Carnival 2026 is just around the corner and jesters from all over Germany are traveling to the carnival strongholds. But while costumes and atmosphere explode, one question remains exciting: How much do visitors really have to dig into their pockets for beer etc. in order to join in the celebration?
When carnival and carnival come around, the cities transform into one street festival. It quickly becomes clear: Carnival is no longer a cheap pleasure. Especially on Weiberfastnacht it becomes clear where visitors will really be asked to pay in 2026.
Cologne: Kölsch at 2.50 euros – but the total bill explodes
According to Martin Schlüter, chairman of IG Kölner Gastro, most Cologne bar owners are expecting a price of around 2026 for the 2026 street carnival 2.50 euros for 0.2 liters of Kölsch. He explained this to the Cologne local editorial team of t-onlinewhich published a price check shortly before Weiberfastnacht. Some innkeepers are likely to give up due to increased costs for personnel and security 2.70 to 2.80 euros increase.
There are large halls 3 euros and more This has long been a reality – the Kölsch price there had already broken the 3 euro mark in the previous session. According to Schlüter, this level will not yet be achieved across the board in classic Veedel pubs.
At the same time, a study by the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) shows how much the carnival attracted overall, as the Rheinische Post reports: Spending of 848 million euros was estimated for the 2024/25 Cologne Carnival – 42 percent more than in 2018/19. The gastronomy and consumption category alone is worth 355 million euros, an increase of 38 percent. BCG and RP emphasize that prices in the catering industry rose by more than 30 percent between 2019 and 2024 – so the individual Kölsch is only part of the problem, the overall bill from costume, tickets, accommodation and travel weighs more heavily.
Düsseldorf, Mainz, Munich: Beer prices at Mardi Gras and Carnival in comparison
To get a feel for how Cologne compares to other strongholds, it’s worth taking a look across the Rhine and to the south. The BCG study primarily refers to Cologne. The cost pressure is affecting Düsseldorf, Mainz and also large cities where Carnival is traditionally celebrated, such as Munich. Local media and associations are reporting a similar trend there: rising catering prices, more expensive overnight stays and fuller halls.
- Dusseldorf:
Carnival 2025 took place in the old town (“longest bar in the world”) (Rhenish Post) the prices for a 0.25 liter Altbier in many pubs now above the 2 euro markcity center pubs and breweries at carnival are sometimes even higher. - Mainz:
Mainz innkeepers have been reporting rising beer prices for Shrovetide for several years now; move frequently 0.3 liter Pilsner or Helles in the area of around 3 eurossometimes more in hotspots and festival tents. - Munich (Carnival):
When it comes to carnival, the bar is naturally higher – major events are based on the Munich standard: A 0.5 liter beer already costs in many restaurants and events 5 euros or morecorrespondingly higher in popular locations.
Despite regional differences, it is clear: Cologne remains comparatively moderate at 2.50 euros for 0.2 liters of Kölsch in the pub sector, especially in comparison to major events in Munich or event locations in other cities. At the same time, the study suggests that the price curve continues to move upwards as rents, personnel costs and safety requirements increase.
Saving tips for carnival: This is how carnivalists can save money
For carnivalists, this means: It’s not just the individual Kölsch that decides the Zeche, but the mix of location, location and number of evenings. A few simple strategies can help you keep costs under control without sacrificing mood:
- Veedels pub instead of premium event: At around 2.50 euros per Kölsch, classic Cologne pubs remain well below the halls and many event locations. The same applies in Düsseldorf, Mainz and Munich: Away from the absolute hotspots, prices are noticeably lower.
- Plan early: Secure tickets for meetings and larger events in good time or consciously opt for smaller formats instead of spontaneously stumbling into the most expensive hall.
- Conscious consumption: A few targeted rounds with friends in the local bar instead of marathon drinking across all the hotspots not only relieves the strain on the budget, but also fits in with the trend shown by the BCG study: Many partygoers are now critical of the focus on alcohol.
- Public transport instead of taxi: The mobility costs are a big item. If you consistently use the bus and train, you not only save money, but also avoid searching for a parking space and alcohol problems.
In a direct comparison of cities, Cologne certainly doesn’t give away their Kölsch to Jecken, but the city still remains within reasonable prices, especially in the Veedeln. What matters is less whether the Kölsch costs 2.50 or 2.80 euros, but rather how many hours, days and cities you treat yourself to in the session. This is exactly where you have the greatest influence and can enjoy the carnival without giving your wallet a permanent hangover.
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