Four days at the trade fair, seven insider tips: Roofers and carpenters guide visitors through Cologne

Munich/Cologne, 22 January 2026 – From 24 to 27 February 2026, DACH+HOLZ International will bring over 500 exhibitors and thousands of trade visitors to Cologne. For four days, everything at the exhibition centre will revolve around the latest technologies, machines and materials for roofers, carpenters and plumbers. But a trade fair is more than just product presentations and specialist lectures – it is also an opportunity to network, exchange ideas with colleagues from all over Europe and get to know the host city. Seven roofers and carpenters from Cologne and the surrounding area reveal where trade fair visitors should go after work and what they are particularly looking forward to at DACH+HOLZ International 2026.

Cult pub and Kölsch classic: tradition right next to the exhibition grounds

"At 'Lommi' in Lommerzheim, you can eat really tasty pork chops and drink a beer," recommends Florian Hemmersbach. The roofer knows the Cologne scene inside out and raves about the cult pub in Cologne-Deutz, just a few steps away from the exhibition grounds. The Lommerzheim is considered an institution with unmistakable charm: a rustic atmosphere, Rhineland hospitality and freshly tapped Päffgen Kölsch. The "Lommi" is especially famous for its legendary pork chops – a real piece of Cologne.

Those who prefer a quieter atmosphere will find a relaxed alternative at Zappes Süd in the historic Stollwerck community centre. The pub in the Südstadt district stands for Rhineland brewing artistry and a casual atmosphere. Here, a naturally cloudy organic Pilsner is served in style in a 0.2-litre glass. Julius Düren, master roofer, also recommends the bar: "Great beer and great shots, have one for me!"

Hemmersbach says of the trade fair itself: "At DACH+HOLZ, we are very much looking forward to the machine highlights that can really take the strain off our team. We are looking forward to a lively exchange with roofers and carpenters from all over the world and, at the end of the day, to the many specialist presentations by people who are simply really good at their jobs – whether in marketing, execution or wherever. DACH+HOLZ International 2026 is definitely a highlight of the year for us."

Brewery tradition and Päffgen Kölsch at Friesenplatz

Justus Gemein, master roofer, has a classic tip: "Be sure to stop by the Päffgen brewery at Friesenplatz." The Päffgen brewery is one of Cologne's traditional breweries where history comes alive. In the historic taprooms, unfiltered Päffgen Kölsch is served directly from the brewery's own wooden barrels – accompanied by classic brewery cuisine and a lively Cologne atmosphere. Päffgen is considered by locals and visitors alike to be the place to go for an authentic piece of Cologne.

"The trade fair will definitely be worthwhile," Gemein is convinced. "There are lots of new tools and ideas on how to make work a little easier. I'm particularly looking forward to exchanging ideas with other craftsmen – and, of course, to the after-show parties."

Culinary diversity: from Vietnamese to Italian

Cologne is multicultural – and this is also reflected in its gastronomy. Walther Alijosha, a journeyman carpenter, recommends Phong Lan: "If you want to eat well, come to Phong Lang – they serve really good Vietnamese specialities there." This Vietnamese insider tip in the Kwartier Latäng district presents itself as a tropical food jungle with lush plants and colourful decorations. The restaurant is particularly appreciated for its fresh curries and varied tofu dishes.

Tim Kettler, a carpenter, also swears by Oriental cuisine: "The best shawarma in all of Cologne is at Ahlan Imbiss on Severinstraße." Centrally
located in the Südstadt district, this snack bar offers fresh, homemade Arabic specialities such as falafel, shawarma, halloumi and tabbouleh. The portions are generous and the value for money is excellent.

Kilian Wilke, a carpenter apprentice training to become a master craftsman, has a tip for fans of Thai cuisine: "If you're coming to Cologne for DACH+HOLZ, it's worth visiting Thai Gourmet – the food is really good!" The restaurant in Sülz offers a down-to-earth selection of classic Thai dishes that are praised for their freshness and good value for money. Popular dishes include aromatic curries, wok dishes and pad Thai in generous portions.

Those who prefer Italian cuisine should heed the recommendations of Justus Gemein and Julius Düren. Gemein raves about Sessanta Ristorante in Nippes: "A real insider tip, especially if you're hungry." The small Italian restaurant is renowned for its handmade pasta, crispy pizzas and carefully curated menu. The atmosphere is warm and personal, the service attentive, and the quality of the ingredients is clearly the focus.

Düren recommends Remos on Aachener Straße: "Remos serves delicious pizza and pasta." The restaurant in the Neustadt-Süd district offers classic dishes, generous portions and an uncomplicated atmosphere – a typical meeting place for anyone looking for Mediterranean cuisine in the city.

Pub tradition and trendy bars for the evening

After a long day at the trade fair, there are various bars where you can relax and unwind. Walther Alijosha swears by the Ubier-Schänke in the Südstadt district: "If you want to drink a delicious beer, go to the Ubier-Schänke." Here, Cologne's pub tradition is combined with a lively scene. Freshly tapped Kölsch, including the rarer Schreckenskammer, ensures authentic enjoyment. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, with guests playing Schocken or Skat, accompanied by small snacks.

Kilian Wilke recommends Herr Pimock on Aachener Straße: "In the evening, you can go for a drink at Herr Pimock." This urban bar offers everything from a cosy breakfast to hearty lunch dishes and burgers in the evening. The long bar invites you to enjoy Kölsch and cocktails, and on selected evenings, DJs provide relaxed beats and a lively night-time atmosphere.

If you like it livelier, Sixpack is the place to be. Tim Kettler: "To really get the evening going, definitely head to Sixpack, where there's always something going on!" Lukas Hemmersbach, a master roofer and plumber, also spends a lot of his free time there: "We spend a lot of our free time with our friend at Sixpack to round off the evening – sometimes quietly, sometimes more lively." Located in the heart of the lively Belgian Quarter, the bar has been offering authentic Cologne nightlife for decades with unusual drinks, a casual mix of people and regular DJ sets.

Why it's worth visiting the trade fair

All the tradespeople surveyed agree: DACH+HOLZ International 2026 is a must for the industry. Tim Kettler sums it up: "I'm looking forward to DACH+HOLZ International: firstly, to network and exchange ideas with tradespeople from all over Germany and Europe, and secondly, to learn about new products. Yes, and to broaden my horizons. That's why all roofers and carpenters need to come to DACH+HOLZ here in Cologne!"

Walther Alijosha adds: "You should come to Cologne for DACH+HOLZ to learn about new trades and machines that make everyday work easier. I'm looking forward to meeting new colleagues, exchanging ideas – and, of course, having fun."

Kilian Wilke is particularly looking forward to technical innovations: "What I'm most looking forward to at DACH+HOLZ is discovering new wood joining techniques, meeting colleagues, seeing new companies and experiencing innovations in the technical field – it's just super exciting, so come along!"

Julius Düren emphasises the value of personal exchange: "Here you can talk to other craftsmen, learn about new innovations and try out tools. It's just great to talk to people in the trade who do the same thing every day. I look forward to seeing you there!"

Lukas Hemmersbach sums it up: "We are particularly looking forward to the trade fair because many innovative products that are not yet widely known will be presented here. This will enable us to better position our company and benefit from it. It is also a special highlight because friends and acquaintances from the industry – carpenters, roofers – meet here and have exciting discussions. I look forward to seeing you at DACH+HOLZ – it's going to be great!"

Experience Cologne – city and trade fair in combination

DACH+HOLZ International 2026 not only offers four days of concentrated specialist information, but also the opportunity to experience Cologne as a lively, cosmopolitan metropolis. From traditional breweries to international cuisine and trendy bars, the city on the Rhine combines Rhineland tradition with an urban lifestyle. Tips from Cologne's tradespeople show that after an inspiring day at the trade fair, there are numerous authentic locations waiting to be discovered.

Further information on DACH+HOLZ International 2026 is available at https://www.dach-holz.com/.

Addresses:

Lommerzheim
Siegesstraße 18
50679 Cologne
https://www.lommerzheim.koeln/

Zappes Süd
Dreikönigenstraße 23
50678 Cologne
https://www.zappes-broi.de/pages/zappes-sud-im-stollwerck

Ahlan Imbiss
Severinstr. 189
50678 Cologne
https://www.ahlan-imbiss.de

SIXPACK
Aachener Strasse 33
50674 Cologne
https://sixpack-koeln.de/

Phong Lang
Luxemburger Str. 28
50674 Cologne
https://www.facebook.com/people/PhongLan-Food-drinks-in-Cologne/

Ubier-Schänke
Ubierring 19 50678 Cologne
https://ubierschaenke-koeln.de/

Thai Gourmet Sülz
Berrenrather Str. 270
50937 Cologne
https://thaigourmetsuelz.de/

Herr Pimock
Aachener Str. 52
50674 Cologne
https://herrpimock.de/

Brauerei Päffgen
Friesenstraße 64-66
50670 Cologne
http://www.paeffgen-koelsch.de/

Sessanta Ristorante
Sechzigstraße 29
50733 Cologne
https://sessanta-ristorante.de/

remos
Aachener Str. 21
50674 Cologne
https://remos-restaurants.de/restaurants/koeln/