My Shoemaker in Riehl Cologne

Support local craftsmen

Julia from Cologne

About me I am a geographer and city-addict! Whenever I go on holiday, my destination is a city. From time to time I long for hiking in the countryside, but I always feel relieved to be back in an urban environment. Cologne is the city where I was born and raised and after my studies, and some experience abroad (in France and Brazil), I came back and settled down here. Now I am q...
"Moving within your city means you can explore new neighborhoods. My new shoemaker in Cologne did a very good job fixing an old leather bag..."

The good thing about moving within your city is that you can explore new neighborhoods. Recently, many of my walks have taken me to Riehl. The botanical garden and the zoo are Riehl's top destinations, of course, but it's also a good idea to walk along Stammheimer Straße and its side streets which are lined with beautiful old buildings. The center of the neighbourhood with a few basic shops and eateries is quite unpretentious, but that's exactly why I like it. Somehow Riehl seems to have been untouched by the hype so many other parts of the city have.

Every time I'm there, I'm delighted by the storefront of the local shoemaker's workshop at Stammheimer Str. 101a. Meanwhile, I've also had the courage to enter the store... and wow - what a beautiful vintage interior! It turned out that it is also a pleasure to have a chat with shoemaker Jürgen Fenske, who took over the business from his father and grandfather and continues his family's craft tradition.

The other day I brought a leather bag that belonged to my mother and I am very satisfied with the repair. To establish a counter-trend to fast fashion and throw-away culture, we should all be aware that fixing things is the sustainable way to go. With that in mind - support your local craftsman!

002-building
Art & culture

This week 25% off

with the code fall25

*on our yearly membership

Cologne Spotter Julia

About me I am a geographer and city-addict! Whenever I go on holiday, my destination is a city. From time to time I long for hiking in the countryside, but I always feel relieved to be back in an urban environment. Cologne is the city where I was born and raised and after my studies, and some experience abroad (in France and Brazil), I came back and settled down here. Now I am quite sure, that I won’t leave anymore. I am working as a freelance journalist and editor specialized in urban development in the area of International Development Cooperation, and I have ...

About this spot

Stammheimer Str. 101a

Bag repair:

15

221765344

Nov 6, 2025

Our Cologne City Guide

Find your way with 140 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Cologne guide.

Loved it? Join us!

Loved this Spot?Join your international community. Share your favs and become part of our international community!

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in Cologne

Trattoria Salento

Italian restaurant in Ehrenfeld

Trattoria Salento is a cozy Italian restaurant with a covered terrasse and as they cook with seasonal and fresh ingredients, the menu changes every day.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Justine

Vandendorpe

Nov 27, 2025

Daisys Cafe

Full English in Zündorf

Daisys Traditional Afternoon Tea consists of a pot of tea, salmon and cucumber sandwiches, a sultana scone, strawberry jam, clotted cream, and small cakes.

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Justine

Vandendorpe

Nov 26, 2025

Am Hornpottweg

Nature reserve in Dünnwald

Am Hornpottweg is also considered a resting area for migratory birds. If you are lucky, you might also spot some common toads or Eurasian tree frogs.

017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Justine

Vandendorpe

Nov 26, 2025

Traumathek

Film rental shop in Neustadt-Süd

Traumathek, established in '94 offers not only movies to rent but also vinyl soundtracks, film books & film posters to purchase. They also have a cinema.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
008-ticket
Cinema
026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Justine

Vandendorpe

Nov 26, 2025

Stuntwerk

Bouldering in Mülheim

What I really enjoy about Stuntwerk is that there is a lot of space, new routes weekly, and there are eight levels of difficulty, from easy to difficult. 

017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Justine

Vandendorpe

Nov 26, 2025

Wengo

Dumpling Heaven

Wengo isn’t fancy, but it’s perfect for authentic, affordable Asian cuisine. Vegans and vegetarians get plenty of delicious options to choose from, too!

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Lea

Renner

Nov 25, 2025
Wiesenhaus Cologne

Wiesenhaus

Minimalists meet long-term campers

Café Uferglück in Cologne’s Poll district offers breakfast, waffles, and Rhine views. Explore the tiny house lifestyle or book one for a serene staycation!

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
017-plant-1
Relaxing
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Julia

Krakau

Nov 24, 2025
Siebter Himmel Cologne

Siebter Himmel

Booklovers' heaven

Siebter Himmel in Cologne’s Belgisches Viertel is a booklover’s heaven. Spacious rooms offer books, design goods, and Finnish fashion. A must-visit for browsing bliss!

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Julia

Krakau

Nov 24, 2025

Neptunbad

Holidays in Ehrenfeld!

Neptunbad in Cologne is a stunning art nouveau spa with Japanese-inspired saunas, rooftop zen gardens, and an amazing pool. Perfect for relaxation year-round!

017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Julia

Krakau

Nov 24, 2025
Hennes' Finest Pfeffer Cologne

Hennes' Finest Pfeffer

From Kampot to Cologne

At Hennes Finest Pfeffer, you can also find tasting sets and gift boxes (which include recipes), as well as the punchy Red Boat Fish Sauce 40°N.

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Justine

Vandendorpe

Nov 23, 2025
Bärenstark Cologne

Bärenstark

Vegan fast food

"Bärenstark" in Berlin will convince anyone about how vegan fast food can be just as tasty as regular burgers, fries etc!

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Lea

Renner

Nov 18, 2025
Toddy Tapper Cologne

Toddy Tapper

Cocktails in Agnes Quarter

In Sri Lanka, as well as in India and Southeast Asia, they ferment the juice of the coconut flower to make a drink called toddy, hence the name of the bar.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars

by

Justine

Vandendorpe

Nov 16, 2025

Heading to Cologne?

140 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

Cologne app Home
Cologne app Home
Cologne app Map
Cologne app Home

0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

140 Insider Tips

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

City guides by those who know the city in and out!

Our Locals' Favorite Art & culture

Our team loves Cologne

Get to know our other Spotters from Cologne

As featured on:

New-York-Times
the-guardian
mashable
the-sunday-times
[paywall_activator]
false
0
false
7303
Made with the 💚 of 497 Spotters.
Filters