Overview
- The Rheinkirmes opened on July 17 and is expected to draw about four million visitors through July 26, filling 165,000 square metres of fairground and more than 300 showmen along a roughly 4.5 km route.
- Rheinbahn and the city have sharply increased daytime, night and express tram and bus services and promoted free Park-and-Ride sites to prevent car congestion and protect local residents.
- Road closures and resident-only access zones around Oberkassel remain in force and city traffic officials warned illegally parked vehicles will be towed to keep deliveries and emergency routes clear.
- A new roller-coaster-style ride called Invader stalled with technical problems on opening day but was repaired and returned to operation by early evening.
- The Kirmes ferry was suspended by low Rhine levels, dredging cleared a channel over the weekend and operators plan to resume crossings from Monday at 13:30 while visitors face noticeably higher prices for drinks, food and rides.