Short hikes or nature walks are always possible. As you know, there is no bad weather, only the wrong clothing. So put on your hiking shoes, pack your rain jacket and off you go. For example, you could go to the Siebengebirge. From Friday to Sunday there is also the Castle Lights at Drachenfels Castle from 5 to 10pm.

So far, the Rhineland and the Eifel has not been blessed with lots of snow. So if you want to ski for a few days you have to drive a bit further. For example, to Feldberg in the Black Forest. Winterberg in Sauerland is also worth a day trip. And nobody has to worry that it would be too crowded in the region over carnival. For another day trip, there is also the indoor ski hall in Neuss. As well, there are some toboggan runs in Bonn and the region that are worth a visit: http://www.ga.de/ga-english/Sledding-and-skiing-in-the-region-article3749543.html

Rose Monday in the furniture store? Why not. While others are out catching Kamelle (sweets) at the parades, you can visit large furnitures stores like Ikea, Porta and the like during their usual opening hours even on Thursday, the Women’s carnival day and on Rose Monday. Incidentally, they also attract customers with special offers and discounts. But one should bring a bit of patience, because you will not be alone with the idea to shop for furniture during carnival days.

If you normally don’t have time to take in a movie, maybe it is possible during carnival. Kinopolis, the Woki and other theaters are also open throughout carnival. Why not plan an afternoon or evening at the movies?

If you want to really escape carnival in Bonn and Cologne, you can head to the Netherlands to one of the outlet shopping centers that are near the border with Germany. At Roermond, for example, there are over 150 shops. So make sure you bring enough time. Brand labels can be bought there for cheaper than in normal stores. Also in Bonn and the region there are numerous outlet shops.

Hard to believe, but also in Cologne there are some alternatives on Rose Monday and the other carnival days. The Cologne Zoo is home to not only tigers, elephants, giraffes, but also many species of birds, hippos and crocodiles, not to mention domestic farm animals, all living on the integrated farm with its orchards and small fields.

So-called “Swin-Golf” is a simplified version of golf. Played with a universal club and a rubber ball on a simple mowed grounds. The Swin-Golf area in the Vulkan Park Eifel has 18 holes and is open during the carnival season.

What could be better than relaxing in a wellness hotel or sauna all day long? Often, hotels offer special arrangements for those who are spontaneous. The peace and quiet before all the hustle and bustle can also be enjoyed in a sauna at the sauna park Siebengebirge, the Monte Mare indoor pool facility in Rheinbach or at the Ahr Thermal Pools.

For anyone interested in art and culture, it’s well worth a visit to one of Bonn's museums, such as the Rhenish State Museum, the Federal Art Gallery or the Beethoven House. For people who prefer to be active themselves, the Odysseum in Cologne offers lots to do. The adventure museum has various theme worlds and guided tours, but it is closed on Women’s Carnival Day (Thursday) and Rose Monday. On Mondays, many museums are traditionally closed, and Rose Monday is no exception.

Lentpark in Cologne is open on Thursday from 8:30 am to 1 pm, Friday, 9th of February, from 8:30am to 10:30pm and on carnival Saturday from 10am to 10pm. On Sunday and Rose Monday it is closed. On carnival Sunday, the Ice Arena Troisdorf is open at the usual times from 11:30am to 5pm. The Westerwald Arena in Asbach also invites you to go ice skating during the carnival days. Only on Rose Monday the ice skating rink remains closed. (Orig. text: Susanne Wächter, Translation: ck)