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Shadows in the Streets: The Red Thread of Cologne's Afrika-Viertel

1.0 km69 min6 stops

What awaits you on this Red Thread tour

Walk through a picturesque 1930s neighborhood that hides a dark, deliberate secret in plain sight. This immersive audio journey uncovers how the Nazi regime weaponized street names to fuel colonial nostalgia, and how modern residents are fighting to decolonize their own backyards. It is a story of propaganda, hidden atrocities, and the ongoing battle for the soul of a city's public space.

Itinerary

1

TOUR START

Bürgerzentrum Nippes - Altenberger Hof

A historic community center serving as the starting point to understand the civic fabric and the grassroots activism of the neighborhood.

0.59 km • 9 min
2

STOP 2

Intersection of Kempener Straße & Kamerunstraße

The gateway to the Afrika-Viertel, introducing the concept of colonial revisionism and the history of German Cameroon.

0.09 km • 1 min
3

STOP 3

Togostraße

Exploring the myth of the 'Musterkolonie' (model colony) and the harsh realities of forced labor in Togoland.

0.19 km • 3 min
4

STOP 4

Tangastraße

A look into the militarization of colonial memory and the exploitation of African soldiers during WWI.

0.16 km • 2 min
5

STOP 5

Usambarastraße

A site of partial victory where grassroots activism successfully renamed a street previously honoring a perpetrator of genocide.

0.01 km • 0 min
6

END

Gustav-Nachtigal-Straße

The final stop reflects on the complex legacy of Gustav Nachtigal and the ongoing, unresolved legal battles to decolonize the street today.

Where the tour takes place

Starting point and rough tour area – the exact route unfolds in the app.

Good to know

  • Ideal for History buffs, urban explorers, social justice advocates, and anyone fascinated by the intersection of architecture, memory, and politics.
  • Best time Daytime, particularly on a quiet weekend afternoon when the contrast between the peaceful residential vibe and the heavy history is most palpable.
  • What to bring Comfortable walking shoes and a fully charged smartphone.
  • Pacing Take your time. The streets are quiet, allowing for deep reflection.
  • Respect the locals This is an active residential area. Please keep noise levels considerate.
  • Look closely Pay attention to the street signs and the architecture of the 1930s homes.
  • Your voucher You can redeem your voucher for two years from purchase. Once redeemed, you have 14 days of access and can enjoy the tour as often as you like during that time.

Your guide

Max Krämer
Audio sample
0:000:00

Max Krämer

  • History & Memory
  • Northern Germany

Historian with a passion for urban places of remembrance. Has worked in archives and museums for years; shows the traces of revolutions, monuments, and colonial pasts in today's streets.

Frequently asked questions

How do I get to the tour after buying?

You see your voucher code right after payment – and you also receive it at the email address you entered at checkout. Redeem that code in the Red Thread app; that's where the tour starts.

When does my access start?

Only when you redeem the code in the app, not at purchase. From redemption you have 14 days of access to the tour.

Do I need the Red Thread app?

Yes. The free Red Thread app turns your tour into a vivid experience: with audio, a map, and thoughtful prompts, it guides you from place to place in an engaging and entertaining way. It's available free for iOS and Android.

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