireworks festival they named “Kölner Lichter”.

Now, twelve years later, it is known Europe-wide as one of the largest fireworks synchronized to music. Each year, hundreds of thousands of visitors place their folding chairs and coolers by the Rhine river to follow the impressive spectacle. Whilst the best spots are taken in the morning, the main fireworks only start at 11.30 in the evening and last until midnight. Last year, a whole 4.7 tons of fireworks were lit in synch to theme music that could be heard anywhere on the Rhine banks. During the final tunes, viewers lit up thousands of sparklers to help illuminate Cologne.

January Quiz

Can you guess how many professional pyrotechnicians make the Kölner Lichter sparkle?

• a) 105
• b) 45

Answer:

Surprisingly enough, no more than 45 pyrotechnicians make the Kölner Lichter one of the most memorable events of the year in Cologne.