Talstation II

More information about the history

Image: Postcard of a donkey ride to the Drachenfels, 1928

Despite the fact that more and more straightforward footpaths were constructed on the Drachenfels, climbing to the top was still hard work. A ride on horseback or on a donkey gave the day trippers a long-awaited alternative. At the turn of the century, 12 horses and 44 donkeys waited at the ready next to the Drachenfels cog railway. The tradition that is still alive today made the donkey the town’s unofficial heraldic animal, which is even immortalised in a monument on the Rhine.

Image: Postcard of a souvenir photo, signed by Willi Ostermann, depicting a donkey ride up the Drachenfels (privately owned)

The souvenir photo, signed by Willi Ostermann, also reveals how popular a donkey ride on the Drachenfels was. The songwriter and carnival fan from Cologne commented on it by quoting the line of song text “Mer rigge met dem Äsel op de Drachenfels” [We ride on a donkey up the Drachenfels] – a popular song by the Cologne composer and lyricist Toni Steingass.

Practical information

Donkey ride to the Drachenfels
Particularly suitable for children: During the tourist season, the donkeys are “stationed” at the lower station of the Drachenfels cog railway, where they wait to carry their young guests up the hill.
From the Easter holidays (NRW) until 31st October: Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays from 11 a.m.
In the NRW school holidays: daily and on appointment with the Muhr family, tel. 0222324650.