Stopover at the 4711-Haus in Ehrenfeld

It is often overshadowed by the world-famous fragrance house in Glockengasse: the 4711 House in Ehrenfeld. The renowned Eau de Cologne was created in the former perfume factory from the end of the 19th century.
Four numbers that conquered the world and still do: 4711. A legend tells how it all began: In 1792, the merchant Wilhelm Mülhens is said to have received the recipe for a miracle water (Aqua mirabilis) for his wedding. Thus began a global story, which also includes the 4711 house in the Cologne district of Ehrenfeld.

The 4711 factory in Ehrenfeld

The fragrant history of the 4711 house in Ehrenfeld begins in 1874 – one year after Ferdinand Mülhens took over the family business in the third generation. The Mülhens company was already well-known at home and abroad at this time. The magnificent 4711-Traditionshaus in Glockenstraße has been standing for decades. With the takeover of Ferdinand Mülhens, the perfume company is expanding further. In addition to the 4711 history After a significant name change to the iconic sequence of numbers, branches were opened in New York and Riga, as well as a new factory in the west of Cologne: the 4711 building in Ehrenfeld.

reconstruction after the war

The Second World War destroyed more than two-thirds of the 4711 building in Ehrenfeld. This marked the beginning of the second phase of the production facility, as between 1950 and 1958 the Mülhens company had several new buildings built there under the direction of the architect Wilhelm Koep - based on older factory buildings and the Vincenzheim. After reconstruction, the 4711 building in Ehrenfeld shines in a new splendor - for example with a striking semi-circular storage and shipping building and a new administration block. The Bremen blue glass panels and gold anodized aluminum parts of the facades, reminiscent of the company colors, are particularly recognizable.

End of the 4711 house in Ehrenfeld

In 1991, the Mülhens company gave up its location on Venloer and Vogelsanger Strasse in Cologne-Ehrenfeld and moved into the premises in Bickendorf, which had already been built in 1973. The facades by Wilhelm Koep were particularly impressive, as in 1992 some parts of the former 4711 factory were listed as historical monuments. The new owner was the investor Heinz Barth, who commissioned the architect Thomas Luczak to restore the entire site in accordance with the listed building regulations in order to integrate it into the Barthonia Forum. Today, the former 4711 building in Ehrenfeld houses 112 serviced apartments of the JOYN Cologne hotel. The district - known locally as the "multicultural district" - is a place for artists with its studios and theaters. And the unmistakable 4711 scent of the company's third phase hovers over everything.

The 4711 fragrance house in Glockengasse & Co.

In 1994, the heirs sold the Mülhens company. But the 4711 brand lives on - to this day. This includes the concept store "4711 Ohh...de Cologne Shop" as well as the former main and current traditional store in Glockengasse.

shop in the heart of Cologne

One of the oldest product histories in the world shows its modern face in the "4711 Ohh...de Cologne Shop". The store at Cologne Cathedral is clearly structured: Anyone who enters the attractively designed shop will find exclusive souvenir items as well as 4711 products.

The History and Present of a Global Brand

The fragrance house also invites you to learn more about the history of 4711. How did the miracle water come to conquer the world, and what is the story behind the number 4711? Exciting historical tours answer these and other questions. Stay in the house by the fragrance fountain and listen to the chimes that ring out every hour. If you want to delve even deeper into the world of 4711, you will find what you are looking for in unique experiences such as the four-course fragrance menu or a fragrance seminar. Gourmets embark on a unique sensory journey that combines the classic 4711 Echt Kölnisch Wasser with a first-class menu that can be enjoyed in the unique ambience of the fragrance house. In one of the fragrance seminars, you will find out how the perfumer's craft works: Together with our experts in the art of perfumery, you will create your very own personal fragrance, as a very personal souvenir to take home.

Tradition and modernity in the fragrance house 4711

The heart of the 4711 brand is the neo-Gothic fragrance house in Glockengasse. The opulent building visually reflects the centuries-long history of fragrances - an intoxicating journey with scents of bergamot, lemon, lavender, rosemary and more that began in 1792. Today, Cologne residents and visitors to the city immerse themselves in the entire world of 4711 in the fragrance house. And every hour on the hour between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m., the 20 bells of the 4711 house, which always present "Marseillaise" and "The Faithful Hussar", remind us of the impressive tours, seminars and menus in the flagship store.

Historical tours

From the secret recipe “Aqua mirabilis” to a mere house number to the world-renowned and beloved cult brand: Experience the 4711 history up close. The exciting tours tell of the eventful 4711 past.

fragrance seminars

Many people compare the creation of fragrances with composing music. It is passionate, creative and innovative. But how exactly does the craft work? The seminars at Dufthaus 4711 answer the question - and allow all participants to create their own Eau de Cologne and take it home with them.

fragrance menus

The fragrance menus offer a unique sensory journey by combining the classic “4711 Echt Kölnisch Wasser” with a 4-course menu that visitors can enjoy in the fragrance museum. It is also worth taking a detour to the gallery, which offers a fabulous view of the chandelier with its 108 empty 4711 bottles.
Book your unforgettable visit to the 4711 Dufthaus in Cologne now!